Mary C. M. Phillips

I find that most of my exceptionally talented friends are gifted in more than one area.

I’ve discussed this with several of them and they agree that their expression in art is more than one dimensional.

A talented musician is also a brilliant writer; a gifted dancer is also a skillful painter; a powerful poet, a proficient sculptor.

The same could be said for Jane Austen.  Although she downplayed her musical ability, many think she was in fact much better than she ever admitted.  Even her impromptu poems (this one, written for her niece, Anna) shows the sharpness in her gift of writing poetry:

Her wit descends on foes and friends

Like famed Niagara’s Fall

And travellers gaze in wild amaze,

And listen, one and all

Her judgment sound, thick, black, profound

Like transatlantic groves,

Dispenses aid, and friendly shade

To all that in it roves.