Our Lady of Paris (Le Coeur en Cendres)

The steeple could take no more

its charred bones split,

toppling into the inferno

raging along that famous

roofline.

Angry orange flames

and billowing dark

black smoke

rose high

into the Parisian sky.

Prayers rose too

from the gathering crowd

and tears were shed

for history's sad demise.

This Gothic masterpiece,

a jewel of medieval architecture,

whose rib vault and flying buttress,

and famous colourful rose windows

have borne witness to

the crowning of Henry VI of England

as king of France,

to a peasant's revolution,

the Coronation of Bonaparte,

the beatification of Joan of Arc,

the liberation of Paris

to the strains of Magnificat,

and did inspire Victor Hugo's hunch

for a best seller,

was being consumed

in front of their eyes.

by fire.

Now,

a president in shock

stops his clock

to attend the funereal pyre,

as the world holds its breath

then sighs

as brave men

beat back the blaze

and we learn that

Notre Dame,

which has defied world wars,

enemy occupations,

revolutions and mobs galore,

is still part of the Paris skyline

and will be rebuilt

from the ashes.

Vive la France!

 

 16/04/19

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[DIVYA]

I could take in the grandeur, the magnificence and the history of Notre Dame all at once here. It will be wonderful to gaze upon it some day. A great tribute John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed a magnificent building, I still have to see it with my own eyes. I do wonder though how these things help the poor and the downtrodden? Thank you Divya.

[DIVYA]

Not sure about that one John. You're welcome.

[Leslie Philibert]

A fine tribute, and it reminds us that the media come and go, but beauty will live on.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Leslie, you are indeed right and it will endure and out-live all of us.

[Wild Rose]

Like Phoenix it will rise from the ashes to the glorification Of God > hopefully they will retain the old and add a new section

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks WR . Yes and I hope they do build it using moderm techniques so that is is more fire retardent.

[Coyote Poetry]

A ancient miracle is gone. I saw twice, many moons ago. I have some photos somewhere. Wonderful words and thoughts for Notre Dame. Somethings can't be rebuilt, maybe create a piece of her for us to remember.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Most cathedrals of the world, and mosques etc have been destroyed at one time or other and rebuilt as will this fair lady. Many thanks Coyote John.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope so and you are welcome my friend.

[Amada]

First writing, I read yours and it really made my day.
Thanks for sharing.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks and welcome Rahul.

[Chris Shaw]

An impressive write here John. You really brought in the history and the architecture and I appreciated that. A tragic situation and it's good to learn that it is possible for it to be rebuilt and that not all is lost.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Chris. I guess after the shock if I consider it in context it is far less tragic than Yemen, Syria et al. Many thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

True, but still a tragedy none the less.

[John the Baptist]

Very descriptive effort here. I Think you touched every base. Well done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A tragic blow but not too bad in context. Many thanks JTB

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you do this justice with your apt description....such a sad visual...watching the news and the photos of the steeple coming down...
800 years old...and such a landmark...and important place for Catholics on Easter week.
But they will rebuild...life goes on...and people are strong...they come back.
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes and we will move on to the next headline disaster Jacob. Many thanks as always for reading and commenting.