The Unkept Grave Poem by Ray Hansell

While at the cemetery the other day
I noticed a neglected grave
Covered with dirt and debris
I knew it could be saved

I moved away all the debris
Then I swept the area clean
After a little bit of work
The name and dates could be seen

The name said, Robert Ellsworth
Born in nineteen fifty two
It said he fought in the war
As part of attack aircrew

I thought that it was sad
No one to keep his grave clean
His life was short in duration
With many unfulfilled dreams

So I took it upon myself
To keep clean his final resting spot
I placed some flowers
Next to his headstone in a little pot

Now I don't know this person
Or his family at all
But I feel his grave should be clean
After all, he answered his country's call

So one a week I go by
To put fresh flowers at his grave
The fact he fought for his country
That alone tells me he was brave

He may well have passed away
So many years ago
But I can still show respect
For someone I didn't even know

Sure he is a stranger
Someone I didn't know
But that should never stop you
From letting a little kindness show


3-6-20/RjH