Loss

Originally uploaded by Szczur.

This seems to be becoming a collection of my black and white photos and that really wasn't intended. I'll try to find something colourful that's worth posting soon.
This angel struck me as a very moving image. Standing alone among a plethora of rather ordinary grave stones, she drove home the point for me, at the time, that each of these memorials represents absolutely tragic loss for the family left behind. So much so, that even the angels cry.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day
Originally uploaded by Szczur.

On All Saints'Day (November 1st) there is a tradition, in Poland, which I find quite beautiful. Many of the local people dislike it, some even hate it, as it reminds them of the loss of a loved one. Simply put, the people of Poland visit the graves of their deceased friends and family. By tradition, while visiting, they will leave flowers and candles at the grave. The effect is very moving. To see hundreds of thousands of people around you, all sharing in the same moment and in similar feelings is something that can't be adequately described in words. It has to be experienced to be understood.

As I have no family of my own in Poland, I go with my wife to visit the graves of her family members and then I make a regular trip to the Old Garrison Cemetary in Poznan. There I visit the British Commonwealth section to pay my respects to my fallen countrymen, and then I move on to the Polish section, to pay my respects there as well.