Mistaken Identity by Aida I. DePascale

Onesquethaw Cemetery - “City On The Hill” 

© Mark W. Ó Brien 2015

Gazing up slowly, I see beyond the coffin, beyond the earth. Sunlight shining brightly yet I feel a distinct chill. I hear mourning doves near my new digs while I listen closely as fragile drops of dew gently tap against my tombstone. Your soft gentle footsteps approach.  Soon I will hear you speak and acknowledge her existence. Others march by giving condolences; duty or love; I wonder.  My spirit feels comfort as I hear your loving words and how she left too soon. Tearfully you leave my grave. Not knowing how or why this occurred I only know that if my true identity was carved on this stone there would be no visitors.  So in that spirit I thank you and promise to convey each heartfelt message once I arrive at my final destination. 

In life I walked alone. In death my existence becomes alive with this unknown stranger. My soul sees the light as I plead with God for one more day.  How foolish to cling to this dark fairy tale with no happy ending. I shall rest between the starburst galaxy and the fresh morning dew until time brings us together again. Only then will I be allowed to share how much your visit meant to me. A nameless body who’s death has not one lament.

What peace you bestow

Could you not love me the same

Whom you mourn so deep

~

© Aida I. DePascale 2017

~

Aida I. DePascale is a poet, a writer of short stories and an avid photographer of nature.  She lives in Catskill, New York.

Ononta’kahrhon reminds me of Uluru* by Philomena Moriarty.

"Latermass on the mountain."
© Mark W. Ó Brien 2017

How superficially I walk upon this earth not honoring its peoples. I kick their dust and swallow their air. They who invisioned the clay and stone beneath their feet. Who barefoot felt each leaf and twig. With leather and cloth I separate myself from the elemental. I dwell in thought and lose all sensation. What I give away. What I give away. What I keep giving away.

Even this sharp pain 

foot fall on rocky edges 

makes me real again 

~

© 2017 Philomena Moriarty

~

Philomena Moriarty uses mindfulness in her writing process and views poetry as a spiritual practice. Her poetry collection and memoir 

"My Moon Self." is available on Amazon.com.

You may learn *more about Uluru here.