In the graveyard, a low sad sun
helps to reveal names on headstones,
green from time's dedication,
scrolled like a will and testament
or in bold font according to taste.
"Departed this life"- the date obscured.
Bees choose life in the blossom;
while the old church, defending its faith
with custom, lurches into safe oblivion.
I see a fresh headstone
with its neat rendition
"Forever loved, taken too soon."
A complaint to such as I stopping by.
Hi Peter. I like your comment. I suppose my intention was that an inscription means so much at the time, and then becomes just a memory, given impact by the viewer.
Poignant of course. Thanks, appreciated.
Hi Marie. That's gratifying, thanks. I try to paint a picture!
Hi Hannah. I'm so glad you liked this. How helpless we are in the big picture.
Many thanks for the likes: Starfish (I much admired your profile poem!), Des, Anya, and Darren, cheers all.
Ray
<Deleted User> (18118)
Tue 11th Sep 2018 09:04
'Forever loved, taken too soon'.
No one could wish for a better inscription.
Beautiful, evocative poem.
Hannah
I love the imagery on this poem. Thank you for sharing.
lovely poem, Ray, you written in like seaside rock through and through. I guess a complaint because the death was recent, hinting perhaps at violence or maybe illness at a young age?
An intended enigma......?
Great stuff, thank you.
Peter T
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raypool
Tue 11th Sep 2018 21:41
Yes David. A matter of perspective, observation, borders, possibilities - all these things must bring to bear on any assessment, and I appreciate your own as you know.
Ironically, that line was just an illustration of what one reads on gravestones rather than a pointed reference to any bigger picture. But follow such things we do , and that is right for any poetry. We could just call it a clue....
I think taken as a given, the length of any life and its validity can never honestly be pinned down , except perhaps by the degree of grief it produces.
Poetry can be divisive, and also inclusive. Both need apply.
I need to get my coat.
Much appreciated. Ray