Digging Graves Circa 1955

No mechanical diggers digging Standard oblong shaped holes The only effort needed being To manipulate the controls. We dug our graves by hand And the sweat of our brow A craft that seems outdated And no longer any use now. Each grave was dug to An Individual coffin’s shape With an allowance made for The handles and the rope No deviation of the sides by Even the slightest little bit Ensuring each grave allowed An almost snug tailored fit. Beating down the earth To compact the ground So there was little shrinkage Of a grave’s earthen mound, The relaying of the turf The floral tributes laid Mourners final thoughts Carefully displayed We took pride in our work Felt each family should expect Their deceased loved one to be Sent off with honour and respect. No, no mechanical diggers Just a man’s strength and skill And a gathering of the villagers To show support and goodwill.