3 minutes

[Cristina Rebelo Ângelo]

Sorry to be so OT.
 
Europe has just observed three minutes silence for the victims of last
Thursday's bombings in Madrid.
 
Every first Wednesday of the month, french air strike sirens go on at noon
and then at half past, in memory of World War II, a "we do not forget" sign.
Today is Monday. At 12H02 they wailed again. I can not tell how it made me
feel...
 
Portuguese, living in Paris, a very good friend having left Madrid recently,
away from my family and friends, I'm living this with a weird international
feeling. I'm 31 years old. When I was born, my country was at war, a distant
african war of which we seldom really talk about. Then there was a threat of
civil war of which we never talk about. A terrorist organization we have
more or less forgotten about. Portugal is quite peaceful. I have no memories
of terror, of fear, even if my parents do. I was in the streets for the
freedom of East Timor, five years ago, what we said was portuguese territory
- but half a world away. I can not remember what I did not live, I can not
promise to forget what I did not live. 
 
But I can promise not to forget being in the streets clothed in white for
East Timor. I can promise not to forget these sirens for Madrid. I don't
know whether you've heard them. If you didn't, I can tell you they made a
mark...
 
 
 
***
Cristina Rebelo Ângelo
 
Any attached file not mentioned in the body of the message may be a virus;
if present, delete it for the sake of your computer, and inform the sender.
Thank you.

"Quand on n'a que l'amour/ Pour tracer un chemin/ Et forcer le destin/ A
chaque carrefour
Quand on n'a que l'amour/ Pour parler aux canons/ Et rien qu'une chanson/
Pour coinvancre un tambour
Alors sans avoir rien/ Que la force d'aimer/ Nous aurons dans nos mains/
Amis le monde entier"
J.Brel 1956 
 
 
 

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.622 / Virus Database: 400 - Release Date: 13/03/2004
 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]