Lest We Forget...

As it is November, and I'm worried that I won't be able to add a little something about this next week, I'm writing early. 

A Canadian man wearing a poppy
by Hobvias  Sudoneighm

The second Sunday of November is what we call Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom. It's quite a special event really, and is marked with ceremonies, thankfulness, documentaries and reminders of how short life is, and how we really should be more aware of just how precious life is. We remember those who have died in service to our country.

It's quite sad that even with Remembrance Day we still forget the human condition and join wars and send our servicemen and women.

Anyway, I'm adding a cynical but beautifully written poem by Jaques Prevert (1900-1977), a fantastic poet from the 20th Century to mark the occasion. 

The Speech About Peace (Le discours sur la paix)

Near the end of a very important speech

The great statesman stumbling

Over a beautiful hollow phrase

Falls silent

And bewildered, with gaping mouth, 

Breathes,

Shows his teeth

And the dental decay of his peaceful discourse

Lays bare the nerve of war

The delicate question of money