This poem is the poppies,
one red ceramic poppy
for each British soldier killed
in WWI, a castle moat
filled with a red sea planted
in waves by silent volunteers
stretched as far as eyes can see
and farther than hearts can bare.
This poem is the war
did not end wars.
It happened again
and again and again.
Posted for Gabriella at dVerse Poets Pub who has us writing War Poetry. I saw this exhibit in London in September where a single red ceramic poppy was planted in the moat around London Tower for each soldier lost in WWI. There will be 800,000 when finished so this is just a fraction. WWI was called the war to end wars at the time. There were over 37 million military and civilian casualties.
Really beautiful and poignant at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a moving exhibit,,, and so sad.
DeleteWhat a beautiful exhibit, and a wonderful poem as well. We tend to forget about WWI these days, but of course we have so many to remember and think about.
ReplyDeleteI was stunned by the number of lives lost.
DeleteWow, the red color pops and such an amazing symbol of all those lives lost during the war ~ Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe overall number killed in that war seems incomprehensible!
DeleteThis is very impressive, Mary. A beautiful and creative tribute to all these men. Thank you for sharing. Sadly it 'happened again and again and again'.
ReplyDeleteWe went for a nice walk in London and ended up at this exhibit. I was speechless.
DeleteThis really inspires awe. It really gives meaning to the number of soldiers who died. Beautiful display, but sad.
ReplyDeleteAnd the poppies were beautifully made from ceramic and put on long wire stems to be planted in the ground. Dozens of volunteers working all day every day to reach the 800,00. The crowd of thousands was hushed.
DeleteI like the form in this...the this poem is...like Hannah...it is too much to bear...and so sad that it does just continue on....
ReplyDeleteIf we can't learn from the deaths of over 37 million what will it take?
DeleteWhen we see that sea of poppies the dimensions become clear.. this is so sad...
ReplyDeleteYes, this is just one country and not the country that lost the most by any means.
DeleteOne can't miss the impact this river/lake of poppies has on the viewer. You'd think we have learned new ways after all this loss.
ReplyDeleteThe impact was profound. I wonder what it will take to teach us?
DeleteTruly heartbreaking. The vision the poem--of course, the reality. Just heartbreaking, and I don't think people on this side of "the pond" bear it in mind enough -- literally think about WWI. Thank you. k.
ReplyDeleteI've become more aware of many things while living here, this being one example. It was such a visual display of what could be abstract numbers.
Deletethat's really intersting. i actually learned something from this. cool
ReplyDeleteBorn to Strife and Contention
Seeing this made me read further about WWI's casualties and I, too, learned.
DeleteWow! Like all the others, I'm awed and amazed. What a way to remember!
ReplyDeleteMemorable indeed.
DeleteGoodness, what a moving visual. I so wish that had been the war to end wars.
ReplyDeleteInstead it sowed the seeds of WWII.
DeleteWhenever I look at your photos and read your poem, my eyes fill with tears. (More accurately, I weep.) Such a terribly sad war. k.
ReplyDeleteYou have a good heart...
DeleteA war to end all wars… Now that would have been a legacy. This image is amazing and thanks for writing about it. A "red sea" indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe impact of seeing this was visceral. Unfortunately, WW1 set the stage for WW2.
DeleteOh, wow. I have no words. Beautiful marriage of image and language.
ReplyDeleteSadly, it happens again and again.
ReplyDeleteSo true and the poppies make it real...