Notes About The Poem

Cemetery Poetry Contest

Sponsored by: Constance La France 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Cemetery Bell Rang

“Death can never separate us. Each time you feel a gentle breeze, It's my hand caressing your face.”  By Mary Lucas

The first bell intoned its dreary dirge.
The feel of emptiness spread all around.
I was not afraid.  I felt tall and steady.
Night began to obscure the light of day.

I began my lonely trek around the desolate place.
I met no one nor did I want to.  I repeat.
I was not afraid.  Some candles were still lit
All around the paths.  Not that I had any difficulty
To find my way.  I had walked that path too, often.

Suddenly all around a wild wind whispered all around.
Still, I was more concerned about names and ages.
How many die young!  I feel tears brimming in my eyes.
Yet no tears fell.  The light dimmed casting long shadows.
A lone raven cawed, a warming call.  I did not care.

The dirge bell rang again, a mandate and a warning,
I pressed on, undaunted but free.
I entered the mausoleum as was my habit,
Lay myself down in my comfy coffin and slept.

Placed 1
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 5/30/2025 7:23:00 AM
OH shiver me timbers, Victor, I have goosebumps. The is extraordinary with such lovely imagery leading to a WOW ending, no one would see that coming. A very creative / chilling write. Ew wee, you got me. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Date: 5/30/2025 6:49:00 AM
I was walking those steps through the cemetery with you every step of the way, without the courage you possess of course.Dear Victor, you are well known for your surprise twists but I wasn't expecting this. Great take on the Cemetry prompt. I wish you luck in the contest...hugs
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Date: 5/29/2025 7:47:00 PM
Suddenly all around a wild wind whispered all around. Still, I was more concerned about names and ages. How many die young! I feel tears brimming in my eyes...sounds like my Dad…he often reads the obits!
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Date: 5/29/2025 7:30:00 PM
An ominous, terrifying night scene. This poem is a winner for me. Thank you for this early Halloween scare. Good luck with the contest.
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Date: 5/29/2025 12:45:00 PM
oh wow, great ending on this. Took me by surprise.
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Date: 5/29/2025 12:22:00 PM
Pretty dark- leaves a haunting impression
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Date: 5/29/2025 11:28:00 AM
Poor guy, it doesn't sound like he wants to be a vampire. You wrote it very well Victor. I doubt anyone would have guessed what was coming in the last line.
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Date: 5/29/2025 6:07:00 AM
Dear Victor, I felt each step through the cemetery charged with memory and quiet courage. I felt the loss, the weight of names and ages, the comfort in ritual and the wild wind’s. Your words make peace with darkness, finding rest in the familiar. iYes, n solitude, we are held by echoes, by bells, by gentle, unseen hands. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend Victor. -Daniel
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Date: 5/29/2025 1:51:00 AM
like Dracula, smiles, this is awesome poetry my friend, a place that inspire sadness to me take care poet
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Date: 5/29/2025 1:21:00 AM
A fine write Victor, I found the ending a complete surprise and the poem enjoyably sublime… Beryl
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Date: 5/28/2025 10:15:00 PM
Oh Victor, this is so chilling but strangely comforting. The tears would not be there, but sorrow was. Cemetaries always make me sad, I read the dates and names, but wow, to think of actually being one at rest (or unrest!) there and going back to one's own grave!! That was indeed unexpected. This is a fave.
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Date: 5/28/2025 8:15:00 PM
Wow, the amusing ending is certainly a shocker! This is a great story, Victor! Good luck in the contest. :)
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Date: 5/28/2025 11:43:00 AM
Your poem is really skilled and easy to grasp, Victor. And your poetic style is, as always, excellent, and I truly enjoy the ending. Best wishes for the contest.
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Date: 5/28/2025 8:22:00 AM
So heartfelt and poignant, so many yes leave so early and that makes me sad too, i personally dont like cemeteries as it makes me so sad. Youve written very well for the prompt in such a seamless manner! I love the ending the most and as always your descriptive lines are so very impressive! Best wishes. Sending you light always
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Date: 5/28/2025 5:58:00 AM
A vampire? Where's my silver bullet? Or is that for werewolves? Anyway, interesting take on the theme Vic
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Date: 5/28/2025 2:52:00 AM
- A most unexpected ending...well done, Victor :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
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