Lebanon

Friday 7th August, 2020

It seems so bizarre to be reading of the horrendous explosion and dessimation of parts of Beirut while preparing to mow the lawn. Seeing photographs of people attempting to clear the Great Mosque as well as The Catholic Cathedral makes the contrasts of life so obvious, rather disturbing.

I recall reading the story of the sainted man playing cards with his friends. One of them asked generally about what they would do if they were told that they had an hour to live. One said he would go home and tell his family he loved them, another said he would try to get some of his papers in order. Finally the sainted man said he would keep on doing what he was doing.

It is obvious that one must live as one intends to die, to be prepared for it to happen unexpectedly, instantly. My great Aunt always told us to put on clean underwear when one was going out "just in case"!

So I mowed the lawn. I did identify in my own way with the people of Beirut as I try to do daily with all those who are in turmoil. I also recalled my beloved Mother who as a young woman had often visited Beirut and loved the people and the City. How circumstances, often unforeseen, so change peoples, places and lives.

Mowing the lawn was therapeutic. It is only mown once a month at present and has been a joy. The longer growth has allowed plants, flowers, weeds and much insect life to flourish. I did feel that I was disturbing the habitat of some moths and other living creatures. I recalled a poem by Philip Larkin to that end. He wrote of a hedgehog getting caught up in the blades and being killed by his mower. He emphasised that it would no longer see life but that he, the killer, would continue.

As I write I feel an emptiness for the people of Beirut. Yet I know life goes on. I think I am changed a little. A recently widowed friend had written to me recently and wrote: " Sometimes for a moment I forget I'll not see Allan again. And then I come to consciousness and realise a part of me has died, but then life is about dying and rising".

For the people of Beirut and the Lebanon...please God.