I’m delighted to be hosting #BlogFlash2012 – 30 Days, 30 Prompts 30 Posts.
If you’d like to jump on board, it’s not too late!
Don’t forget to leave your “Day Seventen – Graveyard” post link in the comments below so I can stop by!
#BlogFlash2012: Day Seventeen – Graveyard
There was a graveyard adjacent to my elementary school. At recess, we’d sometimes see a burial, a priest and family members gathered under a tent. My grandfather, who’d passed away when I was in the first grade, was buried in that graveyard, and I often found myself staring at the gravestones in wonder. Who lay in the grave marked by the largest stone? The smallest? The flat stones with barely legible print?
Today, I cannot pass a graveyard on foot without walking through. Graveyards tell us volumes-in the size and style of the stones, the words printed on their face, the bodies buried together and loved ones separated after their death, the ages and life spans of the deceased. Through their burial markings the dead speak to us, drawing us together in our humanity, the urgent voices of the past pulling us into the future.
Word count: 146
I find it strange that a school would be right next to a graveyard, especially an elementary school. I can understand your fascination with them – you can find out so much. Love the killer last line – it's very profound. Great post, Terri.
Here's the link to my post: http://wp.me/p1UhOl-8P
Thank you so much, Carlie! I guess it is quite strange town planning to have the two so close!
I'm a bit over in words today. This one was a toughy.
http://donnalsadd.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/day-17…
Your post was beautifully written!
Here's my day 17: http://christinakrieger.com/2012/08/17/blogflash-…
Love the gentle thoughtfulness of your post, Terri. Graveyards connect us as families and as a society. This is the one prompt that I would rather have written in essay style, instead of as part of my linked story, because I work at a funeral home (14 years running) and have so much to say on the subject of death, but I kept myself on track!
“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.â€
That does sound like an odd elementary school. Would make a great cartoon. Goth Elementary. Or a zombie flick.
Teacher looks up to see a new kid in class. She says: "Who can tell me what organ in our body controls our emotions, muscles and involuntary life functions?"
"Braaaaaaaaains!" says the new kid.
No zombies in my story. The dead stay that way.
http://eightysixthepoet.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog…
That sounds about right for around here. There are graveyards everywhere including the middle of town. We often pass them while driving.
I'm really enjoying participating in this because I'm finding that I have a lot more to say than I thought I did. I just need someone to give me that initial prompt to start from. Thanks Terri!
I find this to be a wonderful topic. I was a touch over the wordcount, but there is so much one could say about a Graveyeard. The mystery surrounding the stones to worn to read, and the hearbreak around some of the ones you can.
Terri, your post was perfect! I can't wait to read everyone elses!
Here is my Day 17 :http://www.melinagillies.com/2/post/2012/08/blogflash2012-day-seventeen-graveyard.html
And yes, I realize how atrocious the grammar/spelling was in the post above, sorry everyone! That's what happens when you rush!
Thank you so much for the link, Donna! I was incredibly touched by your post, and so moved that you were willing to share your thoughts with us.
Great post today Terri.
I found this prompt a bit tricky but the Tweedlers both got there in the end :)
http://tweedling.com/2012/08/blogflash2012-30-day…
Thank you so much, David!
Wow, your school setup has just provoked like a zillion story ideas in my head! :)
Today I used the other people's (graphical) talent to show my emotional reaction to the prompt: http://word2live.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/my-ever…
I'm glad it provided inspiration, Andrea! Hope you'll share some with us!
I could never bear the thought of living near a cemetery — going to school next to one wouldn't have been desirable, either!
My dark lil' etheree for the day is here:
http://lovethebadguy.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/day…
Thank you so much – very macabre but a perfect fit!
Such a beautiful post. Never forgety the dead and learning from them. Just beautiful. I can imagine the fascination you had whilst in school though, looking into the graveyard.
here’s my offering today. xx
http://40somethingundomesticateddevil.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/graveyard-day-17.html
Thank you, Lizzie – a wonderful post!
I love walking through graveyards. To see how other remember the person that passed and the words left on the stone.
Thanks Terri
Okay I really need an assistance. I cannot keep anything straight. Here is the correct link
http://wp.me/p2pf5s-1nB
Thank you so much, Suzie! I love the story behind your picture!
A graveyard near an elementary school that’s interesting. Love how it fueled your imagination.
Sorry my piece is a little longer today as I’m combining it with another prompt. Hope you enjoy it. http://candylittle.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/334/
Not at all, Candy – I'm over the word count too! Your piece for this prompt is just lovely.
My day #17: http://stevenpaul-ashviper.blogspot.com/2012/08/b…
Thanks Steven!
My favorite place in a graveyard is the old sections where all the really old stones are at. Some are so old you can barely read them anymore.
I always wonder what the history is behind them. Thanks so much for visiting, Joy!
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Great post Terri :) I love wandering around graveyards. They are so full of stories. Was at one the other week that is home to the early Welsh kings.
http://adrarasdreams.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/frida…
That's fantastic, Elaine! Now that certainly would be a place full of stories!
Thank you, Christina! I loved your use of the 'Graveyard' prompt.
What a wonderful quote, Ruth! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for the smile, Eighty Six! I certainly hadn't thought of it that way!
Graveyard was an interesting prompt to add, I'm late linking, but here it is… http://thelastkrystallos.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/b…
Thank you so much, Lisa! This story is so involving!
We have graveyards in Upstate New York that are as old as this country or more. Many of them are family sites and most are next to churches, which we also have a plethora of. I was going to write about how peaceful, historical, and intriguing those are, but ended up somewhere else. Hope y'all like it.
http://runesandothersecrets.blogspot.com/2012/08/…
Thank you so much for sharing, Heidi!
Thank you so much, Angela! It's so important to me that people enjoy it. I wanted it to be about inspiration and connecting with people, so feedback like this means the world to me! Thank you so much for your piece for this prompt – it was beautiful.
Thank you so much, Melina! I really enjoyed your piece for this prompt, and the stunning pictures too!
Love the post, Terri, especially the last sentence
Graveyards are fascinating places.
Blog Flash Day 17: http://www.jblearnstowrite.com/blog-flash-day-17-…
Thank you so much, JB!
I have found there are people who love cemeteries and people like me who enjoy them, whether or not I know people buried there. My entry today is a photo essay and reminds me I should spend more time showcasing the photos I have taken in many cemeteries… some very unsettling (none of that variety here!)
Loved the prompt – sorry for the delay in posting!
Thank you Julie! I'm sorry your link didn't take (technical problem!) – I've added it below:
http://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/julie_unplugg…
We're coming to a twist in the plot now!
http://dreaming-of-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08…