Beside the grave

Beside the grave


Beside the grave, no need for prayers

Or any words, we stand and stare

And keep the company for some minutes

Of the souls that rested there. 


It’s forty years, give or take

Since they they came in coffins

Followed slowly by the others 

Beloved sons and daughters 


In just a line a life is told

A birth, a death, both unfold

Loving mothers and doting dads

Touching, poignant even sad. 


Life in here is fairly fair

Displays of wealth are fairly rare

Most are happy with six feet

No matter what their living reach.  


The company we keep up here

Is chosen by our date of death

Our voices silent, our money spent 

The day we breathe our final breath. 


The clouds are crossing on the wind

Across the blue sky of September

Today we welcome the first of autumn 

With mixed feelings for the future. 


Gas prices worry and the cost

Of food and heat and everything

Yet for these spirits all care has passed

A sunny peace that lasts and lasts. 


 

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