On the 26th August 1971 at the age of 17years and 8 months I started my nursing training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Belfast was not a great place to live in the 1970’s and we worked under extremely stressful conditions due to the political situation.
The news these days regarding the wars in the Middle East and in the Ukraine are bringing back some memories, many of which I would rather forget. These words, “A wanton attack on innocent men, women and children,” were stated in July 1972 after Bloody Friday when 20 bombs exploded in Belfast with 9 people losing their lives and 130 were seriously injured but they are just as relevant today.
Today we remember all those who gave their lives and suffered immensely because of numerous wars. So many innocent lost lives. The following poem, written by Wilfred Owen, who lost his life in World War 1, is entitled
Anthem for Doomed Youth
What passing bells for those who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs——-
The shrill demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds
And each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.
A Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for peace throughout the world. Touch the angry, heal the suffering and sick and help us all to be kind to each other.