My apologies for the bleak subject this time.
I was looking around the internet for copyright-free poems when I stumbled across this one. It drew such compelling images in my head that I just had to try and get something down.
The words are by Siegfried Sassoon:
Survivors
No doubt they'll soon get well; the shock and strain
Have caused their stammering, disconnected talk.
Of course they're 'longing to go out again,' —
These boys with old, scared faces, learning to walk.
They'll soon forget their haunted nights; their cowed
Subjection to the ghosts of friends who died,—
Their dreams that drip with murder; and they'll be proud
Of glorious war that shatter'd all their pride...
Men who went out to battle, grim and glad;
Children, with eyes that hate you, broken and mad.
Craiglockhart.
October, 1917.
The words drew such a strong reaction from me since I had, some days earlier been listening to a radio broadcast detailing the mental health of today's soldiers. Some things just do not change.
The words and image are printed onto silk fabric, the background uses the chance-dyed dye catchers I have collected over the years. Lastly, the whole is overlaid with some sheer fabric, and hand stitched.
Yes, it is a bleak subject, but your quilt relates very well to it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wil.
ReplyDeleteWhat a reminder of past conflicts..........do we ever learn? A very moving piece.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong piece. I have met shell shocked people and how true the poem. Your piece does it justice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant reminder of just how pointless war really is and how it affects those involved. As Margaret said, will they never learn!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully executed as always Mandy.The poem certainly is harrowing and your work reflects this sentiment.
ReplyDeleteMandy. This is an amazing piece. You married the emotion of the poem with the haunting emotion of your art. Brava!! This is a subject dear to me and this is one of the most poignant depictions of this theme I've seen. Brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kelly.
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