In A Circle Of Pines Poem by Jim Yerman

We followed the path to the top of a hill
not knowing what we might find
What we discovered was a lone headstone
surrounded by a circle of pines.

There was only a last name written on it
neath the words… 'In memory of'
but all around the headstone
were other indicators of love.

How do we know this person was loved?
Because this headstone sits on a tiny hill
where it looks up and out at the mountains
where the air is surprisingly still.

We imagine friends of this person came together
and created this design…
a resting place with a beautiful view
shaded by a circle of pines.

There are no dates on the headstone
no way of knowing when this person was enshrined…
We guess it was a long time ago
judging by the height of the pines.

Over the years the pine needles have nestled
making a soft bed under the trees
It is a beautiful place to rest for a moment
or recline for an eternity.

And we feel blessed to have discovered
a place where the elements of nature intertwine…
to form such a beautiful memorial
in the midst of a circle of pines.