L Milton Hankins Poet Terzanelle

Visit To An Old Cemetery

As far as my eyes could see were old stones
Storied lives, some remembered, most forgotten,
Once were flesh and blood, now only dry bones.

I wondered how many of them were misbegotten
Their worth now easily assessed with a few zeroes,
Storied lives, some remembered, most forgotten.

No doubt some were rogues, some honored heroes
Whatever their fortune at death they now have not,
Their worth now easily assessed with a few zeroes.

Each with only one thing in common, a grassy plot
Sweet-smelling flowers placed with due respect,
Whatever their fortune at death, they now have not.

I came here timorously, not knowing what to expect
Would I somehow experience a new appreciation
Sweet-smelling flowers placed with due respect?

Walking among these stones with a rapt hesitation
[As far as my eyes could see were old stones]
Would I somehow experience a new appreciation?
Once were flesh and blood, now only dry bones. 

BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
Written June 30, 2022
"Anything You Wish No. 15" Poetry Contest
All Poetry
July 6, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger July 3, 2022 at 1:58 AM You and I could probably spend twenty-four hours in a cemetery making up stories about the slab people. Make that 72, not make that a week! L Milton Hankins July 3, 2022 at 9:01 AM I think you are right about this.

Gershon Wolf July 1, 2022 at 12:18 PM Once was in a cemetary with many graves from the 1600's and early 1700's. Will never forget the experience. Thanks for helping me relive it with your fine terzanelle! Happy Weekend, Gershon Rico Leffanta July 2, 2022 at 10:39 AM Both of you should spend a day at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris - "A light to those who dwell in the shadow of death"! Aloha!! L Milton Hankins July 1, 2022 at 12:53 PM Thank you so much for telling me about your experience, gw. I love to go through old cemeteries. Lots of memories, history, and, well yes, sadness. But, also many victories!

James Marshall Goff July 1, 2022 at 4:57 AM Really well done, Milt, I share these thoughts, only 2 flowers have a scent not repulsive to me, Roses & Lilacs...all the rest smell of death to me, reminding me of my beloved Grandpa's wake I was taken to at the age of 4 (I'm 66 now) & brought up to view his open casket with that smell in the air, I was horrified & forever imprinted with that sickening sweet smell... James Marshall Goff July 1, 2022 at 9:24 AM My heart goes out to you Milt, reminds me what's really important, not politics, causes or issues, just love one another, and it starts with me... L Milton Hankins July 1, 2022 at 8:49 AM Thank you so much, James, for your thoughts. I can imagine that was quite a traumatic experience for you as a four-year-old. I was traumatized in the fifth grade by the funeral of a fellow fifth-grader who died in an automobile accident. I have never forgotten Jimmie Flint after all these years.

Rico Leffanta June 30, 2022 at 6:37 PM Although I am not a Christian, every time I walk passed the Catholic Cemetery on King Street, I see new vandalism and wonder how anyone could be so disrepectful to the dead - and to the living who sacrificed for the tombstone. Kicking people when they are down appears to be an American standard. Aloha! L Milton Hankins June 30, 2022 at 7:06 PM Yea, Rico, there is a lot of vandalism in cemeteries, and I haven't the foggiest notion why. I find them to be almost sacred places.

Michael Tor June 30, 2022 at 4:10 PM I too wonder about those that are gone and their reminder is the Gravestone. You wonder of who they were, their contributions to society, their families who they are related to in the living. I hope non are forgotten Milton. Enjoyed this deep heartfelt piece. Blessings your way... L Milton Hankins June 30, 2022 at 5:07 PM Thank you so much, Michael. I often think that a person is not truly "dead" as long as he/she is remembered by someone. I am saddened by the thought of someone being "completely" forgotten, and I'm sure there are some in every cemetery.