Olive Frazier 1854 - 1895

Olive Frazier 1854 – 1895 To my many august friends, Mere survivors under this hungry consuming California sky. Before you can reach high to the stars, my friends, Both feet must firmly be set upon the ground first. This, in essence, is the lesson of a lifetime. Here in Clark Cemetery, the soil is rich and fertile. In my prime years I have walked here Walked on many an afternoon and many an early evening. Walked and slowly strolled and ambled Like a solitary tumbleweed in a restless wind. Like a knock-kneed crab in a dark watery place Commiserating with the barnacles. It was on such a stroll That I encountered the handsome Mr. Frazier. Milton by name, bricklayer by trade. We watched the sunset that evening. Two hawks in flight high in the blue Swaying effortlessly in the high breeze. We found love in the dust And we found heartbreak in the endless shadowed distances Of Clark Cemetery. I left this earth giving birth to my baby. And now together we peacefully reside in this deep hole. Together with Milton, my love. Together now and forever in the dirt and the dust. Milton, I am sorry I left you alone when I died. So sorry you had to go on without us. Often when the clouds above give drink to this dead land, I think of us Wondrously and miraculously alive, Strolling to the east under the canopy of the walnut trees. Your hand in mine Your heart and mine intermingling magically. Thank you my husband. I was indeed privileged to be your wife.