The Bells of Tenerife
by
Mike Gallimore
(Age: 58)
copyright 06-01-2008
Age Rating: 13 to 127
We are gathering today,
We have travelled here to pray
For the souls lost when the world slid away.
Off the coast of Africa,
We have travelled from so far,
We have come to hear the bells of Tenerife.
There are those who do believe,
And there are those who may receive
Some comfort from our gathering today.
And there are those who don’t believe,
Who have come here just to grieve.
They’ve all come to hear the bells of Tenerife.
This may be a time of tears,
It may be a time of joy;
It may be a time for words we did not say.
This may be a place of loss
Where we measure up the cost,
As we listen to the bells of Tenerife.
Let the tolling now begin,
Let us say these words again,
Let us offer up our living every day.
Off the coast of Africa,
We have travelled from so far,
We have come to hear the bells of Tenerife.
A/N: On March 23, 1977 the worst accident in aviation history occurred at Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, when two fully loaded Boeing 747s collided on the runway as one was taking off and the other was taxiing. 583 people lost their lives, and 61 survived. Thirty years later a memorial service was held to remember the victims.
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Another fine effort at documenting a historical occurrence in the language of the poet. Couldn't really pick on too much, my pen is somewhat lazy today. ^^ If you were of a mind, it could be smoothed, here and there. Have read this several times, now, and I have to agree with Wayne. Thank you for the A/N, it kept me from immediately going to reference sources. I may anyway--your work does that to me. Inspires the wannabe scholar. LOL
When I read the footnote on the disaster I said to myself, "No wonder this sounds a bit like Poe."
A fitting tribute, my friend, to the hundreds who perished that day. Very moving, though a bit choppy in places. Nit picking again. Begs a re-read. What more can I say?
Wayne
Welcome !
