The Gravedigger

He never did see a face though only a board width away,
yet remembers feeling privileged, spending those last few moments
while trying so hard to find the softer soil to lessen the impact
upon the brass plated permanent encasement; in this final resting place.

beneath the old oak
neither sun nor moon perceived
a veil of shadow

He’s mindful of the susceptible sensation within when the last 
shovelful that completely covered the coffin tenderly placed,
then the license to use the coarse fill of heavy clay and stoney soil.

to become apart
at one within holy ground
the grass grows each spring

A phenomenal pride when to barrow away the surplus soil,
leaving the mound trim and tidy, a monument for the deceased;
also a monument for him, his very first dig, all with his own hand.

a mark of respect
for three score years and nineteen
entity forgone.

© Harry J Horsman 2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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12
Rodrigues Avatar
May 7, 2021 at 7:57 AM
To write about the gravedigger, soft in tone, serious at his job to give peace and right to a passed on soul. Nicely done, Harry!
Peck Avatar
April 27, 2021 at 8:55 AM
Such a kind poem. I had never before thought that the gravedigger is the last one to wish a safe journey. It's a lovely poem, Harry.
Duncan Avatar
October 16, 2015 at 12:45 AM
I love this Harry :)
Thirtyseven Avatar
August 28, 2015 at 7:17 PM
Morning, or evening. Harry I'm going to send that tweet away, thanks for your ongoing support.
Inman Avatar
August 22, 2015 at 10:51 AM
Nice poem, Harry, unique subject.
Thirtyseven Avatar
August 21, 2015 at 10:08 AM
I like the sentimentality you've captured in this one. I also like a the relationship between the prose and haiku. A very special write. Thanks for entering it into my contest. I would like to tweet this one in my promotion campaign. I hope you don't mind.
Horsman Avatar
August 21, 2015 at 11:23 AM
no problem Scott, thanks for the placing...
A. Sharma Avatar
August 21, 2015 at 1:45 AM
Congrats on wonderful win Harry with this amazing haibun!
Lawless Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 8:30 PM
congrats on the win Harry. Very well written and unique take on the habit theme
A  Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 6:34 PM
Harry, Congratulations on the win. SKAT
Roper Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 12:40 PM
Harry, congratulations on your win and a 7 the image you have great you have brought to life in this peace. Hugs Eve
Kendrick Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 12:20 PM
Ahh!! Great quality work!! Way to go with this win..Congrats..Sara
Allison Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 11:50 AM
Dropping back with my congrats harry:-) hugs jan xx
Eastman Avatar
August 1, 2015 at 10:45 AM
Praise to the grave diggers of by gone time... I hope when it was his turn to be laid to rest... Someone gave him such respect... The visuals and turn of phrases were very touching.
Goff Avatar
July 27, 2015 at 6:53 AM
Harry, thanks for stopping' by! wow! this is heavy with a richness like a fine Amish Quilt (visiting next wkend w/Ma!) the feelings of the "digger" you really immerse the reader.....I worked in a "prominent" (overlooking a city lake...expensive acreage) cemetery in high school helpin' a "grave-mucker"(graves before WW2 wood-liners) nasty business....bones float up etc....the old guy kept aloof of the whole job, but i know he hit the tavern on the way home....jimbo
Nunez Avatar
July 27, 2015 at 5:41 AM
I like this poem. It is able to deliver the honorable aspect of a sensitive subject and the hard work of a conscientious member of society. Truly there is poetry in everything. You've shown me that today. Thank you. A 7. Kim
Hamilton Avatar
July 26, 2015 at 5:42 PM
an exceptional write handled with great sensitivity Harry hugs
Deschler Avatar
July 25, 2015 at 11:16 PM
I think of gravediggers as caretakers, who look after the cemetery and the loved ones who are buried there. A very respectable and honorable profession... Your poem gives us a unique insight on him. An excellent write, Harry! Its a fave for me :)
Breidenthal Avatar
July 24, 2015 at 2:43 AM
I absolutely love this poem. Great job! Always, Laura
Carroll Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 10:33 PM
Well crafted dark write Harry.. I enjoyed the read!
Lamoureux Avatar
July 23, 2015 at 8:00 AM
I thought I would give this another read, yep still creepy in a good way.
Johnson Avatar
July 22, 2015 at 9:03 PM
A delicate write on a sensitive subject. Well done. Thank for your comments on my poem. I am slowly trying to get back to normal. Love. Joyce
Leiser Avatar
July 22, 2015 at 3:33 PM
There is a sense of respect for the dead, and an appreciation of life, as well, in this great haibun group of poems, Harry. Great write, and hope it does very well in the contest.
Austin Avatar
July 22, 2015 at 3:12 PM
there is pride and sensitivity in all works of live. I asked a friend, Luke Allen, what gave him goose bumps. I mentioned a great work of music. Luke, a brick layer, said, "I get the biggest thrill from laying a nice tight wall. Love, daver
Devnath  Avatar
July 22, 2015 at 10:59 AM
A man who fought and sacrificed for his Nation along with other fighters now are given phenomenal respect in trim and tidy monument. A poem of great dedication by respecting to the Nation. Beautifully done my lovely friend. Loved always,bl
Dietrich Avatar
July 21, 2015 at 7:12 PM
Yes, Harry, please do soupmail me and tell me about those grave digging days!! I kind of recall you mentioning it before!
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