Lest (April)

The double negative challenges us from the first. Lest we forget. Three little words place us directly where we must remember to remember. While not an imperative, they are call and command. They appeal to conscience. On April 25th, we are prompted to remember soldiers, war, loss, futility, death. Or it may be just to remember we are part of remembering. ‘Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet’ is elided from the experience for many, yet Kipling’s meaning depends on assurance of the Lord’s presence. ‘Lest’ is part of collective memory, even as it increases its antiquated Victorian tension.