One Stone - Unknown

you May-
think me odd    perhaps strange 
peculiar and off the wall-
but I
like to wander cemeteries

among    rows       on rows

I love the tranquility
there is a peace    like no other
where hidden birds sing melodies
and little creatures scurry
and time    stands still 

and I like to read inscriptions
on tombstones in the dappled sun
    or rain wet or snow covered
        gravestones monolith
            flagstones flat and small
                all the RIP inscriptions

among   rows    on rows

the relic stones     I do adore
those traces
of family history
faded now and obscure
covered in moss    some toppled over
I have to get close to read
    and even then it is a mystery

on a bright sunny day
camera in hand    journal ready
      my mind at peace
I noted    one stone    inscription
reading  U N K N O W N
this of all the stones    this broke my heart

among   rows    on rows

no name     no date     no record
no flowers ever I am sure
  no memorial of any kind
     a homeless man, perhaps
        or woman, maybe
              a baby unwanted     so sad

of all     the commemorative slabs
   the huge monuments with many names
with    beautiful words engraved
  of remembrance    with dates and names    

this unknown stone has broken my heart . . . 

____________________________
November 9, 2017


Poetry/Free Verse/One Stone-Unknown
Copyright Protected, ID 17-9597-09-0
All Rights Reserved.  Written Under Pseudonym.


Written for the contest, Two Word Challenge
sponsor, John Lawless


Second Place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Hamilton Avatar
December 5, 2017 at 11:53 AM
This one is so beautiful in it's sadness Constance, it is so sad when someone dies as an unknown, at least it gives me comfort that God knows who he/she is! Congrats on another fine win!
Barden Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 9:01 PM
I love this one, Constance, and back to say congrats on number four on the "Best New" list - keep going, girl! Blessings, friend! :-) <3
Sewumber Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 11:20 PM
Explains better: Soul rest in peace. Well written and congrats.
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 7:42 PM
I also like the old cemetery lots of history there. I like the very old stones. Have a nice evening my friend.
Gauthier Avatar
November 24, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Wonderful meandering of the heart right along with you. Beautiful.
Lindley Avatar
November 21, 2017 at 2:46 PM
Fantastic poetry my friend! There are cases where people life alone in the midst of crowds. Their dreams denied due to Fate's cruel hand. Your poem shows death/war to be that destroyer but sometimes it is hate and jealousy of other humans that do so. This is a great work and a true poet's creativity and talent on display. A fav..
Daniel Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 7:29 AM
So sad, Constance, to die unknown...well written, congratulations:)
Allison Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 9:16 PM
Dropping back with my congrats Constance:-) hugs jan xx
Haight Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 8:55 AM
The made my eyes tear up, Constance. So sad but so beautifully written. It is going to my Fav list. Congratulations on your well-deserved podium win. Hugs, Sandra
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 16, 2017 at 6:42 AM
Back with congratulations <3
Barden Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 10:12 PM
Wonderfully poignant write, Constance - congratulations on your well-deserved win! :-) <3
Rodrigues Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 8:23 PM
Back for Congrats!
Inman Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 6:32 PM
A beauty BW. Headstones are for the living not for the dead.
Lawless Avatar
November 15, 2017 at 6:16 PM
BW, thank you for this wondrous walk through the silent stones. To have lived and loved and left....UNKNOWN....Thank You for participating in the contest
Sivey Avatar
November 10, 2017 at 5:20 AM
I have to admit, this breaks my heart too to see the word "unknown" upon a gravestone, that without anything else written on it, no words of endearment, no dates, and no RIP, nothing...that is so saddening! There seem to be a disrespect here for this deceased person, I would have found something to say on it! Don't worry, walking in a cemetery is very relaxing, sad at times, but truly a peaceful endeavor! I've done it before too, so your not alone my friend! What a wonderful poem, Great Work!!
Rodrigues Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 8:53 PM
Reminds me of the one young man left behind during the civil war. All bodies had been found and reburied. They found his remains later. Can you imagine how cold he must have felt...all alone? Just say’n. Loved your poem!
Smith Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 2:05 PM
That is sad...I know many who walk in the cemetery
Michael Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 1:02 PM
Here today, gone tomorrow...Sad but life is life... the unknown stone reminds us that this is not our home... Thought provoking... All the best BW
Smith Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 11:48 AM
I love the really old cemeteries, It somehow brings life to history, Good write, best wishes...
Allison Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 11:24 AM
Oh so sad constance it does make you wonder about who is buried there and why they are unknown:-( hugs Jan xxx
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 9:32 AM
This is wonderful! My best to you in the contest! xomo
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