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John Doe Buried 1913, Estimated Age-35

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Poem 77

From the anthology, Voices From Mt Olive Cemetery, a work that has concluded. This finished manuscript of 77 epitaphs will now be published by Mind Tavern Books. Thanks to those "Soupers" who came by to read my work, some of whom left nice comments.

John Doe Buried 1913 (estimated age 35) When Death opened its revolving door, And pulled my screaming soul in, I found out the truth. So, here it is fellow citizens of Whittier town, Both known and unknown, From John Doe, Stabbed to death one moonless night, Over a poker game gone wrong, That nameless rotting corpse You found floating that long-ago day, In the deep river by Pio Pico. I found out There is no ending. The story never ceases to be. Time and your soul continue on. Here, where I am now, On this side of the grave, The book that you are reading, Does not have a final page. The song that you are hearing, Does not stop playing. The journey that you are taking, Will never reach its ultimate destination. If you throw a stone into the well, It will never hit bottom. I found out This is the way of all striving flesh, When your number is solemnly called… …Timeless eternity………. Permit me now to say a definitive goodbye, On behalf of all these forlorn dead, Who now lie reposed as bones and dust, Interred snugly and deeply, Very deeply, Under these lapping walnut trees, Here in old Mt. Olive Cemetery. Does anyone remember us? Remember our names and addresses? Our appearances and voices? Of course not. Sleep everyone. Sleep deeply Very deeply, and dream Of being remembered again. .

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 4/16/2018 1:14:00 PM
Wow Hunter ...I wonder how many still wonder where their loved ones are... beautiful epitaph.
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Stark Hunter
Date: 4/16/2018 1:55:00 PM
Thanks FJ for stopping by. I will make it a point to visit your site and read a few of yours.

Book: Shattered Sighs