If they did they would not be charging against a wall of cannon fire but such is the glory and romance(alleged) of battle and the stuff on memorable poems and Errol Flynn movies.
Ah, one of my favorite poems–based purely on my dad’s recounting of it. He learned it in school and could recite it quite well…”Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left…” and the light bulb brigade makes me smile, too. When I was a young child I thought the poem did have something to do with light! You are so clever, Carl!
There are other omissions in famous battles across history. For example the WW II Battle of Coral Sea down your way did not involve a single piece of coral or sea shell. In addition there exist indicators that the battle may have been fought by monkeys in the jungles of Borneo.
I have a recording of Tennyson reciting this. Never cared for the poem before I heard him, but when I hear him with the words, I am there with the charge. Gives me goosebumps every time. Pretty sure I can thank the mind of Edison for that recording. Another brilliant invention of his.
37 responses to ““The Charge of the Light Bulb Brigade” by Lord Alfred D’Agostino”
suzicate
January 3rd, 2013 at 07:38
…and they saw the light!
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 07:48
If they did they would not be charging against a wall of cannon fire but such is the glory and romance(alleged) of battle and the stuff on memorable poems and Errol Flynn movies.
seeker
January 3rd, 2013 at 08:11
So that’s how Thomas charged the world. Funny and good morning to you.
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:14
Brilliant and illuminating comment !
katecrimmins
January 3rd, 2013 at 08:54
Hmmmm….I believe those bulbs are illegal now, aren’t they? They have to be energy savers.
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:16
I don’t know . I still use candles, pen and stationary, stamps and envelops and use the town’s phone at Dale’s Feed and Seed over in Eastbrook.
PRusso
January 3rd, 2013 at 09:17
Is he still chasing Tesla?
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:17
Poor Tesla. Another Italian cheated out of his due recognition. At least they did not diminish Fermi and Marconi.
flynn1959
January 3rd, 2013 at 14:21
Sorry, Marconi infringed on Tesla, too…….
Was Edison charging off to the bank….?
earthriderjudyberman
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:23
Carl, you are one of the bright lights of 2013.
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:27
Thanks. Stay “plugged” in for more.
Three Well Beings
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:53
Ah, one of my favorite poems–based purely on my dad’s recounting of it. He learned it in school and could recite it quite well…”Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left…” and the light bulb brigade makes me smile, too. When I was a young child I thought the poem did have something to do with light! You are so clever, Carl!
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 12:41
The poem is perfect for drama by speaker delivery. I liked Longfellow and Emily Dickinson but only a few by Whitman.
Mark Petruska
January 3rd, 2013 at 13:50
Carl LED the way!
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 15:57
I Led Zepped ‘em.
Tony McGurk
January 3rd, 2013 at 17:16
I never knew there were light bulbs involved. I learn something new today. Thanks Carl.
Carl D'Agostino
January 3rd, 2013 at 18:34
There are other omissions in famous battles across history. For example the WW II Battle of Coral Sea down your way did not involve a single piece of coral or sea shell. In addition there exist indicators that the battle may have been fought by monkeys in the jungles of Borneo.
clinock
January 4th, 2013 at 00:22
Watts going on here – Quite a ‘switch’ from the wishes of Christmas peace…
Carl D'Agostino
January 4th, 2013 at 14:38
Now on to non seasonal topics.
clinock
January 5th, 2013 at 00:35
Did they use Charge cards?
tricia linden
January 4th, 2013 at 01:28
For a minute I was in the dark, but thankfully, the light brigade saved the day…. and night.
Carl D'Agostino
January 4th, 2013 at 14:37
Very eclectic, I mean electric comment.
poemsandponderings
January 4th, 2013 at 01:32
You’re a better ‘lamp’ than I “Gunga Dim.” Oh by the way we know the brigade, but which filament were that attached to?
Carl D'Agostino
January 4th, 2013 at 14:37
Both had Errol Flynn I think.
poemsandponderings
January 5th, 2013 at 00:05
And so did almost every starlet in Hollywood from what I understand.
sonsothunder
January 4th, 2013 at 20:58
If only “Muse” came in legions of bright ideas…I think my bulb has burned out…Oh well, live by the pen…die by the pen…
~HAPPY NEW YEAR~
Carl D'Agostino
January 5th, 2013 at 05:34
I understand. Mine’s been asleep last several months and redoing old stuff. I wrote to the Muse once. google – letters to erato carldagostino.
adeeyoyo
January 4th, 2013 at 22:52
You are a bright light, Carl!
saliviamore
January 4th, 2013 at 23:36
Interesting picture
adeeyoyo
January 5th, 2013 at 02:21
Sorry, I should have said ‘spark’ instead of ‘light’, Carl! Unfortunately I can’t edit my comment though.
Carl D'Agostino
January 5th, 2013 at 05:35
Two star comments-very illuminating.
Valentine Logar
January 5th, 2013 at 06:52
With this perhaps I can read the poem in a different light
Carl D'Agostino
January 5th, 2013 at 07:21
Thanks for adding your wit to post.
Lori Lipsky
January 6th, 2013 at 09:20
I have a recording of Tennyson reciting this. Never cared for the poem before I heard him, but when I hear him with the words, I am there with the charge. Gives me goosebumps every time. Pretty sure I can thank the mind of Edison for that recording. Another brilliant invention of his.
Thanks for the smiles as always, Carl.
Carl D'Agostino
January 6th, 2013 at 11:21
Dylan Thomas recital would be great too if one exists. What a voice for this.
ruleofstupid
January 7th, 2013 at 18:48
A charge by the Royal FUSElliers? Then they went Ohm.
Sorry – but all the best puns had been taken! Guess I’m a Shade late…
Carl D'Agostino
January 7th, 2013 at 21:22
2 good ones anyway. Thanks.