Elegy

For Joyce, 1932 - 1942

On this stone

a name and date

chiseled with finality

On this stone

the saddest fate

a harsh, bitter banality

On this stone 

are weathered scars

the first, her mother's tears

On this stone

the proof she's ours

gone these many years

On this stone

a soul unknown

gives blooms of honey gold

On this stone

all sorrow sown

a child's story told

Author's Note

My father had a sister who died when she was 9 years old; she's buried in a church cemetery near my home. Last spring, I went to the grave as I occasionally do, and saw a yellow flower placed there. A few months ago, I was there for a funeral, and saw another flower there. No other family members who know of her live nearby. No one seems to know who is placing flowers on this child's grave. And so, this poem...

Reviews

[Baby Ricochet]

Wow. This is really tragic and beautiful at the same time. Excellent poem and back story Rita

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Mark. I am due to visit my young aunt's grave; perhaps there are flowers there still...

[NeiL ArandA]

We have a little old cemetery close to our area and as old as the civil war . I used to stroll there enjoying the shades while marvelling at the huge towering Oak trees and Cedars of Lebanon . Often times I stopped and paused when I see an unmark grave especially infants or child or some unknown soldier . Thoughts sometimes rush through my mind . Not only of how they died but how they lived . Surely no one remembers that person other than the One that formed him or her from the dust . This is a heart felt and moving piece .

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Neil. Cemeteries speak volumes, don't they?

[NeiL ArandA]

The eerie silence does speaks volumes . Who says dead men don't talk . ? I enjoyed this piece for it jarred something inside my subconscious memory .

[Lyn Anderson]

Wow. So sad. Every year, our church has a graveyard mass. I always find the children's graves the hardest. Perhaps it is just someone, who, like me, is deeply touched by the death of a child. A beautiful story, and a lovely poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, KL. That is exactly the conclusion I have come to - someone, perhaps with a child of her own in that cemetery, sees that a child is buried there, seemingly forgotten. I am grateful for such kindness shown in this world...

[Michael G. Smith]

Very mysterious. I think every one wants to be remembered and what a blessing she is.

[Rita L. Sev]

Though I never knew her, I keep her in memory for my family's sake... Thanks, Mike.

[Eddie Phillips]

In every line you invoke a sense of loss tinged with grace. It moves the poem and stirs the heart. I enjoyed it and the story behind it. I am curious about who keeps leaving flowers. Much love to you and your family and thank you for this lovely poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Eddie - she was an aunt I never met, but I knew her through my grandmother. I think it would comfort her to know that some kind soul gave her child flowers...

[rutherford]

Great use of repetition -- like a chant of On this stone contrasting with progressive descriptions. Your note helps me with the lines "of the a soul unknown gives blooms of honey gold" My first thought was that soul of the child was somehow the cause of the blooms. Poem tells a rich story in a small package.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ooh - I like that idea - that the child's soul blooms... Idealistic, but lovely just the same. Thank you, John.

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a lovely gesture from someone mourning the death of a child unknown to the mourner. Your poem is a heart-felt tribute to the child and to the person making the anonymous gifts. As usual, your poem is very well written.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Joyce - I am always so touched to see those flowers...

[s y e]

Wow, it's a mystery but at the same time this poem speaks volumes. I am sorry about your loss, especially at such a young age. You come up with some amazing, emotional, touching real pieces, it's outstanding.

~ Noodle ~

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Noodle. Though I didn't know her, I felt her loss through my grandmother. The mystery of the flowers is a strange comfort...

[Kwiksie Ifediora]

Very sensitive and heart moving piece Rita. Like Renee stated, the revelation behind your inspiration adds to and helps us appreciate this one all the better.
I loved it. Very beautiful.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Kwiksie. This piece is close to my heart - I truly appreciate your words...

[Chris]

Sometimes it's really quiet enough to hear your own heart ...cry.