In fact, I can say i didn't even know that the Tidal Basin is where the Jefferson Memorial is. oops.So we went yesterday for a gander at these lovely Japanese trees. And although it was already April 3, it was still bloody cold by the time we made the circumnavigation of the Basin and I was glad to be getting back to the car. If it had been about 15 degrees warmer, I would have stopped at every tree, marveling at the lovely blossoms and maybe, sort of accidentally, allowing myself to fall into the Basin to be rescued by some Park Ranger.
They hadn't seen the WWII Memorial and wanted to walk around it briefly. I don't care for this memorial. It's too grandiose. It's not contemplative. In the summer time, people ignore the signs and wade in the fountain. There was a 14 year old girl perched on an overlook ledge thing, coyly posing with a smirk and a peace sign.
It seemed a crass and silly thing to do at what is supposed to commemorate bravery, victory, but also the costs of War. I was quiet as we walked around. There is a small reflecting pool in the memorial. In front (pictured above) it says "Here We Mark The Price Of Freedom." These words and phrases like them always ring like bells in my brain. Why does it have to have such a high cost? Especially now with all we know about how shitty war is. Why do we continue to wage it? I know the reasons and I'm part of it too. I'm a wheel in that machine, but a distressed wheel at that.It's April 4--40 years since they shot MLK, Jr. down in Memphis. Having been in the South recently, and being a human on Earth--i feel disappointed that we don't seem to be learning from our mistakes. This tree was planted in 1912. It's a gnarly old one from the first planting, the first gift.
I want to try to give a gift. And be a peaceful person. But the news and the weather is making me.......crazy. and my brain feels twisted, like these roots.
2 comments:
You're ambitious. I'm going to visit the cherry trees in Druid Hill Park, which are not quite so spectacular, but are still lovely and starting to bloom now.
I don't like the WW2 memorial either. It's silly, and conventional, and awkwardly breaks up the Mall into chunks. They could have done something much better--there is a quite striking monument at the American Cemetary in Normandy which is more suitable and stirring by far.
Good job getting over to the Jefferson Memorial -- it's a neglected area of the district because it's off the beaten path, but it offers a good dose of quiet and contemplation.
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