The Local Grave Digger Laments Again

(A True Story)

Now I grow older, and beauteous memories turn to weeds, this blood in my veins turn to water, like the shivering river cold desolate in the valley bleeds. 
Yet still on the hill rise I see 'Aunt Mary' her hair more golden by the day,
when my memory returns and I think of September, and how she succumb
like the freshness of new mowed hay, her passing beautiful and she would
have approved. Alas here in “Back Beck Cemetery” in December the rushing waters hum a hollow song, the wailing tune of midwinter to an unconcerned 
yet obedient audience.

the chilled musty air
agonize the aging stone...
deep waters rush by.

The tombstones glisten in the pale unloving sunlight, my spade and I rendezvous there five and a half days a week, just to dig a little for the human race, and carefully lay them here, some holding on to their earthly hand me down attributes, some rightly earned, others a relief from the eroding sentiment of life.
Oh! Then there are those of an infirm foundation, with the joy of knowing I, 
wait in this their final resting place, for them no more winters of discontent!

brothers and sisters
to the closed gate of heaven…
life on earth the key

© Harry J Horsman 2019
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Papyrus Avatar
July 7, 2019 at 8:35 PM
You would think "peace' costs a fortune. It's free and most will never be able to attain this gift. "Just to dig a lil for the human race..." Brilliant! Good to see you Harry!
Lamoureux Avatar
June 2, 2019 at 12:27 PM
An exceptional piece my friend. So glad I stopped by to read this one. My vote for POTD.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
June 2, 2019 at 2:39 AM
amazing as always xx
Onclaud Avatar
June 1, 2019 at 4:34 PM
ohh, a story delicately woven with a touch of spirituality in your haibun, harry... good to see ypu are back!... huggs
Laurie Avatar
May 30, 2019 at 11:16 PM
Hello Harry … a fine piece of writing Harry. It had me thinking about how a grave digger thinks. Certainly a little haunting to the faint heated who think they will live forever - great thanks Harry - Lindsay
Rose  Avatar
May 28, 2019 at 11:00 PM
You are an amazing writer who always writes with such great depth that it enriches my heart. Thank you
Devonshire Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 5:22 PM
Wow, this is amazing, Harry. Admittedly, I know nothing of the Haibun form, but I was mesmerized by the weaving of prose and poetry in such a way to evoke such emotion. I do not envy the digger his job, but now I will always wonder how the grave diggers cope. Awesome, Hon! Hugs, Carolyn
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 1:33 PM
Hello Harry Horseman,it is a deep powerful poem. have a nice day my friend.
Beilschmidt Sr. Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 11:44 AM
Wow! This haibun is filled with great imagery and tone. A true story no less
One Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 10:03 AM
A very deep and personal haibun...I think we all can relate to this..
Dietrich Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 4:10 PM
wow, so deep and dark this is. That last haiku seems meant for those who will meet a closed gate! I love how you made the remembrance of Aunt Mary so beautiful and how you painted so well the sadness in the grave digger's lament.
Proxenos Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 10:49 AM
Harry, so glad you are back! Missed your beautiful poems and your kind, clever and witty comments. We are all in line - we will all face death and die, the cycle of life will turn its full circle which you so intensely and excellently portray - but I hope and pray the key I have to life on earth, unlocks many happy, adventurous and and sparkling years to come - I wish and pray the same for you also Harry. Hugs, Jennifer.
Sergi Avatar
May 26, 2019 at 7:25 AM
Hi Harry: I was deeply touched by your halibun, especially"beauteous memories turn to weeds"; a final eulogy to the dead. My compliments, indeed!
Callus Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 5:36 PM
Your creative Haibun is striking and meaningful, Harry. My village gravedigger and his 'obedient audience' comes to mind! Life on earth is definitely the key!! Regards // paul
Andresen Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 3:09 PM
- The cemetery tells history as soon as we are buried we have become part of the story - with respect for man and in dialogue with nature, Harry - A great writing - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Romios Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 12:38 PM
Excellent poem, Harry!! Panagiota Thank you
Pandit Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 9:29 AM
You had me captivated by this potent write from start to finish..Much to relate about this final resting place you portray..and much to reflect upon the emotions conveyed. A splendid poem, Harry. Welcome back!
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