Death is a very cruel part of life, it comes to us all, we can’t outrun it, hide from it or avoid it. When our numbers up, it’s up.
Grief has many levels, levels that we all have to live through, adapt and conquer.
Some of us will never get over the pain of losing our loved ones, to me though that isn’t always a bad thing because when it hurts, you still remember how much they meant to you, how they impacted your life and touched your soul.

When my dear friend Bruce sent it to me, I instantly felt tears well, a lump in my throat and sadness in my heart. I just have to share this beautiful heartfelt poem with you.

The poem was written by a friend of Bruce’s, a lady called Sue Wilson.
Sue wrote this beautiful poem about the Southampton Old Cemetery, 25 years ago, shortly after having lost her first-born son Thomas who sadly only lived for twelve hours.
It is an absolute honour to be able to share it with you. (Thank you Sue, for allowing me to share, your beautiful touching tribute.)

Beneath These Stones

Standing in the solitude
I know I’m not alone
Surrounded by the past
By memories not my own
Some think it strange and maudlin
I know that is not true
I like to think in years to come
I’ll be remembered too

Reverend Mother Doherty
Presides still in this place
With over twenty sisters
Together and in grace
In life they formed a union
Of hearts both true and pure
In death they rest united still
The nuns of Sacrés Coeurs

Harry Benjamin. Ernest Frank
And William all lie here
The children of one couple
Each so small and dear
What pain they must have suffered
As they buried their three boys
Knowing they would never share
Parental hopes and joys

And here the family Lacy Day
A plot that’s far more grand
Lieutenant Colonels. D.S.O.s
All bravely served this land
What lives these people must have led
Of splendour and of glory
From marble stones we can but glimpse
A small part of their story

There is a Belgian corner
And a section for the Jews
Stones raised for those who died at sea
Alone or entire crews
A Buenos Ayres family –
General Rosas may be found
What twist of fortune brought them here
Buried ‘neath this ground?

So many stories hidden here
Beneath these weathered stones
They cover lives and histories
So much more than bones
Much pain and sorrow witnessed
But from it some release
For every life remembered
A soul now rests in peace