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!'
Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2025
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