Three Wise Men

Illustrations for an enchanting festive poem.

Seeking refuge from a snowstorm, a nameless traveller is welcomed into an ancient hall to warm their bones and fill their stomach, if they will hear the stories of three wise men and judge whom amongst them tells the truth.

What follows are three tales of despair and devotion, of indigence and immortality. A lovelorn youth plies the object of his affections with golden rings, partridges and pear trees. An elderly man, tired of life, finds himself having cheated death and quite unsure of what to do next.

I had the opportunity to accompany this wonderful poem by Carol Ann Duffy, former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, with my illustrations.

Published by Pan MacMillan in November 2024