Alone Among the Graves

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No romance today.


The cemetery was deserted,
at the far edge of the tiny village,
shrouded in a fine sultry fog.
Large black trees threw darkened shadows
over the deserted gruesome sepulchers.

Few cared to visit, few cared to tend the tombs.
A large hawthorn hedge, irregularly grown,
surrounded its oblique perimeters.
Cursed, the villagers said
for it never flowered red blooms
during any time of the year.
 
An old hunchback lived there,
he lived all alone, with no one to care
No one fed him, no one was his friend.
No one knew where he came from,
no one knew his name,
but he loved the lonely forsaken place:
he weeded out the desultory paths,
and cleaned the old dreary tombs,
he planted evergreens and white flowers,
to welcome the damned and the doomed.

Only one woman came to visit, 
constantly, rain or shine, every blessed day.
The hunchback would give her a white flower.
And she returned the gesture with a dime.
No word was spoken, nor looks exchanged.
She’d go to a small tomb, presided by a tearful angel.
The grave was covered with a cold white marble slab.
There she’d leave the white flower,
stand for a while in silence till she left, 
No tears fell down her wrinkled old face.
The cemetery prevailed in gloom.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 12/16/2021 2:53:00 AM
An atmospheric piece of writing Victor...Delice
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Date: 12/10/2021 6:03:00 AM
This is amazing, descriptive, apt for the picture and also arousing the curiosity of the readers as if it's the beginning of an interesting story...Victor...as many said below... God bless... ~ Ani
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Date: 12/9/2021 1:06:00 AM
Hi Victor, You told such a well-written story about two lonely souls, who didn't say a word audible, however, the unspoken spoke volumes. Excellent job-Alexis
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Date: 12/8/2021 4:10:00 PM
WoW Victor. What a great beginning to a short story. Hope the old man was able to get money to buy food with and the old woman was able to find relief rom her grief. Good stuff. God Bless, JB
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Date: 12/8/2021 3:42:00 PM
An interesting description of this gloomy place and two people who don't talk but share the experience of being there often!
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Date: 12/8/2021 12:24:00 PM
Hello Victor, it is such a sad poem but there is caring to. Enjoy your day my friend.
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Date: 12/8/2021 11:06:00 AM
So heartfelt, Victor, like always well written verse. Hugs and lots of Love Eve
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Date: 12/8/2021 10:42:00 AM
There is sadness in these lines, but with welcome relief in gestures of caring and kindness. Well done, Victor.
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Date: 12/8/2021 10:29:00 AM
Shivering from unspent words here dear Victor, nicely scened , for effect :)
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Date: 12/8/2021 7:20:00 AM
Your detailed wording brings the scenes to life. One of the saddest tales I've ever read! Victor. Lesser-known to future generations will be those among us who have died. Anyone would have strong sentiments in this situation.
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Date: 12/8/2021 7:18:00 AM
“The cemetery prevailed in gloom.” There was but a bit of life, an obscure gesture between the hunchback and the old woman.
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Date: 12/8/2021 5:46:00 AM
A haunting description so detailed and sorrowful, Victor:) a sad connection between two unknown people:)
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Date: 12/8/2021 5:36:00 AM
Yet another story told skillfully, Victor. Your detailed descriptions bring the scenes alive. I see the deserted place and the two souls who bring semblance of life to the otherwise lonely place.
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Date: 12/8/2021 5:30:00 AM
- This touches my heart, my friend Victor ... a sad sight in a cemetery ... and they are everywhere ... in every country - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Date: 12/8/2021 3:04:00 AM
Such a sad story narrated in all poignancy ! That hunchback and the old lady will keep haunting my thoughts for long Victor. All of us will lie under the weed grown sod, forgotten by the posterity ! A scene tugging at the heart strings....
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Date: 12/8/2021 1:33:00 AM
The final resting place of our loved ones, always a place of sadness where we said our goodbyes. Tom
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