Words

 

“Here there are carved words

On smooth milled stone,

Each letter, each word

A fragment of a life’s story

A memento to last an Eternity.

 

So many words worn away

By the hard edged rain

Of so many winters past.

Expressions of love, of duty done,

The reward of rest in heaven.

 

And the remembrance always

Of those who follow.

Followers themselves now dead

So that the grave lies forgotten.

And the words meaning lost.”

(excerpt On hearing of the death of Beryl Reuben.)