exeunt omnes *

		Row upon row;
		Water-stained stone
		Supplanting the grass 
		In practised blocks -
		White figures and crosses
		Contrasting the darkening tombs.
		The sense of repetition
		Is faltered by differing structures -
		Only original and ornate designs capture the eye;
		Though I sense a beauty in the common grave -
		A body at peace
		A purpose fulfilled -
		A body no more
		A soul no less.

		Occasional flashes of colour
		Where a body has been paid homage -
		Fading memories re-visited
		And flowers left behind:
		Bright raiments of love and respect.
		But the flowers do not last -
		They wither,
		Disintegrate to nought:
		The inevitable is re-stated.

		Peace inherent and magnificent;
		History buried -
		Retained only by descendants;
		Lives of all types
		At the same, humbling,
		Inescapable end.

		Crumbling stone
		Is the base end of many beds;
		'while trees grow from other graves -
		Reclaiming the dust that is theirs by gift
		And returning physical beauty
		To the long-buried life.

		Hill or dale,
		Granite or concrete,
		Glorious flowers
		Or broken container,
		Gold engraving or none -
		All to the same purpose:
		A show of loving memories
		And respect where it's due.