Mid afternoon and the sun is shining as we leave the house. About a mile down the road the black cloud above us leaks fat spots of rain which soon turn to a steady downpour. The cloud keeps pace with us, or we with it. But we (he) drives on through the forested hills above Réville-aux-Bois and down into Sivry-sur-Meuse. The rain eases and we continue to Vilosnes - the canal runs parallel to the River Meuse and both water levels are very high. From Vilosnes we take the road through Gercourt-et-Drillancourt, Septsarges and on to Montfaucon. It is a long time since we visited the beautiful ruins of the church there and, as we arrive, the rain stops, clouds part and the sun shines.
A sad past but a beautiful present.
these stones...
these stones
so mellow, glowing
in early-Autumn sunshine
gold against the green
of growing things
the quiet here now
is almost palpable
except birds sing
the history, the blood
these stones soaked up
given voice now
in notices supplied by man
so all will know
the devastation
that came one hundred years
before this beautiful, sunlit scene
Montfaucon church and village
once stood high upon this hill
a vantage point
desired by armies
from Germany and the U.S.A.
the Meuse-Argonne bloody battle
took their lives and villagers away
just left these stones…
these stones
 |
| Part of the old, nearby cemetery. |
Most of our round-trip “tour” was on back roads and, in an hour-and-a-half only about 10 vehicles passed us. If, when, we move - we shall miss these empty, scenic roads but will continue to enjoy the area as much as we can in the meantime.
Like the weather, there are many mixed blessings.
Such sad stories. At ast now, and for the past 70 years, most of Europe has known peace. They are such beautiful places, and lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those empty roads, too.
Long may that peace in Europe continue! Many thanks, Alison - we'll do our best.
ReplyDelete