The Cemetery

Strolling thro' the cemetery the other day I chanced to see, Various grave stones that were quite intriguing to me. Most were modest, a few monumental, some very old. On each was etched a tad of history with a story to be told! The founder of the city has a grandiose memorial, of course. O'er his grave he's shown astride a handsome horse! Nearby lies an infamous desperado asleep in his tomb. Lying along side is the sheriff who brought about his doom! Time-worn stones brood o'er a pioneer family of eight. An Indian raid seems to have hastened their untimely fate! Hallowed graves of soldiers are marked by marble stones. Alas, scattered among them are markers for a few "Unknowns." . Flowery and laudatory epitaphs, I noted are numerous, Some very sad and others quite humerous! "Twas the last rodeo he rode; Off Old Red's back he was throwed!" "He's now in his heavenly abode; He missed the bend in the road!" "A spiteful gossip was Miss Jones; Now thro' eternity she atones!" "This plot of grass is all he owns; Here lie his mortal bones!" "He left a life of strife; He lies in peace 'til he's joined by his wife!" "He led a very wicked life; 'Twas ended with her butcher knife!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)