#London #Together #Strong

04 Jun 2017 90 Comments

by Ritu in Poems, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , ,

IMG_20170604_084329_110

A nonet inspired by the awful happenings of last night…

When will all this fear and hatred end?
Lives taken for no true reason?
Evil, you will not break us
We are tougher than that
We will not run scared
We stand as one
Together
London
Strong
Ritu 2017

Last night I went out for the first time in a long time. And the end of my evening I was made aware of these happenings at London Bridge and then Borough Market.

It saddens, and sickens me, and pretty much all of those around me too. My kids question why?

Lil Man, this morning, said, “When I grow up, I’m going to put posters up everywhere saying ‘Where is the love?’ That’ll help.”

If only it were that simple.

It’s the repercussions that worry me.

Take today. There is a BIG cricket match. India Vs Pakistan.

For those with not much sense, what a great target for a revenge attack!

Pakistan – Muslims!

India – Brown faces!

But most of these terrorists haven’t been of Pakistani descent, and aren’t from India either.

Yet that is not the point either.

I am already having flutterings of panic about going to London next week for the ABBA’s. Still, I won’t let it beat me, and we can’t let these idiots ruin life for us. As long as we, the majority, stand together, wherever we are, humanity will win.

“An eye for an eye will only make the world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi

Peace out there Peeps, to you all.

Stay Safe London, and everywhere.

 

90 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Margret Hopkins
    Jun 16, 2017 @ 22:21:27

    That was beautifullying written. My name is Margret. I’m from the U.S. of America. You added your name to my Google Community
    (All Things Political). Please speak up on anything you choose. Your writing is something to be shared, and I Thank You for doing so. I’m so sorry for the atrocities that have been occurring in Europe. We are living in times of weakened empathy. As you stated, we must stand on the top of of the mountain! The more, the merrier; I am more than willing to stand amongst those willing to fight those who harm us. Thanks again
    Ritu, for sharing those beautiful words ♡♡. Your “little man” seems special (and wise), and I love the quote from Gandhi. Have a fabulous weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 16, 2017 @ 22:25:26

      Hi Margret ! Thank you so much for your lovely words. 😊 The world is not what it once was… and we can only hope to all stand together to combat the evil out there.
      My Lil Man is a sweetie 💗
      Have a great weekend too !

      Like

      Reply

  2. Judy E Martin
    Jun 05, 2017 @ 20:07:36

    Beautiful nonet Sis. It is awful trying to explain these atrocities to our kids when we don’t understand why either.
    Brilliant quote by Gandhi too. Revenge attacks are pointless especially as half the time they are also innocent people that have been targeted!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 05, 2017 @ 20:10:53

      Thank you, sis. These last few months we have seen three atrocities here..You have to somehow explain them to the kids of today, or else they learn the wrong stuff from the internet and misinformed friends…

      Like

      Reply

  3. hotmessmemoir
    Jun 05, 2017 @ 01:18:16

    Reblogged this on hotmessmemoir.com and commented:

    Here is a thoughtful yet sad post from the wonderful Ritu at But I Smile Anyway blog. Please check her out. America is thinking about you England. You are in our hearts!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. willowdot21
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 23:51:54

    Beautiful Nonet, great thoughts and I love the Mahatma quote ,I used it the other week! Perhaps he should of said and a tooth for a tooth keeps the world silent and hungry. … I refuse to let these evil people curtail my life. God bless everywhere! God bless us Sis 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:27:52

    So sad, I cannot begin to process the terrible things that are happening in the world. It seems to me that beautiful days happen, simple moments of happiness that remind us of the wonder of life and then the very next day we hear of some new atrocity. Like you I feel a flutter of anxiety about visiting busy places in the capital but if we close the door we stop living so we have to go on. It’s the youngsters I worry about the most, the future generations.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. fattymccupcakes
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:25:01

    Stay strong, Ritu! Don’t let them win by not going about your life. Sending positive thoughts!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Cher
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 21:46:07

    Thinking about you and sending huge prayers and energy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Sue Dreamwalker
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:13:06

    Thank you Ritu for your love, Our hearts and prayers are with the victims.. Its horrific.. 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Diana Frajman
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 17:53:27

    I so wish that there was an answer to all this Ritu.
    I watch the news, safe in my little world here on Vancouver island and then realize that that is a false feeling. WE are all affected by this senseless hate. Stay strong dear friend. That is all any of us can do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. davidprosser
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 17:20:49

    Stay safe wherever you are Ritu, your words are needed.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. angelanoelauthor
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:45:07

    When I heard about this last night, I thought of you and all my new “Big Up” UK friends. I thought of your poems and how important your voice and the voices of others continuing to spread messages of connection and community truly are. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Ruth Daly
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:42:40

    For so many of us trying to find the words, you’ve said it beautifully. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Fourth Generation Farmgirl
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:24:05

    Thank you for your thoughtful post, Ritu. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. anhistorianabouttown
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:22:24

    My thoughts are with everyone, what a sad place the world is in 😓 Standing together in love is all that we can do!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Aimer Boyz
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:56:25

    You are absolutely right, Ritu. The only way through this is together 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. niasunset
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:55:02

    I am so sad to hear that scary night. Peace we all need but how… My thoughts, my heart with you all there dear Ritu. I pray for the peace… Thanks and Love, nia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. You Can Always Start Now
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:27:12

    Great words/post. You are right if we let them divide us we are done. Always stronger together. Positive thoughts from across the water

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Erika Kind
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:17:38

    I am sorry, to hear that. I did not know that London was attacked again before I read your post. I need to check that out what happened. But what I am convinced about is that we must not let the terror control us. Because then they would succeed and make us a slave to them. I don’t know if I was afraid of coming to London if I had booked but one thing is for sure, I would not change anything about it but keep up my plans even more determined than before! The world (not only London) has to stand tall together and show the terror that nothing can break us!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Traci York
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:00:59

    Hubby & I had the evening to ourselves last night (boy went to bed early, the girls were out with friends), and were looking for a movie to rent on TV when the news hit. We ended up watching bits of “BFG (Big Friendly Giant)” in between checking on the latest updates.

    Beautiful poetic response, Ritu. My thoughts are with you and everyone across the pond today.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:05:10

      Thank you Traci.
      I was out with friends last night, and heard the news as we were getting ready to go home. I ended up until at least 2am watching the news… It is all so unnecessary… and sad…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Dan Antion
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:00:17

    Beautifully said, Ritu. The degree to which we can share your sadness is sad in itself. No place is safe, but I think we will win.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. noellekelly
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:53:34

    We all need to stick together and not let terror stop us from doing things. That’s beautiful Ritu x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. The V Pub
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:18:18

    Such an evil sickness that has seeped into the lives of these people. I hope and pray that this scourge ends. #Londonstrong

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. wendyunsworth
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:03:37

    When I looked at my phone first thing this morning The news popped up and my thoughts, ‘Oh no not again.’ Just a little while ago I was starting the day by checking on relatives in Manchester, this morning the same in London – all thankfully well and unaffected, except the way we all are, by the randomness and senselessness and the feeling that there is little we can do to change the minds so full of hate. What we can do, I think, is take good care of our young people who are so malleable and can grow up angry and disaffected. It’s a tough job for every parent and care organisation and authority wherever they are in the world, but those young people are the future of the human race. Thanks for the lovely words Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Kunal Thakore
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:01:27

    Super like!
    Peace, Ritu!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Circle of Daydreams
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:49:18

    Beautiful words. I don’t know where it will stop, but it will not stop us from living our daily lives with hope. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  26. Em Linthorpe
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:44:24

    The scariest thing is that there is no solution. Although terrorism is not a new thing, how can the population be safe from a threat that can happen anywhere at any time, and with no warning. How anyone can justify killing others is beyond my thinking. Many hugs to you, and stay safe and vigilant xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:48:58

      Thank you Em. This is just it… no one knows anything really. There is no true “leader” to try and talk to. Too many factions, too many victims…. but we all know this.
      It has to stop.
      Xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. Debbie H
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:42:09

    You’ve summed it up beautifully Ritu!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  28. Miriam
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:41:56

    Sad and scary times we live in, all over the world. My heart aches for all those innocent lives lost but we can’t let fear rule our lives. Well written Ritu.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  29. abrightclearweb
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:23:29

    Beautifully written. What else can we do but be peaceful, kind, tolerant and carry on with our daily business? Anything else and evil wins.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  30. Wafflemethis
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:06:43

    ❤❤❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  31. Candace
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:57:56

    I really have just gone numb. I just don’t know what to think anymore. Just so shocking. When will this all end? It frightens me what will happen Thursday when we vote

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:08:11

      I know… there are so many situations… where you wonder what is going to happen. they think is no one really knows how to deal with what is happening.
      It’s not as simple as Stop Immigration! So many of these terrorists are home grown…
      But I know what you mean… you just don’t know what to think or feel…

      Like

      Reply

  32. emfletche
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:50:05

    I felt safe last weekend in London; I walked this very path, crossed London Bridge and popped to Borough Market. I will do the same again. Unfortunately we live in a world where this could happen at any time, in any place. I refuse to live in fear.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:53:22

      I think this is just it Em. We need to stay strong. We all feel the sadness, and anger, and fear after attacks like this, wherever they happen. What counts, at this stage, is how we react. If we can continue living, and show that we are stronger, and that these mindless attacks won’t affect how we live, that may make ‘terrorists’ realise that their terror, however hateful, will not silence us.
      But we can’t forget either….

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  33. Colors of my life
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:46:42

    Yes that’s what exactly happened in the 90’s at our end. Sectarian violence between two group. It was done just to create rift in the 2 factions of religion. A lot of credible scholars from both side where gun down.

    Than I guess in 2000 or bit before, both sides sit together and said we are not targeting each other and someone else is playing.

    Since than its not mayhem. Even if something like this is created, both sides comes together as one. The result a lot less stupidity.

    Similar I guess it’s created to create an imagine. Else in my personal observations, a common person lives in harmony. I have Christian, Paris, Ahmadi, Sunni, Shia and Hindu school mates, we didn’t have issues even today.

    Media plays the role of the airing the fire, so we all from different walk to life come together as one.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:50:32

      If only it was so easy to end this violence with two sides sitting down and talking… Unfortunately, there are far too many ‘factors’ involved… but we can only hope, I guess…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Colors of my life
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:58:15

        It wasn’t easy at all. Both sides lost many scholars after 20 years of incidents dating back to 80’s

        Liked by 2 people

      • Ritu
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:09:38

        Oh gosh, no, I didn’t mean that in a bad way! ?It is never easy, but what I meant was that if only we could find two side leaders to talk it through… but there is no one who can really stand up as those two heads… know what I mean?

        Like

      • Colors of my life
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:23:32

        I think the common folks religious leaders should play their part at your end. Which from time to time they did.

        I didn’t take your meaning as bad at all. Just putting missing info.

        The scholars of any school of thought, people usually listen to them rather than politicians since everyone believe they play politics and have bad reputation. In case of scholars of any religion they respect them.

        Liked by 2 people

      • Ritu
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:29:04

        The thing is it’s not about religion now it’s extremism. The terrorists proclaim to be Muslim but the Islamic leaders don’t condone what is happening. The factions that need to ‘talk’ are the terrorists and the rest of the world. This is not just happening here. It’s worldwide.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Colors of my life
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:25:58

        No as far as I am reading they do condone, what I observe the media shows its from a different angle.

        A lot of time, the coverage is not provided at all. Showing as if the religious leaders are not doing anything.

        The other issue is that the religious leaders are also threatened that if they raise voice they might get become the target. So they opted to speak very loudly against them.

        So it’s not just one factor, but a combination of a lot. The end result we the common people suffers no one else.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:34:24

        Islamic leaders here in the UK 100% do NOT condone this extremist terrorism.
        They are horrified by the actions of these misguided few.
        Muslims nationwide here do NOT condone these attacks.
        It is very public here.
        Acts of kindness are shown, by all members of the community, to show there is unity.
        It is just sad that there is that small pocket of people who then round up on innocent Muslims, or brown faces, because they don’t have the correct knowledge either… then revenge attacks are born….

        Liked by 1 person

      • Colors of my life
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:47:53

        Seriously bad, I tell you one thing, in Quran their is one verse, about which it says if the world stop doing this the day of judgement will come.

        Amil Bilmaroof Waa Anil Nahe Munkar

        Speak for the good deeds and stop from spreading evil.

        When Muslims specifically it’s adressed stop following this principles anarchy in the ranks of Muslims will come. And that’s what’s it’s happening. The leaders stop doing their part, the common same, they thought it happened in one part of the world. It won’t effect them. Now it’s everywhere. With no end in sight 😔😤😧

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:02:51

        We can only hope and pray… and keep the faith that humanity will rise…

        Liked by 1 person

  34. thebeasley
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:39:38

    💔

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  35. robbiesinspiration
    Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:10:53

    I also learned of this new attach first thing this morning, Ritu. God bless you and all my English friends.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

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