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Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON

0 posted 2000-08-08 02:51 PM


The Old Graveyard

The old graveyard, stares at the ocean alone,
A beautiful spot, as any could want for eternity
Chester Basin, rest spot by the sea, lighthouse route
Once the main highway, now bypassed, awaiting sleep

The old graveyard, “No Vacancy” too crowded
Someone still puts flowers on my fathers grave
an unknown family member that still remembers,
Soon they’ll be gone, I’ll lay flowers by their name

Across the narrow shore road, a gray weathered dock,
I stand and watch the anchored boats, reflecting on life
So much has changed but so little is new, a good sign
Once ocean people now leisure boaters, salt in the veins

My fathers Grave always had white wooden crosses
Dates always faded, wood rots every 2 or 3 years
I found a small black stone cross, it sits there now
Someone ordered, but never claimed it, fate is odd

I often visit the old graveyard to say hello Dad
James E Haley 1931-1963 at rest, 32 years young
Its all I can do, for a father I hardly got to know
He was a little wild, so I’m told, too quiet for him here.

I sit on that dock, and wonder what I’ll see in my day
The new graveyard also sees the ocean, but no boats
I kind of like it here, boats with pretty girls come by
What more could I ask for, hmmmm their gonna dock.

James Parker Haley Aug 8, 2000

ps. this piece was inspired by a wonderful piece in Voices I just read, serenity thanks for getting me thinking on this. You took me back to thoughts of all those graveyard visits.... Parker





[This message has been edited by Haleyja (edited 08-08-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 James Haley - All Rights Reserved
Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
1 posted 2000-08-08 02:53 PM


Well Parker...

A very poignant piece of writing marked by a creative piece of interlude at the end... drawing out a smile from this reader...

Wonderful...

regards,
sudhir

Sunnyone
Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334
Staffordshire, England
2 posted 2000-08-08 03:09 PM


Hi JPH...
         I just wanted to say that this
        poem completely describes the little
        town I live in at the moment, right
        down to the old cemetary, where I
        go and just sit sometimes.
             I enjoyed reading this, and
        especially the diversion at the end!!
                  Great writing!~!


I have but one goal in
life.........
To make you smile!
~~ Sunny ~~


serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

3 posted 2000-08-08 03:49 PM


ah...another graveyard trek...mind if I join you?  I did like this, and you knew I would--quiet and thoughtful and, full of hope...hee hee.
Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
4 posted 2000-08-08 04:07 PM


Sudhir, thanks for responding, I didn't want to drag too many ghosts out.  

Sunny1, small towns seem to have that unmistakable simular character don't they.  

serenity, thank you again, I just updated the poem, to thank you for putting me on the trek with "Alive among the Dead" it was a thought provoking piece in Voices.    

Parker

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
5 posted 2000-08-08 06:06 PM


Parker--Graveyards are special places...great for contemplation, especially with a view like the one in your poem...sad that your father died so young.  Enjoyed the poem!
Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
6 posted 2000-08-08 07:02 PM


Martie, thank you. Yes I was only 4 at the time, and he was too young. Workers didn't have any rights back then so no matter what happened the company's took no responsibility for accidents on the job. Anyway I degress...sorry.
Its a wonderful place, and just over from the dock, is a place called the Sea side Shanty. They make the most wonderful seafood chowder and seafood crepes. I really love to visit there when I'm on the coast.
Thank you for responding.

Parker

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2000-08-08 07:16 PM


My fathers Grave always had white wooden crosses
Dates always faded, wood rots every 2 or 3 years
I found a small black stone cross, it sits there now
Someone ordered, but never claimed it, fate is odd

I often visit the old graveyard to say hello Dad
James E Haley 1931-1963 at rest, 32 years young
Its all I can do, for a father I hardly got to know
He was a little wild, so I’m told, too quiet for him here.

I sit on that dock, and wonder what I’ll see in my day
The new graveyard also sees the ocean, but no boats
I kind of like it here, boats with pretty girls come by
What more could I ask for, hmmmm their gonna dock.

=======================
p-man i just love this sincere sweet poem
by you..
the imagery is just awesome..
and its such a touching tribute to your father...
very very well written.
love seeing this side of you  
take care sweetcheeks
jm

There are places inside our souls -
that have never been touched.
There are places inside our hearts -
that need to be loved this much.
~jm~


Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

8 posted 2000-08-08 07:17 PM


see P-Man...
ya get me so excited i pressed the button twice LOL
must be those "hormones in the wind" LOL
now whose being bad....LOL
later-tease-reply-gator
brown eyes  

[This message has been edited by Janet Marie (edited 08-08-2000).]

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
9 posted 2000-08-08 07:29 PM


I just love walking in these old graveyards...forgotten treasures of our pasts
Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

10 posted 2000-08-08 09:28 PM


Parker ~ Thank you for allowing me to accompany you on this poignant visit. Your reminiscing made for such a sweet poem.

~ Claire

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau


Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
11 posted 2000-08-09 12:13 PM


Janet, thank you, what was that you said you like seeing the softer backside of me.  
Sure anytime, tease gater...  

Paula, thank you, they are like little holes in time, when were there, the whole past is there with us.

Claire, you are very welcome, and I've enjoyed accompanying you on many of yours.

Parker

Eloise
Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096
Wyoming
12 posted 2000-08-09 12:24 PM


Very well written and great imagery of a serene little graveyard looking out over the ocean.  
Jenn E
Senior Member
since 2000-08-02
Posts 589
Kelowna, BC, Canada
13 posted 2000-08-09 12:36 PM


I could see this place as I was reading, smell the water.......so elegant and well written and I loved how you made cheeks raise into a smile at the end. Maybe you should write a book?  
Jenn E

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
14 posted 2000-08-09 11:06 AM


Eloise, that it is, thank you.

Jenn E, thank you, very cheeky of you to say. If I write a book on cheeks, then I would have to supply pictures of some, that might rate it "R".  

Parker

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
15 posted 2000-08-09 11:19 AM


Beautiful imagery and such a caring tribute to your father.....Old graveyards hold a special power of intrigue in their own right but one that holds the memories of loved ones will forever be etched into our souls.  Your depiction of this is so vivid and I stand in awe of your talent.
SpitFire
Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396

16 posted 2000-08-09 11:39 AM


~Parker is it? Hi. I have to say that after reading this so totally touching poem and one by jwesley...I am going to have to take a break from reading for a few this morning. You have completely reached me with your words and it's so odd how I live on this little peninsula surrounded by water and the scenes you've depicted in your piece...with a graveyard,...by the edge of the water in one part,...where I sit and whisper to my friends...they passed in an accident and between yours and jwesley's writings this morning,...I am so overwhelmed with emotions. hhm...perhaps I am overly sensitive today,...but your words are beauty and they hold me. Your dear father,...may he be in peace. And you as well. Thank you kindly for touching me with your work. Take care. *Peace.

[This message has been edited by SpitFire (edited 08-09-2000).]

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
17 posted 2000-08-09 12:30 PM


Mark, thank you, I hope my father is reading it. As for my talent, I think of myself as more of a hacker, and your talent is just as good if not better. Anyway thanks for the praise.

Spitfire, yes Parker it is. Thank you for you comments.
I trully can't imagine your pain in this, having so many friends lost, its unfathomable. My heart goes out to you....
I like to share the last verse in a poem I wrote...

As we cry these tender woes
and say goodbye to them we know
they'll fly wherever spirits go  
On petals of a soft white rose.

May they be listening and touching your life
and memories.

Peace Kind poet.

Parker

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
18 posted 2000-08-09 03:27 PM


Enjoyed reading this..it has a tranquil ambiance to it...James
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
19 posted 2000-08-09 03:38 PM


Wow Parker....great read  
Lakewalker
Member Elite
since 2000-08-05
Posts 3289
On the streets w/ people
20 posted 2000-08-09 04:47 PM


I swear i already posted a reply to this, but I guess not.  I really loved this poem, it's imagry really works   I can't wait to read more.
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
21 posted 2000-08-09 06:42 PM


Sounds as though a lot of soul searching went on this last trip, Park.

I was just thinkin' how much work it would be to go back to Ireland and search the church records, then the cemetaries...But interesting nonetheless.

Peace, my friend.

Corinne

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
22 posted 2000-08-09 09:45 PM


James, thank you.  

Hoot, glad you enjoyed.  

Lakewalker, cool nic... well to plug myself..there is more out there.. thanks for the read. Oh, if you like this format check out "Redlight District" its got a different edge sort of...  

Corinne, sweet poet, I think it would be an adventure. I've got my mind set for a visit to Ireland and Wales to do some research myself some day. Maybe you need a research assistant...    

Parker

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
23 posted 2000-08-09 09:53 PM


Good work here, parker. Captures a mood very well....
Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
24 posted 2000-08-10 12:58 PM


Aye, me laddie, I just might be at that.

Core

Marina
Member Elite
since 2000-02-10
Posts 2245
Pickering, Ontario
25 posted 2000-08-10 01:36 PM


Hey You!!!!   I havent been able to get into Open before now, so I just saw this one.  A very deep and personal poem, on a subject you speak little about, so I know this must be a specail poem for you.  I like very much.  

My entire keyboard I am using is in French....so.....if I make mistakes!!  See Ya soon!


Marina


It is a blessing to have wings for words, and passion in pen
Marina Crossley



BloomingRose
Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092
Florida
26 posted 2000-08-10 02:10 PM


Loved the story it tells.

DS



Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
27 posted 2000-08-11 12:25 PM


Bal, thank you, the mood is the thing...  

Cor, well then get packing lassy...  

Marin, thank you, oui. (thats about all the french I know)  

BloomingRose, thanks for reading and responding.

Parker

dgvarner
Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552
High Springs, Florida
28 posted 2000-09-20 02:54 AM


PARKER..this one got me "right here"...lost my dad too..i go there sometimes to talk to him..his earth-home overlooks a highway tho..its ok..i still enjoy the walking and talking in the cemetary..
wish i could join you in your special cemetary..it sounds like a wonderful place     

btw, would love to read the rest of this:

"As we cry these tender woes
and say goodbye to them we know
they'll fly wherever spirits go  
On petals of a soft white rose."

can i find it in passions? (let me know by email?)

hugs, dg

< !signature-->

i'm growin'
i dont like it
i'm growin' and it hurts
i love you
but i'm tired
i guess i've got a lot to learn
-w.watson


[This message has been edited by dgvarner (edited 09-20-2000).]

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
29 posted 2000-09-20 10:59 AM


dg thank you for you kind and sweet words here. Graveyards can be great introspective places..... heres the link incase my email didn't make it...
/pip/Forum31/HTML/000339.html

Parker

insect
Senior Member
since 2000-04-22
Posts 1014

30 posted 2015-10-12 12:21 PM


well my brother...
our father has passed and we are left with
so few memories because he died so young,
mostley memories given to us from our mom
your words touch me
I've sat at that spot with you so many years ago
because we live so far away but he is still close in our our hearts

Parker
Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
31 posted 2016-03-19 10:11 AM


[URL=https://www.google.ca/maps/@44.56447,-64.3070819,3a,77y,293.46h,71.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swVLQsxeZj8Bs0fd6Ln40hw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656[/url]

the old graveyard just a click above. and if you drag the picture around you can see the view in Nova Scotia s lovely.

Parker just visiting

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