Time, like an ever rolling stream
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Isaac Watts – Psalm 90:5

BUT NOT ENTIRELY FORGOTTEN. The parish church clock in Penrith could be heard “passing the time” – despite what seemed an appropriately chastening chill wind – as a large gathering assembled solemn, still and silent at 11am on 11.11.11. Thanks be to the God of peace ‘which passeth understanding’. Worldwide political and religious ‘certainties’ are challenged to the core by the cold winds that blow around such reflective remembrance. Our bringing to mind all that we have learned since Armistice Day in 1918 must surely call forth a deeper humility. Lobbing grenades between trenches – be they military dug-outs, religious houses, seats of learning, or government offices – must become a thing of the past.