I was out just after dawn this morning and as I pottered about, I noticed two figures standing by a plot in the "new" graveyard just beyond the fence.
Yesterday, an elderly man from the village had been buried. Although I only knew him to say "good morning " to as I walked the dogs , I knew he was German and had been in the village since the 1940s, where he had been working as prisoner of war. Apparently he lost his German family in the conflict and stayed on in the village, marrying a Welsh girl after the war had finished
Having only very distant relatives in this country, the funeral was carried out in private, so the villagers that have known him for years, have made their own way to the graveside, in drips and drabs, to show their respects.
We have lived right next to the Graveyard for five years and although it is obviously a place for grief, I never ,ever think that the Cemetery is an unhappy place . On a sunny afternoon, with the horses in the riding stables snorting gently by the fences and with the chickens chattering quietly to themselves as they potter, the cemetery takes on a peaceful and reflective atmosphere all of its own.
The sterility that can be seen in more urban cemeteries is totally changed in the village by the presence of animals and the beautiful views of the distant hills. The gentle noise and motion, I have been told by visitors, is soothing and totally in keeping with being a country cemetery.
just re booted after spell checking and lost the comments somehow sos
ReplyDeleteOK, then - I'll put up a comment to make up for it. Your recent illness seems to have left you in a somewhat melancholy frame of mind, John...
ReplyDeleteno tom I feel a little more sprightly today!
ReplyDeleteJohn, I think I know where you are coming from. I have always found graveyards to be very peaceful and tranquil... Growing up, we lived not far from a large, old cemetery and I always enjoyed walking through and reading the tombstones.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get past the sadness associated with death, it is nice to think that we respect our fellow man enough to give them a beautiful place to be laid to rest.
Now we just need to see about treating them the same while alive...
Glad you are on the mend and feeling better!
V. and I spent our early childhood living next to a cemetery...our Mum never wanted for fresh flowers!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds perfect. I love taking the path through our Church yard on as dog walk ( very cross when Dillon pees on a gravestone ) Glad you liked my picture - it's one of my favourites too.
ReplyDeleteHappy that you are feeling better, I understand that you're not 100%.
ReplyDeleteI think that leaving a mark, always bugs people, I too, would like to be remembered, but being realistic - I won't be. I love old cemeteries, the headstones carved with angels and hands in prayer. Looking backwards in the years, the real old ones are barely readable and given time will wash away completely, the names of those forgotten loved ones.
I would suppose only the really famous or infamous are remembered for their works, but not for who they were, if they were a good Dad or a wonderful cook or loved flowers.
I remember my Mother saying (and I still use the phrase, myself) "Don't worry, in a hundred years, nobody will know the difference."
Sorry to read that you are not feeling well. Hope you are on the mend. I love the photo a few posts back of you walking the dogs. It's great!
ReplyDeleteWe have one of those country graveyards near me. Though I strongly doubt that the graves are as old as some of your may be, the continuity is comforting. I wonder if that will continue, with people spread all over the place so much any more?
ReplyDeletePeaceful indeed.Love the photo.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better. I finally stopped the homeopathic stuff and took an Rx and I'm a world better than I was. Good old drugs.
Glad to hear you're on the mend, John.
ReplyDeleteGood reflective post, too.
Glad you are feeling better..
ReplyDeleteI think cemeteries are like walking down a street. Each stone has a name and usually birth and death dates.. The beginning and the end of that person's life.
My father used to take us kids to the cemetary where his family was buried.. It was always fun to hear him talk about the people that were there.. Oh look there is the guy that used to cut my hair.. or the blacksmith that would make horseshoes for his horses.. the stories were endless and so fun to hear over and over.
Have a tiggeriffic Day~! ta ta for now from Iowa.
During my trip around Brtain (and other places) I was always struck by the care, attention and most orderly manner in which cemetries in rural areas (particularly) were maintained and I often observed children playing in church grounds and graveyards as tho' they were a park. It just seemed so natural. Is that odd of me?
ReplyDeleteWhat I said earlier when you deleted me was "Grays Elegy in a Country Churchyard"! I was being witty and proving I was educated - even though I was educated in a 1970's northern comprehensive school! Graveyards are such fascinating places. xx
ReplyDeleteI love spending time in graveyards. A very good place to relax and reflect on not just your life but on those buried all around you.
ReplyDeleteHey you, check your inbox as you've got mail ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteLonely story. Reminds me of the Beatles' song Eleanor Rigby.. although your recent departed did not die without friends....I think cemeterys (cemeteries?) are beautiful places. Yours particularly, and the addition of a horse or unruly turkey only adds to the charm.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at old sayings on the gravestones too. I feel the spirit of peace often. The baby sections are always sobering.
On a happy note, glad you are on the mend. Have a lovely weekend. xo
Absolutely wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think of cemeteries as peaceful and even rather safe. Hope you're feeling better; it's not fun being ill.
ReplyDeleteWhat a compelling story about the elderly German gentleman. It's strange and sad and fascinating, all the side effects of war. We have quite a few refugees in Boise from numerous war torn areas around the world and most initially look so ravaged. I hope that, like your newest neighbor, they'll eventually settle in, integrate, and come to feel it's home.
ReplyDeleteI love cemeteries during the day, not so much at night.
I can't believe someone said your blog was homophobic! Not terribly discerning, that one.
I hope your internet access is back soon! It's kind of a naked feeling without, isn't it?
Dia