Phil is a photograph by Jeff Burgess which was uploaded on June 4th, 2010.
Phil
My friend Phil grew these poppies. Every spring they would come up and every fall he would give me seeds to plant. This late winter he walked out... more
by Jeff Burgess
Title
Phil
Artist
Jeff Burgess
Medium
Photograph - Giclee Print
Description
My friend Phil grew these poppies. Every spring they would come up and every fall he would give me seeds to plant. This late winter he walked out of his house and died next to the poppy bed. This image is for him, may he reside in a heaven filled with poppies.......RIP. Poppies have been used to honor the dead. For instance take Flanders Field written by John McCrae, May 1915, to honor Lieutenant Alexis Helmer who was killed during the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres. He was a young Canadian artillery officer and died on the second of May. This is the poem:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
This work has been featured multiple times
Also, my grandfather served in Europe on the fighting field during the first World War (and also was in the second world war, surviving being gassed and during the battle of Angio in Italy). His final rank was Lieutenant Coronel).
Uploaded
June 4th, 2010
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Comments (218)
Bonnie Marie
Love the burnished sky effects so lovely!
Jeff Burgess replied:
I think backgrounds are very important to the 'feel' of the resulting work. Pleased that you appreciate this. Regards.
Michael Durst
OMG! This image and the back story are so amazing and poignant! Jeff, your gallery is such a feast for the eyes and for the soul!
Moira Risen
Wonderful work and the personal story behind it is very touching...
Jeff Burgess replied:
The emotion of a personal story underlies art that "touches" the viewer. Thanks so much
VIVA Anderson
Makes my heart sing, Jeff, for this beauty, for your friend Phil!!......fav,kudos,compliments!.....VIVA
Barbie Corbett-Newmin
Thanks for sharing this popular beauty! Congratulations! Your beautiful tribute has been featured on the home page of the Over 3000 Views group. Please make it available for future viewing by posting your feature in the Featured Images Archive discussion thread and any other appropriate discussion threads-- ie sales of your group images etc.
Claudia Zahnd-Prezioso
I am very sorry about the loss of your friend. At least he died next to/with something he loved. This work is outstanding !!
Jeff Burgess replied:
It seems like yesterday, but was many years ago now. New owners in the house, a remodel, and a change in the foliage around the house, and poppies gone. A sad tale of lost remembrance.