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 © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Bauer Avatar
May 28, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Bob - this is a beautifully written and powerful poem which I very much enjoyed. Your rhyming skills are impeccable and a pleasure to read…
Hinshaw Avatar
May 28, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments, Ilene. Best to you - Bob H
Andresen Avatar
May 28, 2025 at 3:04 AM
- A forgotten and overgrown graveyard—and possibly haunted... I wouldn't visit this one at night... beautiful poem for the contest, Bob :) - Best wishes :) - hugs
Hinshaw Avatar
May 28, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Thank you, Anne-Lise for your kind comment. Great to hear from you. I read your entry for the contest and shivered in my boots! Great entry and best of luck for a deserving win - Bob
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