Pet Portrait - Allister #61

Drink it up. Wise words from a fat cat.

Westminster Hall #18

Cemetery #121

We are so obsessed with doing that we have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, men are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have - for their usefulness. Thomas Merton

For me, a cemetery is a place of deeply personal comfort and quiet. It's a place to reflect. I've been "away" from Merton in my thoughts for many months now but he oddly, always seems relevant. I felt a little closer to what Merton discusses - finding your authentic self - when I was in the cemetery, taking pics.

Cemetery #88

Nature encroaches on the cemetery - even in the City. C a rather reluctant, but always supportive participant, mumbles some comment about "This is why I want to be cremated. Who really visits deceased folks in cemeteries?"

Hmmmmm. . .At the time, I agreed with him. I would rather be cremated. I've always felt that way.

However, for some burial is the only option - especially if religion dictates so. And at first blush this pic looks like a bunch of unkept, disrespected final resting places. My immediate reaction was to be appalled.

But maybe, just maybe, this is exactly how it's supposed to work. Nature wholly reclaims the body and re purposes it. Eventually, the markers will erode - just as naturally as all other rock turns to dust.

Nature and time become the great equalizers - it happens to us all - not matter your station in life. Nature and time become the ultimate repurposers. Nature and time are not relentless and cruel but rather merciful, patient, and gentle.

For me it's tremendously humbling.

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. Thomas Merton