Mourning.
I can’t be there.
In the Place de la Republique, with my candle.
Last summer’s bonhomie, and stumbled upon music fest, just a distant memory now.
Holed up here on a rain lashed hillside in the Pays de Galles, as dawn breaks late.
I’ve not read the words, or seen the drawings.
But this morning I grieve for Charlie, and with Paris and France.
Frozen and numbed.
Speak out. Hold fast.
Liberty. Equality. Fraternity.
The roses will bloom again.
thegardenimpressionists 
Magnificently put, Julian. I couldn’t agree more…….
Kevin, thank you. This horrific event has shocked me more than any in my limited blogging career. It seems appropriate in a global media world to ‘stand beside’ those more directly affected by this tragedy,
BW
Julian
A beautiful tribute…We are all feeling this loss.
Jenny, thank you. The whole democratic world must indeed feel this loss deeply,
BW Julian
Nous sommes Charlie – everyone who thinks, writes and believes in democracy has to defend our freedom of speech and expression.
Thanks CG. I couldn’t have put it better, which is why I felt moved to write something to reflect how I feel,
BW
Julian
Hello Julian, such a desperately sad post today.
Indeed a sad post from a sad, SAD blogger. The media machine will roll swiftly on, but I felt the need to record my own feelings on hearing of this, at this time, and add my own small quiet voice of empathy. BW Julian
A beautifully poignant post.
Thanks for that Noeline. Perhaps because our only annual break is to Paris, we felt it more keenly, but I think really it’s more the attack on the freedom of expression, which we’ve taken for granted for so long in the UK – whether we always like what we get exposed to, or not. Maybe in years to come this event will be viewed as a turning point in global affairs? If so, let’s hope it’s a turn for the better, and not for the worse,
BW
Julian
Oh Julian – so touching and thoughtful- thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel at this sad time.
Thanks Marianne,
I do hope that down the road, some good is seen to have developed after this dreadful event, to in some tiny way compensate for the terrible traumas inflicted on so many people.
Hope you survived last night’s storm which battered Gelli,
BW
Julian