Not poppies but fallen maple leaves, they reminded me of the red petals that are released to cascade down over the massed personnel of the Armed Services at the annual Festival of Remembrance in the Albert Hall in London. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is traditionally when we stop to remember those who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. This year I am remembering also those who are currently living in abject and terrifying conditions in the Ukraine, Gaza and other places and those in Israel mourning or worried about missing family members. There is no place for the hatred we see from those masterminding these terrible conflicts, nor the mindless destruction from their bombs and other weapons; no place for the power-plays that allow these deluded men to take control; no place for the lies and gaslighting that allow them free rein for their evil. We will remember them....
I doesn't have to be this way. Many years lived and seeing the same things over and over has taught me that. God help us all.
ReplyDeleteMy meditation sends love to all involved, on both sides of current and past conflicts. May the ones making decisions, the ones carrying forward the hurt to others, the ones suffering and dying, and the survivors with their sorrows - all experience the love that exists in the hearts of all mankind...the commonality of our interconnected lives that means each of us suffers together, no matter our level of knowledge or involvement. Sadness is felt, along with heart-felt love going out to all.
ReplyDeleteIt never seems to end.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteWonderful reds!
ReplyDelete