The Long Forgotten Cemetery

Strolling along a winding country lane the other day, I came upon a desolate cemetery in abysmal disarray. 'Twas barely visible, hidden among overgrown weeds and brambles; Untended over time, it had fallen into an appalling shambles. I paused at the sagging, rusted gate to gaze upon the forlorn scene; A trampled sign said it was established in eighteen-seventeen. My curiosity was piqued about those who were within interred; The stones were weathered with age, their etchings very blurred. A misty rain started to fall as I began my pensive walk-about; Adding to the dreary scene, a raven startled me with its raucous shout! Did I detect the murmuring of phantoms gossiping about this intruder? Or was it the sigh of wafting zyphers soughing 'mongst the cedar? I meandered about the stones noting each epitaph and name. Old soldiers lay in hallowed graves having won their nation's acclaim; Pioneers who settled the land lay awaiting Gabriel's clarion call; Graves of little children were scattered about, adding to the pall. If it were in my power the mists of time to reverse, 'Twould be fascinating with these long-gone denizens to converse, I suspect that among other things that they might say, Is, 'Restore the beauty of this place where we sleep beneath the clay!'