• My Book
  • Hire Me
  • Shoe Thing
  • Blog
  • Contact

In a bun dance

If I'm going to get something, I usually get it in spades - luck (both kinds), children, clutter, dirty laundry, bright ideas, daft ideas...

  • Home
  • Family
  • My Life
  • The World
  • Feminism
  • Blogging
  • Creative Writing
  • Reviews
  • Blog
You are here: Home / other things I have learned / A Poppy Appeal

A Poppy Appeal

November 11, 2017 By Ellen Leave a Comment

I published this first in 2014, but, looking at the date, I thought it was worth another look.

Every single fragile flower represents a person plucked from their lives.

And each flower’s loss is anguish, heartbreak and grief – wounds you couldn’t see.
That generation endured their pain, they could never forget.
On my way to see the Poppies at the Tower of London, I overheard a conversation.
“F***ing poppies,” the speaker was a teenage girl, all dressed up.
“Yeah,” said her friend.
“I know it’s about them that died, but really. Look.”
“Yeah,” said her friend as the queued to leave the station.
“F***ing people. F***ing poppies.”
One day, they’ll get it. Once their own hearts have ached for love and vulnerability.
But for now it’s fine. Our young people for the most part have no idea what growing up in a world defined by absences might look like. And that’s as it should be.
“Why do we remember?” My son asked last week.
“So it doesn’t happen again,” I told him, without really thinking about it.
“But how?”
Good question, my lad.
For me, it’s about the small things that might make the world a fairer, safer and more compassionate place. I’m reminded by the sea of red petals building a huge memorial that little acts of conscience can help to create a force for good.
The answer then is that I’m remembering the fallen and reminding myself to do a little bit of good if I can and how it might make a difference.

Filed Under: other things I have learned Tagged With: Memorial, poppies, Remembrance Day, war

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

◄ 3 creative dreams that you can follow whilst raising a young family
Would you consider travelling and world-schooling your children? ►

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Categories

Archives

Subscribe to our Newsletter

hotter blogger badge

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in