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
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