laceyglove

As you all may or may not know I am highly intrigued by Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man. I caught the tale end of the movie last night and it got me thinking of what a remarkable person he really was. He was only 27 when he passed. What a wonderful feeling that would be, 27 and touched and still to this day, many people's lives. Joseph was a kind hearted person, a fighter. I admire his strength and not giving up on life or people. He could have been this angry person, pointing the finger and putting blame on society for not accepting him and he didn't. That takes great strenght to not have a bitter outlook.

Here are some facts I'd like to share :

~ Although the movie and plays have his name as John Merrick, his name is actually Joseph.

~ From R.E.M to Buckethead, Rufus Wainwright to a Seinfield episode, have all made a reference to Joseph Merrick.

~ Joseph was a very intelligent man, who enjoyed writing poetry. This is one of his poems later found in his diary:

Tis true my form is something odd,
But blaming me is blaming God;
Could I create myself anew
I would not fail in pleasing you.
If I could reach from pole to pole
Or grasp the ocean with a span,
I would be measured by the soul;
The mind's the standard of the man.


~ In the movie, it was said that Joseph made St. Philips church out of playing cards when in fact it was a kit from Germany. It was however stated that him putting the kit together alone was of great significance since his hands were disfigured.

~ Joseph and I share the same birthday. How cool is that?


A beautiful painting of Joseph Merrick by Wesley Keil



Who do you admire? And why?