Grave Keeper Poem by Trevor McLeod

The pale moon light illuminates my path
my passing goes unnoticed by those who reside here
for they do not care

oh but how I care for them
since none will
I tend to them
and keep watch over them

if you walk with me
oh the stories I could tell
of each person who is here
I think they would like the interest

I stop at a familier spot
I think I will tell you of this poor fellow
he tried so hard
such a waste

A warrior
true he wasn't the greatest
but he never gave up
nor left a man behind

people called him a hero
lavished him with metals
gave him great honor
but it didn't save him in the end

his death was unkind
the type no one wishes on there foe
he served his people
gave his life to protect them

but to him
everytime he took a life
he saved a life that was dear to him
his love

He marched onto every battle field
stood through the worst
fought through hell
lived in pain

till one day he was hurt badly
they sent him home
his thoughts were so happy
to once again hold the girl he loved

such a shame
how he longed to be called dad
to whisper sweet nothings to his wife
to enjoy a married life

This he did get to see
a child in the arms of his love
as they danced and played in the front yard

but that was not him
who kissed his loves lips
who the child called daddy
no his dream was being lived by another

He died a few days later
The doc said natural causes
but we all know better
this poor soul was claimed by the worst fate

It's a shame really
he has been buried here for a while
but like most residents here
he has no visitors

I keep their homes clean and neat
the weeds trimmed back
and stone moss free
it's not the greatest life for me

but I feel debted to take care of them
even if it isn't a glamouris job
if I didn't
then no one would

I pay my respects
to those who lived
and died
by keeping their eternal homes neat

So next time
you pass a grave yard
remember they were once human
each with a story to tell
if your willing to listen