our worst fears
it survived wars
for 850 years
notre dame cathedral
engulfed in flames
our worst fears
it beggars belief
unimaginable in holy week
for 850 years
they weep and sing hymns
trying to stave off
our worst fears
an important icon has gone
present and past for the world
for 850 years
part of france disappeared
cannot be replaced
our worst fears
for 850 years
we are all shedding
tears
and tears
and tears
and tears
We watched it burn on TV. We could hardly believe our eyes.
ReplyDeleteDown at the bottom of the world we could hardly believe our eyes as well.Terrible...just terrible !
ReplyDeleteSo devastating, but I have faith that they will repair and rebuild it. Sadly, Notre Dame is one in a long line of cathedrals that have been ravaged by fire or war. Just to mention two: Old St Paul’s was destroyed by the great fire of London and the new St. Paul's Cathedral was bombed during the Battle of Britain, when the Luftwaffe launched a heavy nighttime air raid on London; its dome was pierced by a Nazi bomb. Cologne Cathedral has also withstood serious damaged from a number of wars dating back to the French occupation. I spent much of my life in both cities and know the cathedrals well. But what a coincidence that it happened in the run-up to Easter!
ReplyDeleteNotre Dame has a very special significance for French people and the Catholic world so does not quite fall into the category of the long line of cathedrals ravaged by war and fire.
Deletepowerful use of the form ~
ReplyDeleteIt's heartbreaking :(
ReplyDeleteHoly Week is the most important week in the Christian calendar. It does beggar belief that this could happen at this time. I'm still reeling.
ReplyDeleteI have heard reports that the building is salvageable and all of the precious icons and art that could be moved were taken out and escaped damage. People are already offering money to help with the repairs. Notre Dame will continue to be a beautiful monument when all the work is done.
ReplyDeleteIt can never be the same....so much has been lost and is irreplacable. It is not a question of a restoration job on an antique. It has a different meaning for a lot of us.
ReplyDeleteOur worst fears indeed. You have captured the loss very beautifully Rall. We all are shedding tears for sure!! Thank you for participating over at the Sunday Muse.
ReplyDeletePowerful and emotive! Your words say it all.
ReplyDeleteI share your feelings, and yet it is a powerful reminder for us that nothing in this world is permanent. We tend to forget that as we go about in our daily haze. Anyway, I love the French people. They were gracious and courteous to me when I was there.
ReplyDeleteWas just in the cathedral in Strasbourg and in Cologne, I can't even imagine. One of the saddest things I have seen recently. Great piece!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see a piece of such a long history in flames. I was so moved by the people singing to it last night.
ReplyDeleteIt's a horrible tragedy. You have made poetic use of repetition, and it is good. And the cathedral stands. The rose window and the bell towers. I was relieved to hear that this morning.
ReplyDeleteRall this is so moving and truly sad. Your take is similar to my own but there is hope because towers are ok and most of the masonry. Beautifully written. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad, painful loss. You captured the emotion so well.
ReplyDeleteLove the haunting sound of your writing interspersed with the horrifying photos. Such a loss.
ReplyDeleteSuch an unbelievable occurrence. Some things, one takes for granted, will last forever ... but not so.
ReplyDeleteThis form reflects the shock of watching this, still unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteYou captured our sorrow so well here. Such a beautiful icon disappeared before our eye's.
ReplyDelete