Reading Headstones - 2011

I've walked up and down the rows; skipped a few, then went back to look Since I was seven, this ritual continues; A routine going on more than 51 years A sad silence as I look across the grounds, always the rush of tears As I read each name, I wonder who they were; what their story was A World War II Veteran, a mother, father, grandparents, daughter or son A teenager on the brink of life, an innocent baby with life just begun Some headstones are neglected, no flowers or sign of care Everyone wants to be remembered; not forgotten like the release of a dove Some graves have monuments as a tribute; to show the endless love I say a prayer for those gone before me; brother, sister, parents, aunt and others A whisper soft breeze moves my hair, a gentle presence that doesn't last long I think of this fleeting brief life; We're here for a moment... and then we are gone A peaceful feeling surrounds me as I recall precious memories, happy times I place the flowers down and turn my back to walk away I whisper my promise to come back again, another time, another day