Remembering

Short thoughts on the principal thread in the tapestry of my recent months; and my life

Hullo my lovely readers

A quick content note for brief discussion of grief, and conflicts, both personal and national.

Firstly, my heartfelt thanks for your kindness, empathy, and community regarding last week’s haiku.

Secondly, as I mentioned in the accompanying letter, this week’s additional dates (anniversaries and birthdays of dear childhood friends) have meant that the theme of that poem, the complexities of grief and remembrance, remains a central thread in my current tapestry, as it has in my life – and, indeed, this newsletter, across the span of the almost-year I’ve now been writing it.

But I’ve realised that it’s also a theme in the UK’s tapestry at this time of year, culminating today, in Remembrance Sunday. So, in continuing to give myself grace in this period of personal grief and in lieu of a longer letter, I’m sharing an image which is a creative response to that national one. As a pacifist, I have particularly complicated feelings about the connection between wars and bereavement; all the more so given the current state of our world.

I’ve consequently chosen to centre the white poppy (for peace) over the red one that is more publicly prominent.

[Image description: An image drawn by Jessi on the virtual blank canvas of WeaveSilk.com. In the centre of the frame, on a black background, a spirally floral image represents the red and white poppies which signify remembrance in the United Kingdom. / End image description]

Thank you so much for reading, take care of yourselves and one another, and love and (peaceful) solidarity until next time,

Jx