Family
Viewing comments for Chapter 38 "Visit to the Cemetery"Personal poems
10 total reviews
Comment from Sararb
This poem really touches my heart since my husband is buried in a national cemetery being a retired military man. They always have a special memorial service. They place flags on all the graves, but we always place flowers there too. It is always sad to actually see the tomb and read the inscription written there. It brings back sad memories, But the memorial service is nice. Sara :)
reply by the author on 20-May-2013
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This poem really touches my heart since my husband is buried in a national cemetery being a retired military man. They always have a special memorial service. They place flags on all the graves, but we always place flowers there too. It is always sad to actually see the tomb and read the inscription written there. It brings back sad memories, But the memorial service is nice. Sara :)
Comment Written 20-May-2013
reply by the author on 20-May-2013
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Thanks Sara. Yes, they do that here too with the flags. I have relatives at out National cemetery too, so that's one of about 5 cemeteries we visit that day.
Comment from ravenblack
Just don't really go to that plot anytime soon. You have too much left to say. Really like the dignity in this piece, no railing or gnashing, no real , penetrating sorrow, just acceptance and a paid back reverence in both thought and the physical act of just keeping things tidy.
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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Just don't really go to that plot anytime soon. You have too much left to say. Really like the dignity in this piece, no railing or gnashing, no real , penetrating sorrow, just acceptance and a paid back reverence in both thought and the physical act of just keeping things tidy.
Comment Written 19-May-2013
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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I'll try to avoid it, thanks Ravenblack.
Comment from uptowngirlchef1961
Good morning my friend Tom,
" at quiet meadow of the soul
To help bereft to become whole"
There is unmistakable grace in the opening lines of "visit to the cemetery"
You set the emotional tone with these well-chosen words.
We can easily envision family members trundling up the grass past marble headstones.
" consoling stop to lift the gloom by placing wreath upon a tomb"
This line brought tears but I was not prepared for the outpouring of heaving grief that reading your final stanza delivered
"recall with them the dreams they had
Then tell them that you won't be sad"
Your photograph is lovely.
The imagery created by your words is marvelous
Well done my friend!
Peace,
Jill
-:)
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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Good morning my friend Tom,
" at quiet meadow of the soul
To help bereft to become whole"
There is unmistakable grace in the opening lines of "visit to the cemetery"
You set the emotional tone with these well-chosen words.
We can easily envision family members trundling up the grass past marble headstones.
" consoling stop to lift the gloom by placing wreath upon a tomb"
This line brought tears but I was not prepared for the outpouring of heaving grief that reading your final stanza delivered
"recall with them the dreams they had
Then tell them that you won't be sad"
Your photograph is lovely.
The imagery created by your words is marvelous
Well done my friend!
Peace,
Jill
-:)
Comment Written 19-May-2013
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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Thank you. I am very pleased that you liked this poem. I'll share with you that my brother Robert (Bobby) died when he was two years old while my mother was pregnant with me. My parents bought 5 plots then, I have another older brother who died 10 years ago at age 60, so there was a plot for each one of us in the family. We used to go visit Bobby every Sunday after church for many years. It's located on a hillside overlooking a very well tended cemetery. So I am very connected with this spot. Sometimes I'll go there and lay down where I know that someday my remains will be, and commune with my mom and brothers. I feel the essence of tranquility there and am happy that some day I'll be there with my wife too. Crazy huh?
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Tom,
I don't think it is crazy at all.
If you can summon comfort like a soft blanket over you,when you lay down in this place of tranquil beauty, as close to your brothers as when you shared a boys room in a crowded happy family home, then go there when you need to.
Fill up your soul with shared memories and stories that bring you close to long ago joys. Be proud that you are a man unafraid of cleansing tears and healing rituals. Lay in that clean grass until you feel your strength returning and embrace that strength as if it were the bodies of your beloved brothers and your parents.
I am honored that you shared these details of your personal history with me.
Thank you my friend...
Peace,
Jill
xoxoxo
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
This is a lovely poem, Treischel, and so lovingly written. To be all together in death is such a comforting thought. I must be for you and your wife, and for your children. Really lovely. :) xsx Sandra.
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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This is a lovely poem, Treischel, and so lovingly written. To be all together in death is such a comforting thought. I must be for you and your wife, and for your children. Really lovely. :) xsx Sandra.
Comment Written 19-May-2013
reply by the author on 19-May-2013
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Thank you Sandra. The picture doesn't show it, but the plot is on a hill side overlooking a beautifully tended cemetery. It is comforting to know that when my time comes, i'll be here. With those I've known and loved. Also that my wife will be there too. Sometimes, I'll go and lay in the very spot where my remains will be, too feel the essence of the tranquillity. Crazy huh!
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Not at all, I think it's rather nice.
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Thank you. I have a brother who died when my mother was pregnant with me. He was two years old. My parents purchased 5 plots when that happened. We used to visit every Sunday after church for many years, so I am very attached to this site.
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That is so lovely, Treischel, what a shame you didn't meet your brother, but you will one day. xsx
Comment from Hawaiian Mermaid
Aloha Treishel,
What a beautiful poem of tribute to those you have loved and to the memories of long ago. Good memories always come through clear without having to clear the way.
Thank you for sharing this poem, we must not forget the people who were important in our lives.
Thank you for sharing.
Aloha, Ginger
[Glitterfy.com - *Glitter Photos*]
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Aloha Treishel,
What a beautiful poem of tribute to those you have loved and to the memories of long ago. Good memories always come through clear without having to clear the way.
Thank you for sharing this poem, we must not forget the people who were important in our lives.
Thank you for sharing.
Aloha, Ginger
[Glitterfy.com - *Glitter Photos*]
Comment Written 18-May-2013
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Thank you Ginger. You a a favorite to share with.
Comment from twinklepoems
Hi, This deserves a six and you no the story no sixes left...grrrrrr! This is a beautiful poem and a great memorial poem. I love your opening line "At quiet meadow of the soul (what a beautiful picture that creates)"To help bereft become whole". "Trundle up the grass" (more great word usage! "Scrape the grime of time away", like the word usage and the internal rhyme. "Sending them love you hope they feel." (ain't that the truth). This poem had great rhyme and meter and so much touching, emotional truth.
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Hi, This deserves a six and you no the story no sixes left...grrrrrr! This is a beautiful poem and a great memorial poem. I love your opening line "At quiet meadow of the soul (what a beautiful picture that creates)"To help bereft become whole". "Trundle up the grass" (more great word usage! "Scrape the grime of time away", like the word usage and the internal rhyme. "Sending them love you hope they feel." (ain't that the truth). This poem had great rhyme and meter and so much touching, emotional truth.
Comment Written 18-May-2013
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Thank you twink. You certainly grasped the thought I put into it. I really appreciate that.
Comment from robina1978
Thanks for telling me what memorial day means in the States. Beth wrote about it and I did not understand. You wrote this excellent poem about it. Mainly for your mother and father. But you and your wife will be buried later a the same place. Very emotional and good rhyme.
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Thanks for telling me what memorial day means in the States. Beth wrote about it and I did not understand. You wrote this excellent poem about it. Mainly for your mother and father. But you and your wife will be buried later a the same place. Very emotional and good rhyme.
Comment Written 18-May-2013
reply by the author on 18-May-2013
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Thank you Ine. Yes, it was originally started to remember fallen soldiers, and that is still a big part of it, but it has evolved to be a day to remember any deceased member of the family. All the cemeteries become filled with flowers.
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welcome
Comment from mikenbel
What a beautiful and sad poem. I like how you honor the tradition of visiting the grave and remembering those who went before.
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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What a beautiful and sad poem. I like how you honor the tradition of visiting the grave and remembering those who went before.
Comment Written 17-May-2013
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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Thank you Mikenbel. Yes, we always bring flowers on Memorial day.
Comment from Maureen's Pen
Hi Tom,
This is such a powerful work to read. On one hand I can see this poem as wonderfully crafted by a skilled poet.
On the other hand it is a combination of loss and yet comfort of knowing a residing place where peace beckons the weary bones.
A deep work my friend - one that has me paused as I end this review.
Thanks for sharing it.
Maureen
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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Hi Tom,
This is such a powerful work to read. On one hand I can see this poem as wonderfully crafted by a skilled poet.
On the other hand it is a combination of loss and yet comfort of knowing a residing place where peace beckons the weary bones.
A deep work my friend - one that has me paused as I end this review.
Thanks for sharing it.
Maureen
Comment Written 17-May-2013
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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Thank you Maureen. I am very moved by your review.
Comment from L. Sherman
What I love so much about this poem are these lines:
At quiet meadow of the soul,
To help bereft to become whole,
So often we forget, in the face of death, that those who have it worse are those left behind. Left behind to combat grief and left behind to live.
The cemetery is as much a sanctuary and a 'safe haven' for those among the living, as it is a resting place for those departed. The fact that you portray the cemetery (a naturally depressing place) in such hopeful and light tones, is appealing and soothing.
This is an amazing poem.
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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What I love so much about this poem are these lines:
At quiet meadow of the soul,
To help bereft to become whole,
So often we forget, in the face of death, that those who have it worse are those left behind. Left behind to combat grief and left behind to live.
The cemetery is as much a sanctuary and a 'safe haven' for those among the living, as it is a resting place for those departed. The fact that you portray the cemetery (a naturally depressing place) in such hopeful and light tones, is appealing and soothing.
This is an amazing poem.
Comment Written 17-May-2013
reply by the author on 17-May-2013
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Thank you Lisa. I'm glad you got that point. I am very pleased. And I am elated by that rating.
