When I go out in the mornings with my cleaning job in the blue van, we pass the island of flowers every day. Which reminds me it’s a hundred years this year that Edith Cavell, the Vicar’s daughter from Swaderton in Norfolk, and Rupert Brooke – Warwickshire soldier and poet, were killed. They were both in Norfolk when they heard news of the war breaking out. Rupert was in Cley-Next-the-Sea, and Edith was at home in Swardeton. As far as I know, they didn’t meet each other, but to me they’re similar. Both serving their country, and having a sense of humour quite unique. If you wanted to know more about the life of each of them, you will find it here, in The Angel and the Poet. The articles were originally published in The Great War magazine, but I felt that they belonged together, so self-published them here. ———————————— One of Rupert Brooke’s poems – written when he was abroad, and dreaming of home Old vicarage, Granchester Just now the lilac is in bloom, All before my little room; And in my flower-beds, I think, Smile the carnation and the pink; And down the borders, well I know, The poppy and the pansy blow . . . Oh! there the chestnuts, summer through, Beside the river make for you A tunnel of green gloom, and sleep Deeply above; and green and deep The stream mysterious glides beneath, Green as a dream and deep as death. — Oh, damn! I know it! and I know How the May fields all golden show, And when the day is young and sweet, Gild gloriously the bare feet That run to bathe . . . `Du lieber Gott!’ To read more of the poem, click here
soldier in greenery
Sue’s Website 
Very interesting post, Suzy, and I remember that article. Love the idea of an island of flowers.
Hi, Rosemary, yes, Tamworth town is looking quite lovely at the moment. I had to walk through the Castle gardens today to fetch the car from where Alan works as he was on a mid-morning shift. Glad about that as the castle flowers are stunning as well.
Good idea to recycle your articles. Although you originally linked them to an anniversary, both stories are timeless and deserve to be told again and again to each new generation. Good luck with it!
Thank you, Linda. They are timeless, you’re right. When I saw the 1915 it reminded me of Rupert and Edith. Both were free spirits, and enjoyed life while they were here. Two lovely people. Glad you popped by.
Looking at some of the beautiful gardens around here I like to think Britain is a garden of flowers. Always a cheery post, Suzy. You could have left it with war and death but you brought flowers into it and made me smile.
Hi, Lovely Lynne, glad the post made you smile, and I hadn’t thought of it like that. The flowers are a lovely reminder of two people who made a difference to lots of people’s lives. I should have put the Soldier poem thinking about it, but the Granchester one is more fun. His poetry started off serious, and ended up showing his strange sense of humour. He wrote one to a girlfriend which ended in a strange way. Thanks for popping in.
I agree with Linda. It’s great that you’ve recycled these articles, and in such a pleasing way.
Thanks, Julia. Both stories are ones I think need to be told.
I like the cover – very appropriate.
Thanks, Patsy. I got it from a man on the fiverr website. He did a great job and that’s exactly what I asked him for. Wished I remembered who it was to do another one for me.
Lovely idea to link the stories. And, I agree with Patsy, the cover is perfect. Have bought the book and look forward to reading it 🙂
Thanks, Ruth, you’re a star. I want to read your walking boots one as well. I would say hope you enjoy it, but if it’s a subject you’re interested in, then I know you will enjoy reading it.
Good to be reminded of your book again and I agree the cover is lovely. It’s very poignant in the way the images are linked. Have just re-read the whole of Rupert Brooke’s poem via your link – beautiful! I too love the idea of ‘an island of flowers’. 🙂
Hi, Jan, his poetry is great. Started off serious and quite miserable, and then got more humerous as he went on. His personality came out so if he’d lived longer he would have been more influential than he was in his short life. Glad you liked the link. Any excuse to promote the book:)))