Mark Gooch’s most recent poem to appear here was Valentine’s Day Thoughts (July 2014).

Value of Life
By Mark Gooch

Loving mother and wife
Grandfather and father
Daughter of Mary Smith
Steven, Allison and Chris
Died June 12, 1933 RIP
As I progress through the fenced area, footsteps echoing between the monuments of stone
Studying the short descriptions of when they were born, accomplishments, and death dates.
Centuries old, some quite recent. Single plots for some, others buried in groups. Families gone.
They all had lives, stories
to tell, moments of joy.
They loved and cried,
had hopes and plans.
But now, no  words
to speak, no moments
to share. Just silence
and tributes from those
who care. Free to view
At your neighborhood
cemetery. If you dare.