When Great Trees Fall

 

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"And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always irregularly.
Spaces fill with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored,
never to be the same,
whisper to us.They existed.
They existed.
We can be. Be and be better.
For they existed."

From 'When Great Trees Fall' by Maya Angelou

Today, as I walked on along the tranquil western shoreline of Lake Windermere, and saw the many magnificent trees that had been uprooted by last winter's storms, I was reminded of Maya Angelou's poem, 'When Great Trees Fall'. It is particularly apt for anyone currently experiencing grief, and the final verse (above) offers solace and hope. Click here for the full poem. 

This week has been a time for contemplation and reflection following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. 

Thousands queued along the Thames South Bank this morning, waiting to pay their last respects to The Queen. For me, the shore of Lake Windermere seemed a good place for reflection. Click here to listen to the water.

Writing prompts:

• What has been your own response to the death of the Queen? Write about it for a few minutes. 
• Has her death triggered feelings of grief for someone you have loved and lost? Set a timer and write for six minutes. 
• A new King and a new Prime Minister - times of change can be stressful and bring uncertainty. Write about how you see the future, and what the constants are in your life.