Saved For Raven

Her daddy’s grave is the oldest, His name is hard to read. She knew his stone had corroded And has brought supplies she’ll need. Near to him is her young husband. He had been the next to die. She used to come here often Just to sit by his grave and cry. Next to her daddy is her mother After twenty-one years alone Her name shows up clearer and newer On her side of the stone. As the years went by the lot filled up, A beloved young nephew is there. She reads his age of twenty-three And thinks that it isn’t fair. The lot started filling faster With loved brothers and their wives. She remembers kneeling with her loved son And speaking with him of their lives. And now there’s a grave much newer. She hadn’t thought she would see this one. His name is there so clear and bright, The name of her only son. She looks down to where she is standing As she feels the cold wind stir. RAVEN is chiseled into the rock At this spot reserved for her. lBy: Joyce Johnson shared first place with Linda Marie and Carrie. For Constance "The Rambling Poet; contest "Among the Dead"