No-one wants to be a legend in their own lifetime,
fame is surely about history and becoming more
than that. A name to remember, someone who
made their mark, invented something or wrote
a classic book, something people still read.
No-one wants to be a legend in their own lunchtime,
fifteen minutes and then all done, over and out,
forgotten. That’s just talk, local adulation,
a moment in the news, applause then silence.
Nothing people will remember for long.
No-one wants to be a legend in their own lunchbox,
crammed up against cheese sandwiches, a bag
of crisps and a chocolate bar. That’s conceit,
self-delusion, a moment in the middle of the day
when we think that we deserve so much more.
No-one admits to being a legend in their own mind
but everybody is. We might as well big ourselves up
and give ourselves a pat on the back. No-one else
is going to. Fame isn’t a reliable friend and legends
are over-rated. Better staying true to ourselves.
.
© Rupert M Loydell
Painting: Caravaggio
.
Dear Rupert, Thanks for this LEGEND. I am currently engaged upon an autobiographical project, “20th Century Essex Boy” looking at the influences upon me of growing up in Southend-on-sea. My reflection is not in the polished floor of the Caravaggio but is perhaps to be found at the Golden Hour as the Thames Estuary tide reveals the shiny mudflats where I encountered my first hallucinations in the heady days when a teenager could buy a copy of OZ or IT on Southend Hightstreet. It is a wonderful and synchronous thing to have found this poem whilst trying to discover which bits of me may have been a “legend in their own lifetime’.
Comment by Simon Persighetti on 3 February, 2026 at 4:21 pmHey Simon, glad you found this and it is of use. I used to buy IT at Twickenham station en route to art foundation course! I look forward to reading your muddy Essex memoir. & hope is all ok. R u still in the depths of the south west? let me know!
Comment by Rupert on 3 February, 2026 at 5:26 pm