Saturday, 8 November 2014

A last look at the poppies -For the Fallen

For those of you unable to see the poppies around the Tower of London, follow me as I walk round the Tower for the last time looking at each of these poppies that represent a life lost during WWI . The words are from the poem by Laurence Binyon
'For the Fallen'


With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.








Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.



They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted:
They fell with their faces to the foe.















They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.












They mingle not with with their laughing comrades again:
They sit no more at familiar tables of home:
They have no lot in our labour of the day time:
They sleep beyond England's foam.







33 comments:

  1. What a spectacular sight though I rather liked your earlier photos when there was a small pool of poppies after flowing out from the tower. Good coverage of the display here in Aus.

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  2. The sheer numbers of them make me cry, but I am glad they are being remembered. My heart is sore, but glad as well. You've done a wonderful job here, I so appreciate being able to be there through you

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  3. It is an amazing project. The sea of red poppies .... Wonderfully

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  4. That's quite an emoting sight. I doubt if most of us will ever know what they sacrificed.

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  5. Such a wonderful project, you made some stunning photos, the shadows of the people on the tower, amazing. Well done.

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  6. What an incredibly moving tribute. Thanks for sharing it one last time with that poem.

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  7. Beautiful photos, Marie, and beautiful post. The poppies at the Tower is a memory I will treasure the rest of my life.

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  8. That bit with the rased poppy's at the bridge is new from when I went there. My Wife & I had intended to go back but did not fancy fighting with the crowds again. It's an amazing sight and I'm glad I did see them.

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  9. Thank you for your last visit. You have got closer than I did and also shown parts that I have not seen. I went last week to hear one of my ancestors being read out at the Roll of Honour and it was an experience that I will never ever forget. Take care x

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  10. I still hope to go and see this even though it will be dismantled soon. Amazing shots you got...so pleased to see them.

    (Yes, I did see the York Railway Museum, more than once. A must!)

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  11. It really is a stunning display.

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  12. Beautiful sight and so poignant. Thanks for including the whole of the poem - I had only heard one stanza before.

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  13. A wonderful tribute to the fallen. And in such a bold artistic way - I love it!

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  14. What a sight to see ~ magnificent and wonderful tribute and beautiful photography!

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol
    A Creative Harbor

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  15. You have shown us some beautiful photographs. To see and experience this wonderful display in person must be very emotional.

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  16. What a spectacular tribute! Even the photos bring tears to my eyes.

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  17. It is an amazing visual reminder of the sheer size of the number of people who died. Very moving

    Mollyxxx

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  18. This is an incredible memorial, very moving.

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  19. Wonderful images of poppies.

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  20. Amazing scenes so well captured.

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  21. Remarkable.

    Can's say much more.

    Stewart M - Melbourne

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  22. I didn't know that this poppy carpet was still there ! Until when ?

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  23. How beautiful and moving!

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  24. Amazing photos beautifully coupled with the lines of poetry. Stunning and show-stopping. Thanks for sharing, Bonny

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  25. Oh My Heart... I'm glad I waited 'til today to read this post... I love seeing the Poppies --and thinking about those wonderful men and women who gave their lives for our freedom... God Bless them ALL ---and also to those who are serving now...

    Happy Veteran's Day.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  26. That is an amazing exhibit. I can only imagine how sad and solemn it would feel to see it in person.

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  27. Hi! Nice captures. Poppies are beautiful and contain many feelings. Thanks for sharing.

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  28. It is a bit overwhelming the losses in that war. You had done a beautiful job conveying to us the souls these poppies represent.

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  29. I was told you can order these poppies. Your photos are amazing.

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  30. Thank you so much for the post/photos

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