Every act is part of a short sequence of meaning
with immediate cause and sudden consequence
which, in time, is lifted into a larger liturgy wherein
its truth emerges in words and music, tribute and grief.

Be aware: a liturgy is in the making

which utters, on behalf of the players,
unspoken thoughts; events rise into
their true dignity and power. The unopened
parachute, the spray of bullets, the plane falling -

these alone were not the battle of Britain.

But the collective effort, the sense of salvation,
of civilization at stake, the thanksgivings,
the peoples’ suffering, the acts of remembrance,
the king walking through the London rubble,

these made the liturgy, the solemn celebration.