I had to immerse myself in it physically, I longed to see it and smell it. I went to the Imperial War museum, the closest I could get to anything like war from this western utopia that is relatively all I have ever known.
I did the ‘trench experience’. Shushing my companion, I closed my eyes in the drafty funereal façade letting the words of Jackie Spinner, author of Tell them I didn't cry wash over me, “The first mortar sailed over our heads, we barely glanced up. It seemed too far away. The second mortar shot over us, we looked up. 'That was close' I said, the words barely out of my mouth before a large crack and a flash of fire exploded over us. We looked at one another for a split second, a collective recognition on each of our faces. We were going to die”. I wanted to feel the cost of truth.
A piece of the berlin wall that stands outside the Imperial War museum in London
8 comments:
Sounds like the experience left you (and us) with a lot to think about as did your Jackie Spinner quote. Well done.
We need to be reminded of the cruelty and inhumanity of war.
But do we learn from it? Do we go to war again and again?
In a letter to Josiah Quincy in 1783 Benjamin Franklin said 'There never was a good war, or a bad peace.'
What a GREAT shot Katriona!
It's a pity George Bush doesn't take note the words of America's great historic leaders. USA's current criticisms of Blair's 'weakness' for not being tougher on Iran is chilling. The basic ingredients for conflict are brewing with regards to our UK servicemen, but for all our faults it looks for once like the UK is ignoring our warmongering yankie mates in favour of trying to solve this volatile situation by diplomatic means
Katriona. Good for you. I hope your fascination with war is a temporary thing. I'd hate to think that a bright young woman like you might chose to be a war reporter.
Stay here! We need some good honest well written news and opinions.
Why not? Coz she's a girl? I grew up with Katie Adie and she woz brill. Brave too.
now it's a debate about sexism? Alive an well sad to say.
In reply to the above, I don't think it's sexist to say that we need good journalists here in the UK. I can understand Katriona's interest in war but that doesn't mean she's going to become a war reporter.
Thanks for the help in this question.
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