The world has followed with apprehension the terrorist attack perpetrated in the Paris’s office of the newspaper Charlie Hebdo. That was not the end of it as a later attack and assassination of a policewoman, who was only 13 days on the job, took place in the same day.
While the police was frantically hunting the two terrorists, the French nation was surprised today by another attack in Paris, to a Jewish grocery shop, claiming the lives of four hostages.
The siege went on for more than 80 hours. It is now ended with no more victims, except the terrorists themselves, who were after martyrdom.
Yesterday evening I joined my husband, who is a journalist, during the demonstration of solidarity organized in Amsterdam, with the presence of our President, the Mayor of Amsterdam, and over 18.000 people. It was a very emotional gathering. Freedom of expression, all freedoms, were celebrated.
While following today’s siege on live TV, I pondered once again about life’s fragility and idiosyncrasies. And that’s when I received from my sister, the Carpe Diem poem written in 23 BC by the Roman poet Horace, which I want to share with you.
“It is vain to inquire into the future – Let us enjoy the present, for this is all we can command.
carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero
Seize the day, trusting tomorrow as little as possible.”
Odes I, 11: Carpe Diem
Ask not—we cannot know—what end the gods have set for you, for me; nor attempt the Babylonian reckonings Leuconoë.
How much better to endure whatever comes, whether Jupiter grants us additional winters or whether this is our last, which now wears out the Tuscan Sea upon the barrier of the cliffs!
Be wise, strain the wine; and since life is brief, prune back far-reaching hopes!
Even while we speak, envious time has passed: pluck the day, putting as little trust as possible in tomorrow!
This post – and the photos of the solidarity demonstration in Amsterdam – is an answer to the Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed
Powerful.
Kudos and respect to you for this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartfelt thanks, Andy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The very least I could do.
LikeLike
You are always so kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not in the same league as you though.
LikeLike
Well, as I am not in any league, i just created one and surprise, surprise, you are part of it! Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Cabbage League or the Converge League? x
LikeLike
After having spent the day hearing BBC reporters using the word converging, I must call it the Converging league of the kindred souls of cabbage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no words now, that is perfect…..
LikeLike
Your photography is so moving I felt like I was there while viewing your pictures. As a Canadian to read and hear of these atrocities has left me feeling shocked and vulnerable. Thank you for writing this and sharing the view of it from yours and your country’s prospective. No matter who we are, or where we reside we all are je suis Charlie in our hearts. ❤️
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your comment. I am happy you liked it. These events were tragic; and I remember you had the same not long ago in Canada.
We have to always remember that we are all human beings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the tragedy in my nations capital rocked me to my emotional core! My prayers, healing vibrations, and love are sent to all that are left behind to mourn in the after math of this senseless tragedy. ❤️
LikeLike
I can imagine how much it has touched you and the entire nation. One wouldn’t expect this to happen in Canada.
Let’s hope your prayers and love reach all hearts. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes very shocking for my peaceful polite country. I believe the whole nation was grieving for Corporal Caprillo. Yes love and prayer is what we need to abolish these senseless acts of terrorism. ❤️
LikeLike
What a powerful and beautiful response to the recent tragic events in Paris.
Thank you for this, Lucille.
LikeLike
Thank you, Brittany, for reading and commenting as well. I appreciate it very much. Have a good weekend.
LikeLike
It is to bad we let people have freedom and theyused it to father thereown agenda.
http://idahobluebird50.wordpress com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful and moving. Be safe my friends. ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for caring, my friend. Love from us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always. ❤
LikeLike
I had no idea about the latest incident, I am just heartbroken at these events. I’m glad you were able to attend the demonstration, it allows you to participate in some way. Your photos are extraordinary and powerful.
X *tears in my eyes*
LikeLike
It happened so fast while you were sleeping. I couldn’t take my eyes from the screen, following the manhunt. I have many friends in Paris as I worked 9 years for a Dutch-French IT company and some are Jewish. It was nerve wrecking for them and still is as the threat is not over.
The European intelligence services are warning of possible attacks in European capitals. Our president has spoken today with great concern, as we have been a target as well, as we have a crazy anti Muslim politician who keeps saying horrible things about them.
We are not afraid but careful.
I’m sorry if I made you cry. I prefer to make you laugh my dearest friend.
Giant hug. Xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Please don’t be sorry, I feel for the victims and their families, such a stupid, pointless, selfish series of acts. I fear the world is changing rapidly.
Giant hug to you too, I hope all of your friends are ok xoxox.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine it also brings sad memories from two months ago.
All good there but they had friends as hostages. Scary. All ok.
I an afraid this is getting out of hand. These guys are well prepared.
Let’s be positive and careful.
Xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just learned that two of their friends, 21 23 y/o were kilked. Devastating.
LikeLike
Oh I am so so sorry for them! So young, so sad, so senseless. Your poor dear friends, that is…. I can’t conprehend.
Sending love from Australia xox.
LikeLike
Thanks lovely. I am going to tell them. I am just talking to them now on whataspp. Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful pictures! You perfectly captured the emotions. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Lucille. Such great shots. I’ve been watching these horrific events unfold from the other side of the world and trying to make sense of it all. The Carpe Diem poem was a poignant reminder of how fragile our lives are and how we should treasure every moment.
LikeLike
You are welcome, Michelle. And thanks too for visiting and commenting. Indeed a poignant reminder.
Have a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing this lovely perspective, both in photos and in words. Our hearts here in America are broken, too. Je suis Charlie!
janet
LikeLike
Janet, sorry for such a late reply.
Thank you so much for your kindness and compassion.
Have a lovely weekend.
Lucile
LikeLike
So scary and sad. Thank you for sharing your photos. Be safe!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! And am very sorry for this late reply. Apologies.
LikeLike
My heart goes out to France and everyone affected by these hideous acts, I was stunned when I learnt of the second incident barely hours after the first almost like it was planned.
I feel this week’s photography theme; Shadowed is a silent nod to these tragedies. They might have shadowed the world in fear but our light will shine through.
Je suis Charlie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruby, I’m so sorry for my alter reply. Apologies.
Wise and touching words. May our light will continue shining through.
Thank you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very powerful post, very shadowed indeed. I was very saddened to hear about what happened in France, my heart goes out to them. You did a wonderful job of capturing the gathering. The second shot is my favorite, the composition, how the women are in focus, and the lighting. I love that they are all in B&W. Beautiful job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amanda, I appreciated your comments and visit.
I was more focused on the speeches. It was very touching.
I am glad it is over.
I made few photos though, as though as the big lights were disturbing my shots. The one you like is the only one I liked from all. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this post. The pictures and the words. I feel so sorry for those people over there. I hope they won’t let this attack strip them of their freedoms. We have already given away so many of ours here in America because of this kind of thing. I hope there will someday be an end to this kind of thing, where people use violence to get their way. It’s such a waste.
LikeLike
Thank you, for visiting and commenting. I am glad you appreciate it. Thanks.
I second every word you left here.
Cheers.
LikeLike
Thank you Lucile for sharing your beautiful words and pictures, it touches me deeply.
LikeLike
Thank you, for being always encouraging and supportive. I truly hope you feel better now after this insane situation ended.
Rest assured that this has affected all humanity – or those with a heart.
Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. Thanks for sharing your words and photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
wow totally absorbing and powerful images xx
LikeLike
Thank you, lovely. Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
a pleasure x
LikeLike
Great shots Lucile.
LikeLike
Thank you so much.
LikeLike