Photography has always been my weakest subject: I don’t know how to take them — “I don’t take photographs; I take pictures.” — nor do I have the slightest ability to evaluate the qualities of a good photograph taken by others. Real photographers have tried, unsuccessfully, to illuminate me (James R. Dean, C. Mark Strand, et al.); this particular area of ignorance appears invincible. So this afternoon, I found this image, which I’ve titled “The Lesson,” and intend to weave it and a few others into the Agincourt narrative.

I play no instrument, though I play at the French horn. So if anyone would enjoy taking on the story of this beatific child, have at it with gusto.