saturday 15th November 2014 at DIVAcontemporary studio, Bridport
Mark Hewitt (above) and Mandy Rathbone (below) playing one of the ‘instruments’
created by ivon oates.
‘air guitar’ by ivon oates
Eva Fahle-Clouts playing ‘hum’
Anthem for Doomed Youth – installation – multiple speakers and bells
by Mandy Rathbone
Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, –
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
Wilfred Owen
September / October 1917
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