This week’s theme, Converge, is found at http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/converge/.
The visual impact of items in the landscape never ceases to amaze me. Monuments, in particular, have a way of grabbing my attention. Vimy Ridge memorial is such a one, planted in the turf of WWI battles in which Canadian soldiers fought. The dual-towered structure is awe-inspiring. You can check it out at this link: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/first-world-war/france/vimy/vmemory.
A few years ago, I visited the site with a study tour. Vimy was under repair but our group was authorized to don some safety helmets and tour the construction. It was amazing to see!
Seeing the memorial, walking the grounds, inspired me to write this poem — originally, it is set in two columns but can’t figure out how to do this in my post. Note: Sadly, the monument was officially opened in 1936, not long before the second world war began. The world was already in turmoil.
PYLONS AT VIMY RIDGE Tall and white They stood Just finished While Flashes of fascism Took hold No one Heeded the warnings Of carvers at work– For those who were lost The price of their souls Can never be told.© Patricia A. McGoldrick
For those looking for a related winter read, check out Jane Urquhart‘s book, The Stone Carvers.
Have a great weekend!
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