R is for Roses - A tribute

R is for Roses, in particular this Desert Rose...

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand

Sweet desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this

Sweet desert rose
This memory of Eden haunts us all
This desert flower
This rare perfume, is the sweet intoxication of the fall
- Sting (Desert Rose )


This post is a tribute of sorts, to the incredible breed of reporters and photo journalists who really do live life on the edge.  Eat. Sleep. Breath. Foreign assignments abroad, travelling under harsh conditions, war torn regions of our globe that many of us will never see, if it weren't for these incredibly talented souls.  Yesterday, Oscar-nominated film maker and British photographer Tim Hetherington, and American war photographer Chris Hondros were killed in Libya whilst covering the current conflict there. Both were award winning photographers in their field, both were great humanitarians through their work.

I used to romantise the life of a photojournalist, working for news agencies in far flung locations, I used to imagine the adrenalin rush of being caught in the middle of it all.  Not anymore, I've grown wiser with the years, so I like to think.  It's a tough life, only a certain breed of gladiators keep on keeping on.  RIP to all film makers and photojournalists who pay the ultimate price in their mission of bringing the truth to the rest of the world.  R is for Roses, R is for RIP.  R is for Remembrance. 


Quote via elyrics

Comments

Stina said…
What a great tribune. There's been so many journalists who've died because of the wars. I'm glad you're helping us remember the sacrifice they're making to bring us the news.
Baiba said…
nice work :)
-B-
Jaydee Morgan said…
Nice job with this. Great R words and great message :)
Heather Henry said…
What a beautiful post/tribute. So many brave souls. Thank you for helping us to remember them.
Carol Riggs said…
Absolutely. Very brave, and something I wouldn't be able to do! Thanks for the nice post of remembrance and tribute. :)
Melissa Amateis said…
Photojournalists in war zones go above and beyond. I can't imagine such a life. I hope those two brave souls who lost their lives are at peace.
notesfromnadir said…
That is so sad about Tim Hetherington--I was shocked when I saw that on the news yesterday. No, the life of a photojournalist isn't romantic but it is adventurous.

Really a thought-provoking tribute, Talei.
Bish Denham said…
Here's to the photojournalists. They brought Viet Nam into our living rooms and showed us the horror of war. They continue to do it today.
Anonymous said…
A moving, thought-provoking post that combines the joy of all we can be, with the tragic reality of being. My condolences to the families of these "certain breed of gladiators". We share in their loss.
Tara said…
It really does take a certain kind of person for that job. I can't even imagine. Beautiful post :)
Anonymous said…
Lovely post, especially the last lines.
Ann said…
I was so saddened by this news. A Wonderful tribute to those who risk their lives every day in an effort to enlighten those of us sitting safely on our sofas at home.
Talei said…
Hello Lovelies,

Thank you. Its always a pleasure to read everyones thoughts. I have followed back on all comments thus far. Do holler, if I've missed yours. Please note where you have links to blogs, its easier for the follow back, otherwise I may not be able to find y'all...and that would be sad. Please do make your blog links visible. Cheers!

Talei x
TS Hendrik said…
It is truly tragic. It's the unfortunate risk that all who work to document such things face. Very nice tribute.
LynNerdKelley said…
What a beautiful post, Talei. I love the poem. I hadn't heard about the two reporters being killed yesterday. So very sad. I'm glad you dedicated this post to those journalists and photogs who lost their lives working on such dangerous assignments. I don't have a blog yet. Just getting my feet wet, so don't worry about replying. I'll let you know when I start blogging. Not sure I'm cut out for it, though. I don't know how all of you keep up with it!
Unknown said…
What a beautiful tribute. Yes, this is sad and tragic, but an unfortunate risk that they take to document the situation.
Ophelia said…
your poem is a delicate beauty with
strong meaning threaded her hem.
Danette said…
Lovely tribute and yet another thing we have in common. I LOVE Sting!!!!

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