I knelt before the grey headstone,
As time slowed down for me,
In a cemetery so forlorn,
That the sky hid behind the trees.
I read the epitaph engraved in slant,
The letters smooth on coarser rock,
Two daisies, and a purple orchid plant,
Lay limp before the tribute block.
I saw the soil go from hard to soft,
As it captured my tumbling tears,
The grass around the tomb stood aloft,
Claiming victory over deathly fears.
I gazed around at similar graves,
My kin was now one of many,
Lying in the midst of so many brave,
Yet lonely chambers wanting company.
And as I stood after paying respect,
To those departed from this life,
I felt my trembling heart deflect,
Desolation's piercing knife.
