Mary Vivian was a poet and the last in a line of Cornish Kernick’s. She was an only child and never married or had a children. She had a happy childhood but was blighted by a bout of debilitating depression at the age of 17. This spawned a flow of words and feelings which resulted in a poetry book which was published by …..
I developed a friendship with Mary in her latter years. She was such an inspiration as she dared to live an unconventional life and never felt the need to conform. She considered herself a “non joiner” and was more content in her own company, due to her continuous battle with mental health. Nonetheless, she persisted in socialising and loved to travel, despite her anxiety. She had many lovers over the years, but wanted to spare them the curse of her unpredictable moods, so a commitment was out of the question.
When she passed, I found a box of scrapbooks, writings and photo albums in an obscure cupboard, which may never have seen the light of day.
Her photos presented a colourful and happy character but her notes and diaries revealed a darker struggle. Although we regularly spoke about her depression she often masked the resurrecting turmoil until the demons took over and period of assisted rest was required.
Sifting through the material, I got a glimpse of other worlds and times through her thoughts, experiences and recordings. From war and rations to emancipation and sexual freedom. The bomb, amnesty and burning the bra. Serendipity, synchronicity and spirituality. The people, places and faces along the way, all of which had their own stories rich and full.
This is a journey of a life, and what we can share or pass on to those coming behind us.