53 Bronze Bells
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the
parliament of canada a beautiful high gothic
building the center piece the bell tower
victoria tower (1859-1866 to build) 180 feet
fire destroyed in the great fire of 1916
we were taught in school
reconstructed in gothic revival
moss drapes the stone walls
rebuilt (1927) we now call it the peace tower
inside this tower
a series of twisting and turning spiral staircases
a labyrinthine
lead up to the bells 53 bronze carillon bells
ranging in size from huge to tiny
nestled in the tower and the wind blows
beyond stained glass windows
yes the doors are locked
each stationary bell tuned to a specific note
on the
musical scale
the lilt inspiring
nothing electronic or electrical
all manual played from a keyboard-pedal
board by a carilloneaur an
important position appointed by the government
a person so skilled and dedicated
their hands pull the paddles with velvet grace
the bells toll daily at noon
for fifteen minutes so many times I have
stopped my errands stood
to listen to the bells ringing
it is so beautiful echoing amongst the buildings
I hang my head like a flower
the sound vanishing lasting only a short time
so fleeting I lament the ending
but during the summer they sound for one hour
eleven to noon for tourists
some people bring their lunches
follow the throng the crowd of listeners
oh what an assemblage a sea of nameless faces
they sit on the lawn in front of the tower
the parliament buildings "the hill"
oh yes it is built on a hill
(but that is another story)
and listen it is an amazing experience
there is something so magical
the bells ringing loudly all over the
downtown streets what a lovely background
noise it is very special to us city dwellers
the ebb and flow of 53 bronze bells ringing
on christmas evening we can listen
to silent night and other hymns
those sweet dulcet christmas tunes
I feel quite blessed to have
these bells ringing loudly
for me each day and of course for
all whom love musical bells
_________________________________
July 25, 2015
Poetry/Free Verse/53 bronze bells
Copyright Protected, ID 15-694-556-0
All Rights Reserved. Written under Pseudonym.
For the contest, For Whom The Bell Tolls,
sponsor Debbie Guzzi
Seventh Place
Copyright © Constance La France | Year Posted 2015
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