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Open Poetry #9
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The Old Graveyard
| Open Poetry #9 |
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The Old Graveyard |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 James Haley - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
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 |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
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 ~~ |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
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. |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
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! |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
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~ |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
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).] |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
I just love walking in these old graveyards...forgotten treasures of our pasts |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
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 |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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Eloise Senior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 1096Wyoming |
Very well written and great imagery of a serene little graveyard looking out over the ocean. |
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Jenn E Senior Member
since 2000-08-02
Posts 589Kelowna, BC, Canada |
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 |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
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. |
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SpitFire Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396 |
~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).] |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed reading this..it has a tranquil ambiance to it...James |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wow Parker....great read |
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Lakewalker Member Elite
since 2000-08-05
Posts 3289On the streets w/ people |
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. |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
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 |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Good work here, parker. Captures a mood very well.... |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion |
Aye, me laddie, I just might be at that. Core |
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Marina Member Elite
since 2000-02-10
Posts 2245Pickering, Ontario |
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 |
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BloomingRose Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092Florida |
Loved the story it tells. DS |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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dgvarner Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552High Springs, Florida |
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).] |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
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 |
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insect Senior Member
since 2000-04-22
Posts 1014 |
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 |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
[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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