{"id":983,"date":"2012-07-06T12:06:04","date_gmt":"2012-07-06T11:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=983"},"modified":"2012-07-06T19:51:21","modified_gmt":"2012-07-06T18:51:21","slug":"the-thwelfth-morning-templemore-avenue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.longkeshinsideout.co.uk\/?p=983","title":{"rendered":"The Twelfth Morning–Templemore Avenue"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE TWELFTH MORNING\u2014TEMPLEMORE AVENUE<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bunting, fluttering, skipping in the early morning draught
\nA long lonely note of a fife carried on the breeze
\nStrong smell of burnt wood drifting– catching every breath
\nBleary eyed and weary we head towards the assemblage in the Avenue.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\nExcited murmurings-expectations as high as every year before
\nMomentum building— the babble growing louder as the morning draws on
\nEver closer to the send off- the initiation of the seven mile march
\nThe culmination of twelve months toil and preparation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mid morning and the sky a glorious cloudless blue,
\nThe pavements thronged\u2014a vibrantly coloured mass of cheering crowds
\nAn acclamation of the assembled lines of musicians and marchers
\nEncouraging remarks and shouts and calls\u2014escalating, growing ever loud.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sturdy souls exert themselves in hefting up the banner
\nWhile smaller versions strain against the strings–holding taut
\nThe standard\u2014lofted proud o\u2019er the masses
\nProclaiming Royal allegiance or battles that we fought.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A flurry of activity\u2014a movement en masse\u2014jostling for position
\nLast minute checks\u2014on uniforms\u2014on flutes\u2014on tack\u2014nerves steeled
\nThroats cleared\u2014a drum roll\u2014a booming prologue for the long day ahead
\nThe multitudes erupt in elation and its Onward\u2014To The Field.<\/p>\n

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