By: Joshua Emil Lizardo
Laurence Binyon wrote in his sensational poem For The Fallen, “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:/ Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn./At the going down of the sun and in the morning/We will remember them.” These lines are prominently used during memorial services associated with the military service. Binyon’s poem is, in fact, written to remember the casualties of the First World War. Despite the context of this poem, I can’t help but to provide a separate interpretation. Legacy.
What happens next after the fact? What happens after we have released all the pain and the grief? Where do we go from here after reflecting on the fragility of life?
There is no objective and specific answer to those questions because all of us are in different circumstances. More often than not, we have our own ways of coping with death and loss. It can span from distractions to ease the pain to trying to find purpose. One fact that must be acknowledged is despite the losses we’re still here and we have to accept that. It’s up to us on how to proceed. If we’re lucky, there is a guide or some instructions left by the departed. Realistically, there is none. All we have left are the vivid memories that attest to their existence and impact to our lives.
Death is indeed a fact of life. Usually, it is diminished to an “it is what it is” situation where all of us have to deal with a certain time and then move on after the fact. Since the rage of the recent pandemic, death has hit much closer to home. The losses were just unbearable and it truly was a loss because those who remain were indeed lost. We are forced to confront the hard reality of the aftermath of death. Nevertheless, we’re still alive. They’re not here anymore and we have to step up one way or another.
We who remain are given the timely task to assume responsibilities we never thought we’d get, painful it may be. We who remain must honor the memory of the departed by living life and choosing life. We who remain are expected to be better than the departed or if that’s not possible, at least maintain some respectable standard.
We who remain must work together because we have big shoes to fill.
THE BARRISTER 