Tuesday, 11 November 2014

The Pause

Image Source:
 

I was in town this morning at 11:00 hrs. This gave rise to the following poem, I hope you like it.

The Pause

The siren wails,
Its caterwaul blankets the town
in the sound of yesteryear.
Then, at eleven sharp,
the dull thump of a canon
echoes through grey streets.
It bounces off granite facades,
sweeps over ancient cobbles
like an invisible broom
it clears the clatter and hubbub
of everyday life.
An eerie silence descends
as the metropolis stills.
People stop to reflect,
heads bowed,
thoughts, private.
The brief interlude ends
As the "All Clear" sounds,
Heroes remembered,
thanked,
as we, the free,
resume our busy lives.

John Carré Buchanan
11 November 2014
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

36 comments:

  1. Richard Fleming12 November 2014 at 16:08

    Excellent, John. A fine and necessary poem. Some clever choices: caterwaul, for example, is perfect for the sound of a siren. I like image of the invisible broom sweeping away the everyday sounds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan12 November 2014 at 16:21

      Richard, thanks for your kind comment. The words seemed to come so easily this time, just two coffees and it was done. I guess it is easier to write when things are very close to your heart.

      Delete
  2. Susan8 November 2017 at 17:43

    "like an invisible broom
    it clears the clatter and hubbub
    of everyday life."

    We need to do this housekeeping, this cleansing, more often.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan8 November 2017 at 18:34

      Hi Susan, Thanks for your comment, I agree with you.

      Delete
  3. Sherry Blue Sky8 November 2017 at 19:27

    You have captured a reverential moment so well. I can hear the city falling silent in respect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. tonispencer8 November 2017 at 20:24

    Lovely moment captured when the town is showing respect.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Eileen T O'Neill .....8 November 2017 at 21:04

    John,

    An excellent tribute to those who gave their lives for the rest of the world. A brief silence, scarcely enough..but a respectful remembrance...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Magical Mystical Teacher8 November 2017 at 22:42

    Sometimes a pause is enough. Sometimes, more is needed. May we have the discernment to know which time we are in.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marja9 November 2017 at 00:24

    Great poem You transported me straight away to Anzac day; the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers in Gallipoli

    ReplyDelete
  8. rallentanda9 November 2017 at 00:48

    Beautifully written. A moments silence and then life resumes as usual. For me there is something unresolved about this.Our lives are too busy and taken up with things that ultimately don't count.This is my take on your poem. I enjoyed it very much.Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan9 November 2017 at 05:41

      Hi Rallentanda, Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you like the poem.

      Delete
  9. Frank J. Tassone9 November 2017 at 00:57

    A moving meditation on what truly matters--gratitude for those that sacrificed for us. Wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Old Egg9 November 2017 at 01:06

    I wonder how many remember that the British Channel Islands were occupied by Germany in WW2. It is good that their survival is remembered in this way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan9 November 2017 at 05:47

      Hi Old Egg, thanks for your comment, We Remember Armistice Day (11 November) like this, and we celebrate our Liberation Day on the 9th of May in Guernsey and 10th of May in Sark. Liberation Day is a public holiday and much more of a celebration.

      Delete
  11. J.N.T.9 November 2017 at 01:32

    Yeah a moment of silence is needed when heroes are remembered. that's a nice experience you had. good day!

    ReplyDelete
  12. hyperCRYPTICal9 November 2017 at 13:19

    I will never forget those who died for our freedom and my remembering is of honour and respect.
    I visited Guernsey as a child (perhaps 8-9) and have three very vivid memories of it. One being the smell of the underground military hospital - I can smell it now - but that is all I remember as many moons have passed.
    Anna :o]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan9 November 2017 at 15:48

      Hi Anna, Hopefully your other memories are more enjoyable. The underground hospital is a foreboding place. Thanks for your comment.

      Delete
  13. Namratha9 November 2017 at 17:03

    I love how your words recreate the pause you experienced at that moment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan9 November 2017 at 17:18

      Thank you Namratha, I'm glad that you enjoyed the poem.

      Delete
  14. purplepeninportland.com10 November 2017 at 02:35

    Even a bit of silence matters.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Khaya Ronkainen10 November 2017 at 05:14

    An important moment of silence beautifully captured. I like your choice of words too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan10 November 2017 at 07:28

      Hi Khaya, Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.

      Delete
  16. Gillena Cox10 November 2017 at 07:05

    Luv that "invisible broom sweep" its dynamic and mysterious all at the same time in effecting an interlude of silence. Happy you dropped by my blog John

    Much💖love

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jae Rose10 November 2017 at 15:41

    It is good to take time to pause - so rarely it happens

    ReplyDelete
  18. Unknown12 November 2017 at 05:46

    Lovely peom John. Great choice of words.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Buchanan12 November 2017 at 09:15

      Hi Tim, Thank you for your kind comment, I'm glad you like the poem.

      Delete

I really appreciate constructive feedback. If you are able to comment it would be most grateful.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)