A couple of weeks ago I went to my daughters’ school to watch their Remembrance Day assembly. Beatrice in grade 3 was singing in the choir. Niamh in grade 5 read a poem that she had written.
Peace*
I feel like I am lying in a field of flowers. My life is perfect right now. People are cheering and celebrating. The war is done. My father will be coming home soon. I taste sugar; finally we will be able to have it. I smell the sweet smell of peace. I see everyone celebrating. I hear people sing as sweet as angels. I feel happiness all over me.
*Written to be read aloud
The assembly was sombre, with no applauding, photographing or videotaping allowed. The children did a wonderful job of sitting still and being serious. The choir was lovely and the sound of children singing never fails to make me cry.
After the assembly was over, I left through the back door of the school and turned the corner to start walking back to work. As I walked past the school yard, Beatrice’s class came tearing out the side of the building, running towards their portable. They were shouting, jumping and laughing. Having been quiet and subdued for a whole entire hour, it was clear they needed to let their energy out. They were free and happy children enjoying an unseasonably warm fall day.
I just loved the contrast.
Finola: that is one of the most beautiful blogs I’ve ever seen. It certainly brought tears to my eyes. I am astonished at the maturity and understanding of war expressed in Niamh’s poem. It is beautiful and worthy of publication. I’m sure Beatrice performed superbly in the choir. I loved the description of Beatrice’s class as they ran to their portable.
They are two exceptional little girls.
What a beautiful poem. You’re not just raising a reader, Finola, you’re raising a writer too. And a perceptive and sensitive one at that – why am I not surprised? The feelings of the poem echo through the whole post – masterfully done. And wonderful sentiments. *hug*
Sounds like a beautiful event and what a great poem!