In many cities and small towns throughout the globe, there are places where the living take comfort by visiting the dead. Cemeteries provide a common burial place for relatives, ancestors and the unknown traveler. Many believe these to be sacred grounds, spaces to reconnect and remember those before us. For some a look ahead to our own mortality. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had a line I often think of from one of their songs called “Buy for Me the Rain”. It looks at this from a slightly different angle; “Gravestones cheer the living, dear, they’re no use to the dead“. All are valid thoughts and should be respected regardless of your personal views.
In my town there is a beautiful cemetery. My wife and I have gone there for years to walk, watch spring take back the landscape and follow the seasons as winter inevitably returns. I often bring my camera as I cannot deny the beauty. People come there to paint, jog, stroll, get married and seek a type of peace hard to capture in the surrounding city. The trees, surrounding lakes and flowers keep demanding our return. Over the years I have taken many pictures and I would like to share a small sample with you. This is where my mother and younger brother had their ashes placed, so it is a special place for me in so many ways. While not intending to capture gravestones or monuments, they are a big part of its beauty. Tourist attractions often include Spring Grove Cemetery for travelers and those not familiar with the city. Fall is gorgeous there. Peace can be felt there. I hope some of these pictures will give you an idea why it draws so many people again and again.
MidiMike 