“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.)