A sprig of golden wattle
For the deceased
A gift of remembrance
By the bereaved
Both old and young
Deceased and bereaved
Now joined by the sweetest fragrance
Of the golden wattle sprig
At St Patrick’s
Three times she kissed the golden sprig
Before her frail, trembling hand
Stuck it
Into the golden wattle wreath
Before the altar
Cruel death met them in the sky
Two hundred and ninety-eight
Why? Why? Why?
Angelic voices sing a soothing hymn
Love conquers hate, they say
Love conquers death
At St. Patrick’s today
United in grief they stand
Side by side
Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Jew
To honour the lives cut short
Their dead loved ones
Now resting in peace
In the end
Love always conquers hate
Love, sweet love, shall wipe their tears
The sweet fragrance of the golden wattle
Their hearts shall warm
Love shall not abandon us `
*
Written on the day of the National Memorial Service for the victims of the MH17 disaster at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, Australia. 7/o8/2014.
Copyright © 2014 Irina Dimitric
Irina's Poetry Corner 
Very nice memorial.
Thank you so much, Sharon.
Very powerful memorial poem. Thanks.
Thank you so much, David.
Wonderfully done, Irina. I’ve never seen a plant like this one.
Thank you so much, Pam. The golden wattle is Australia’s national emblem. There are about 1,000 different kinds of wattle and about the same number of different kinds of gum trees.
I must first say the plant is beautiful and to me represents some kind of hope.
indeed, love conquers all and must prevail over hate.
great job, I love this blog and I’m now following…
I’m glad you like my blog, Lottena. Thank you for the follow.
Such a touching and powerful tribute… the last stanza stands out!
Thank you very much for sharing, dear Irina, Aquileana 😀
My pleasure, Aquileana. I’m glad you like the poem…especially the last stanza. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. 🙂