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Absent Smile

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And the cemetery was still and serene A palette of muted greens, browns, tans and warm gray scene Fence-post with barbed wire surrounds the garden Seashells and caliza, sage brush, cactus, and mesquite trees harden Tall cold stones erect sentries Standing on sacred ground granting entry In the garden of seashells and sage brush A cemetery of generations of families Grandmothers and grandfathers Their parents and family before them Tugging at our memories Whispering shadows of their secrets All lie with crowns of stones As their names are etched on marble stones While others with ceramic photographs of the dearly departed So they, won’t be forgotten All with stories to tell My head down with sadness My heart skips a beat in my chest I stand and look at the headstone of my once beautiful grandmother And lay a bouquet of red roses at the feet of the stone I kneel and clean the surroundings of weeds that have sprang up And dust of the ceramic photograph Wistful thinking Her smile with a flicker of spark in her eyes All the good times we used to have She taught me not to be afraid, To drive her white 1958 Impala And the cemetery was still and serene I know it’s an empty vessel that lay in the sandstone As her soul grew wings long ago And in heaven she’s watching over all she has left behind 5/20/2016 Free Verse Form Contest: And The Cemetery Was Sponsored by: Broken Wings Spiritually Fulfilled Gazing at the sky Spiritually fulfilled Cherished memories

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 6/3/2016 12:38:00 PM
How beautiful and touching, Eve! It emits nostalgia, with a serene touch included. Congrats on this high placing. Regards // paul
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Date: 6/2/2016 4:22:00 AM
Congratulations on your wonderful win, Eve:)
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Date: 6/2/2016 1:29:00 AM
Congratulations on your placement, Eve. ~karam~
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Date: 6/1/2016 9:26:00 PM
You've helped us to visualize a beautiful garden and serene cemetary. A place left behind by the dead. Congratulations!
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Date: 6/1/2016 8:33:00 PM
Very lovingly expressed emotions about your visit to the family cemetery, Eve, and the memories it brought back to you. Nicely written, and congratulations on your placement in the contest. 7 Hugs, Sandra
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Date: 6/1/2016 7:22:00 PM
Beautifully related. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
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Date: 5/29/2016 4:12:00 PM
This is a most elegant piece of writing, Eve. My very best regards...as always - And my warmest wishes! :) john
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Date: 5/26/2016 1:46:00 PM
Great lines, wonderful flows, indicative of a soul deep mind. An excellent seven well deserved.
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Date: 5/24/2016 5:50:00 PM
wow, Eve, you are at your best writing about such intimate, sad and nostalgic memories. a big winner, I am sure!! very lovely.
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Date: 5/23/2016 10:35:00 PM
So beautiful Eve!! hugs!
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Date: 5/23/2016 3:40:00 AM
Excellent and very deep write. Thanks for sharing it.
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Date: 5/22/2016 1:48:00 PM
This is the third poem I've read today about death. Each unique and beautifully written. I enjoy the thought that goes into these writes, the contemplative, almost nostalgic mood. You've done a nice job of capturing the feeling of reverence and reflection that seems to pervade cemeteries. Nicely done, and good luck in the contest. -G
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Eve Roper
Date: 5/22/2016 8:39:00 PM
Thank you so very much for your compliment and your good luck in the contest, G. Eve
Date: 5/21/2016 3:23:00 PM
such sad beautiful imagery good luck in the contest Eve:-) hugs Jan xx
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Eve Roper
Date: 5/21/2016 9:40:00 PM
Thank you, Jan, for the inspiring compliment I hope Broken Wings likes it these are my experiences . It is different then what she writes. Yours was just wonderful I can not compare. Hugs Eve
Date: 5/21/2016 4:43:00 AM
- Impressive and wonderful written, Eve - Good luck in contest - I wish you a lovely weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Eve Roper
Date: 5/21/2016 9:39:00 PM
Thank you, Anne- Lise, for the inspiring compliment I hope Broken Wings likes it these are my experiences . It is different then what she writes. Hugs Eve
Date: 5/21/2016 2:32:00 AM
Cemeteries always exerted a serene feeling in my heart. Your poem is a fantastic one dear, Eve. A seven!
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Eve Roper
Date: 5/21/2016 9:42:00 PM
Thank you, Demetrios, for the inspiring compliment and the 7 these are my experiences . Hugs Eve
Date: 5/21/2016 2:01:00 AM
i like the mellow feel of this wonderful piece; better than mine, eve... much enjoyed!..huggs
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Eve Roper
Date: 5/21/2016 9:37:00 PM
Thank you, Nette, for the inspiring compliment I hope broken wings likes it these are my experiences . It is different then what she writes. Hugs Eve

Book: Shattered Sighs