The Gravediggers

Patiently they waited,
Watching each of us exert
Just a modicum of effort
As we shoveled up some dirt.

Every toss drew all attention
As the soil came raining down,
‘Til the coffin top was covered
With a blanketing of brown.

Then the diggers picked the pace up
But they paused while words were said,
The familiar farewell speeches
To a person newly dead.

Next machinery took over
As we slowly walked away
And the workers did the job
For which they earned their weekly pay.

How bizarre to be a witness
Every day to people’s grief.
When the grave is filled and patted down,
It must be a relief.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Mcleod Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 7:29 PM
Tough job. No thanks.
Johnson Avatar
August 13, 2015 at 11:37 PM
It's hard to comment on such a solemn occasion. I wish you peace. :)
Bauer Avatar
August 17, 2015 at 7:39 PM
thanks for your kind words, robert! it was a tough day for me...
Manassian Avatar
August 13, 2015 at 11:14 PM
Oh, Ilene. That would be a tough job for me. :( A very tough one. You write on such a variety of topics...always with wisdom and tact. Hugs
Bauer Avatar
August 17, 2015 at 7:39 PM
thank you for your comment, eileen. it's always so good to hear from you...
Allison Avatar
August 13, 2015 at 6:32 PM
Clever tribute to some forgotten workers Ilene :-) hugs jan xx
Bauer Avatar
August 17, 2015 at 7:40 PM
thanks, jan! yes, it is a job we rarely think about and most of us would hate to do...
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