Remembering a Woman of Substance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
[Update: 26.9.19: I share the view of many that it was in poor taste - to say the least -on the part of Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to refer to the death of Jo Cox in the way that he did in the House of Commons last night; I suspect it was offensive to many, especially the dead woman's husband. Having watched the debate, I was appalled by some of the the language and rowdiness of many - on both sides of the House - who were constantly interrupting speakers. Do they not appreciate what bad example they are setting to those watching, especially impressionable young people?]
Every death comes as a shock, even when it is expected. But when it is a wholly innocent person and not only unexpected but also violent, it sends shock waves around a whole nation, even the world. The shock waves fade in time, but memory is a living organism and that never fades so long as there are family, friends, and other decent people out there who will not only cherish it but pass it on from generation to generation.
On Thursday, June 16th 2016, Jo Cox MP, 41, wife and mother of two young children, was murdered in broad daylight by one of her own constituents in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
Now, I never met Jo Cox, knew her only by reputation and from hearing her speak in Parliament on TV. However, the outpouring of genuine grief and shock - even across customary political and socio-cultural-religious divides - further highlights the fact that she was, indeed, an exceptional young woman of substance.
More about Jo Cox on wikipedia at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Cox
Every death is a tragedy, but the murder of a wife and mother in her prime as well as (already) a force to be reckoned with on a generally egocentric-driven political scene, that defies description. As for the killer’s motives, even his mental state at the time, these are barely relevant since nothing can change what has happened; all a poet can do is try to capture a little at least of the spirit of something in someone far better, and always well worth remembering.
This poem is a villanelle. (Why a villanelle…? By the very nature of its form, a villanelle requires a direct no-waffle, approach; by all accounts, Jo Cox was that kind of woman.)
REMEMBERING A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
One loving wife and mother,
rare breed of politician,
touching hearts, world over
Bringing opposites together,
her work, a passion;
one loving wife and mother
Anxious to make life better,
a caring people person,
touching hearts, world over]
Crossing this and that barrier
set by culture or religion,
one loving wife and mother
No comfy chair commentator,
but getting things done,
touching hearts, the world over
Icon for life, senseless murder,
role model for a generation;
one loving wife and mother
touching hearts, world over
Copyright R. N. Taber 2016
(London, June 17, 2016)
[Update: 26.9.19: I share the view of many that it was in poor taste - to say the least -on the part of Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to refer to the death of Jo Cox in the way that he did in the House of Commons last night; I suspect it was offensive to many, especially the dead woman's husband. Having watched the debate, I was appalled by some of the the language and rowdiness of many - on both sides of the House - who were constantly interrupting speakers. Do they not appreciate what bad example they are setting to those watching, especially impressionable young people?]
Every death comes as a shock, even when it is expected. But when it is a wholly innocent person and not only unexpected but also violent, it sends shock waves around a whole nation, even the world. The shock waves fade in time, but memory is a living organism and that never fades so long as there are family, friends, and other decent people out there who will not only cherish it but pass it on from generation to generation.
On Thursday, June 16th 2016, Jo Cox MP, 41, wife and mother of two young children, was murdered in broad daylight by one of her own constituents in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
Now, I never met Jo Cox, knew her only by reputation and from hearing her speak in Parliament on TV. However, the outpouring of genuine grief and shock - even across customary political and socio-cultural-religious divides - further highlights the fact that she was, indeed, an exceptional young woman of substance.
More about Jo Cox on wikipedia at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Cox
Every death is a tragedy, but the murder of a wife and mother in her prime as well as (already) a force to be reckoned with on a generally egocentric-driven political scene, that defies description. As for the killer’s motives, even his mental state at the time, these are barely relevant since nothing can change what has happened; all a poet can do is try to capture a little at least of the spirit of something in someone far better, and always well worth remembering.
This poem is a villanelle. (Why a villanelle…? By the very nature of its form, a villanelle requires a direct no-waffle, approach; by all accounts, Jo Cox was that kind of woman.)
REMEMBERING A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
rare breed of politician,
touching hearts, world over
Bringing opposites together,
her work, a passion;
one loving wife and mother
Anxious to make life better,
a caring people person,
touching hearts, world over]
Crossing this and that barrier
set by culture or religion,
one loving wife and mother
No comfy chair commentator,
but getting things done,
touching hearts, the world over
Icon for life, senseless murder,
role model for a generation;
one loving wife and mother
touching hearts, world over
Copyright R. N. Taber 2016
(London, June 17, 2016)
Labels: death, family, grief, human nature, human spirit, inspiration, Jo Cox (MP), life, love, murder, national consciousness, nature, poetry, politicians, politics, society, tragedy
posted by R. N. Taber | 07:48
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