We Will Remember Together-Thank You Halifax

On December 6, 1917, a French cargo ship exploded in Halifax Harbour, killing nearly 2,000 and levelling 1,600 homes. Within hours, the City of Boston dispatched a relief train.

Memories are longer than borders between countries.
Your tree arrived today wrapped in good tidings.
She's currently being pampered, pruned and draped
in six thousand twinkling lights letting Boston know

kindness always lessens the differences
as we embrace the the kindred spirit we share,
celebrating decades and decades of good will between us,
born from the horror of that cataclysmic explosion

in a firestorm of suffering and a tsunami of heartache.
A blizzard may have covered the destruction but we were not deterred.
That day in 1917 we heeded the call and immediately
headed north to help, surgeons, nurses, water and food.

Each year when your precious tree arrives we remember together
that we are not alone in this world, that we share our humanity
in a tradition that reminds us of all that was lost in an instant
and we are forever united in the gratitude we gained, thank you Halifax

 

Reviews

[Woody]

this one warmed the cockles of my heart. just another proof that there's still hope in humanity in these troubled times.
thank you for this beautiful reminder.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much Woody. I am happy that you found warmth in good deeds. They still happen they just don't make the news.

[Green]

I enjoyed reading this for several reasons. First, I like learning new things and this was an event I'd never heard of before, and despite it's tragedy, there's also a small glimmer of hope. To see that glimmer celebrated every year is sorta special. Secondly, it was well written, and that always makes poetry better. The last stanza is my particular favorite.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much Green. I do appreciate your visit.

[A. Amos]

Elegant and honest piece of craft, as always truly enjoyed the read.

[icelandicblue]

And I thank you very much A.

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome my dear...

[Dr. Wood ?]

History is littered with such stories of humanity; you have written a gem here ICE...thanks

[icelandicblue]

You are right. Thanks Doc, it's good to see you.

[Dr. Wood ?]

good to read you ICE...while I am here...Try this link

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huggabug-Bears-Christmas-David-Wood-ebook/dp/B00Q4YAYKW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417734432&sr=1-1&keyw

[NoelHC]

Well written, and moving. These traditions are important in remembering history, the nation's capital, Ottawa receives hundreds of tulip bulbs from Holland and has done since WWII ended in recognition of Canada's contribution in liberating Holland from oppressors.
Thirty years ago I walked the streets of Halifax where the explosion did its worst damage, and the extent of it was mind numbing.
The explosion story was featured in a Heritage Moments vignette that used to run on TV here, you can view it at
https://www.historicacanada.ca/content/heritage-minutes/halifax-explosion?media_type=41&media_category=33
I had forgotten about the Christmas tree being shipped to Boston every year.

[icelandicblue]

I will be sure to look at that. The first hand accounts I read were mind boggling. I didn't know about the tulip bulbs...those kind of things truly touch me. Thank you for reading and your interesting and kind comment.

[MomzillaNC]

We share more in common with each other, wherever we may be from than differences. Would that more people might recognize that fact. Isn't it amazing that simple human decency can leave so lasting a memory, that, after nearly a century, those feelings of brotherhood and commonality still fill hearts and minds?

[icelandicblue]

It is amazing what we can do when called upon. Thanks Momzilla.

[MomzillaNC]

You're welcome.

[Bright Ocean Star]

You've retold this story in beautiful language of brotherhood and shared humanity. I never heard this story before, but you did an excellent job of teaching us the lesson learned at this time. Is Halifax still giving Christmas trees to Boston every year...after all this time? That is a beautiful lesson in an of itself. :)

[icelandicblue]

Yes, the tree arrived yesterday. The lighting of the tree is tomorrow night! Thanks so much for reading.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

There is no great showing in the strength of humanity then when someone helps a person they don't know. I never heard this story before, thank you for sharing and bringing it to light for all of us who were un aware.

[icelandicblue]

I agree Dale, thank you.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You are most welcome.

[therisa]

It saddens me, how people forget the spirit of generosity, links all of us, together, as one. Especially, a tragedy like the Halifax Explosion or 9/11, which Atlantic Canada, open it's door, to the stranded passengers of the ground planes, without a second thought. To all of these people, who gave, out of the goodness of their hearts, thank you.

My family entered Canada, in 1952, through pier 21, in Halifax, from the Netherlands, on their way to northern Alberta. Like thousands of other European immigrants to Canada. Hate to think, what life would have been like, if they entered Canada, from another port. Thank you, Icelandicblue, for reminding me, of this piece of Canadian history.

[icelandicblue]

We share more in this life than we don't. We share our dreams, our sorrows and our humanity. Thank you therisa, and Boston says thank you for the help during 9/11 it was all over our news and we have not forgotten.

[therisa]

Your welcome, Icelandicblue. Remember seeing pictures of Halifax habour after the explosion, in my Canadian history textbook, and being shaken by the images. We g ot lucky that day, more people didn't die, from the explosion.

[Lyn Anderson]

I accidentally did not number rate so you get two.