We started noticing graveyards. We’ve been driving through Maine. Beautiful, of course, both the coast, the hills, and the mountains. Lots of small farms, and a haven for lobster (unless you are one). Lots of old buildings, well kept up but showing their age, connected to history. I suppose with that, the frequency of cemeteries is understandable. Still, it’s caught our attention.
Where we live I hardly know of any. People die in California, too, but apparently we keep it hidden. “Why sadden the landscape?” Has it all been part of a plan?
But in these parts, there’s no concealing. After seeing at least 20 along the roadside we started counting them, some acres large, others smaller. Within a few hours we were up to 30!
I don’t know if the people that live here notice. I expect it’s something you get used to and don’t even see after awhile. But we wonder: By these ubiquitous reminders, are people more aware of their mortality? And if so, what good does it do?
I’ve sometimes thought there should be one of those flashing speed signs near every graveyard, the kind that tell you how fast you’re driving. Those silent gravestones might be calling us to “slow down,” to live life to the fullest. Or conversely, to “speed up,” also to live life to the fullest!
Which would you take?
Here’s a small one, notable for tilting stones. Withered histories.
We looked online and found there are over 7000 graveyards in Maine. So we’re not the first to notice; there’s a society dedicated to looking into these things.*
But we drive on. We have places to go and things to see before our bodies meet that little plot of ground with the memorial stone that afterward no one will notice much.
Wonder what they’ll think. Probably something like, “Humm, there’s a lot of graveyards around here.”
Meantime, we’re loving Maine. A wonderful place for the living.
_______
PS Here’s one from my favorite book: Anyone among the living has hope; even a live dog is better than a dead lion. Ecclesiastes 8:4
* And that’s only the southern part of the state; nobody dies in the north. (Nor does anybody live there.)
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
6:44 am
Nice little piece. I actually like taking note of cemeteries also while traveling.
9:34 am
What a great one Hyatt! So thoughtful! Loving yours and Anne’s take on all the graveyards you are seeing. All sooooo true what you said! And loved your funny lobster comment! Anne must be laughing too! Love Lisa
2:43 pm
It was a profound experience to visit the graveyard where Jonathon Edwards is buried and also where his family members are buried…….
3:03 pm
I’ve missed your Blogs.. you bring to everything The Artist insight and sentiments. Yes I wondered about where all Californians and their final resting place are to be found. I can’t recall ever seeing such a place. No doubt they are there but well concealed!!
Another verse I like is – Why search for him (Jesus) amongst the dead. He is now with the living!!
John Nowlan ‘free translation ‘
5:04 am
Interesting reading this in Athens. We’ve just arrived after a lengthy flight and are experiencing enormous jet lag. I’m trying to rest before taking on a museum, walking the Plaka and dinner. I suspect we’ll be seeing many ancient gravesites in the coming weeks, including Pompeii and Herculean. Certainly lots of reminders that we only get to be on this side of the ground for so long. I’m pondering your question – should that knowledge make me speed up to fit every possible thing in, or slow down to savor and ponder and reflect, I think my answer is both. Just need to figure out how to strike that balance, Thank you Hyatt. You always make me think,
7:23 am
Marilyn and I noticed the many, well kept cemeteries as we drove through the NE some years ago. We also noticed the markers on the gravestones of those who had served in the Revolutionary War. A lot of history there.