My Epitaph of Choice - On Poetry - Both Audio and Text

A field of chiseled headstones spread before me when I paused to scan the peaceful countryside that day. It dawned on me that I would not have passed this place at all had I not missed a turn and lost my way. With no one else in sight, I slowly placed the car in park, surveying what had somehow drawn me in. My mind began to wander to a time so long ago, and places where I knew I’d never been. Monuments of marble, with inscriptions nearly gone - and ones of sandstone… granite…schist…and slate - Chronicled the lives of those who lied there, in repose, with names and - when they knew - their date-to-date. What the stones were hewn from, I deduced, would likely tell just how much success its mate had known, And in the great disparity, I drew a correlation between the one there resting - and their stone. Some were very large - with statues standing on their tops - etched with tender words attesting love. Others sported placards made of brass to tell the tale, with silhouettes of angels just above. But most, by far, were less in stature. Meant for average souls with nothing of importance to incise. And this I deemed appropriate, as none should be expecting credit not his due the day he dies. Speculating quietly, I couldn’t help but wonder how the stone prepared for me would read. Nothing all that memorable occurred because of me. I’ve done my fellowman no special deed. The only contribution I have made for which I care - that I would hope to be remembered for - Is what I’ve left in verse, because I feel it’s just as fine as anything the “greats” have penned before. And I’d be absolutely thrilled if…just beneath my name…for all to see - until the end of time - Chiseled deeply in my stone, it read: “Here lies a poet - who left our world a treasure trove of rhyme.” PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs to offer my poetry fans- @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you who travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) Cheers, Mark