“Do you think it is ok?” I turned to Remi, hesitating. “I don’t know, it is Toussaint…” “Oh, don’t worry,” he responded reassuringly. “By the looks of things, they will be happy to have a visitor or two.”
Toussaint, or All Saint’s Day is a serious affair in France. There is nothing of little ghouls begging for candy, no. Instead, families come together to remember and respect. We were on our way to a tiny village outside of Chablis to take flowers to the graves of some of Remi’s family when he glimpsed something surprising through the rain and pulled the car over swiftly to a stop.
An abandoned cemetery. The gate was unlocked. A path of grass had been cut back for the occasion but the tombs…the graves…I had never seen anything like it. Nor had Remi. “And we never will again,” he added.
Waves of emotion rolled over me as I carefully threaded my way through this forgotten world. My hands trembled. But Remi had been right. I did feel welcomed and not haunted at all but rather deeply moved.
I think that these pictures are beautiful! So e of the most beautiful I have seen for some time……….please, I hope that you have more.
Dear Heather, The most beautiful and thought provoking photographs you have shared with us. Thank You.
I have an strong affinity to cemeteries …don't know why. Going there gives me so much inner peace and happiness.
oh what a lovely timbre…….but we could feel how cold it must be already……many layers of cashmere being sent virtually your way…..beautiful shots, truly. *deepthoughtfulgazeathescreen*
One of the last places to say goodbye and once a year, honors. A meeting place for the souls.A sacred place though there should not be a separation of the sacred and the profane.
I think your photos capture beauty in an unexpected place.
I remember reciting the "Elegy" in high school.
Such beautiful photos. I love your honouring of the abandoned graves. If that were my grave I would have sensed your gentle presence. I feel sure you laid a loving hand on a stone or two. One of my favourite poems/blessings is by John O'Donohue "On Passing a Graveyard" http://www.johnodonohue.com/words/allsouls I think it explains why we can experience such peace in a place like the one you and Remi found.
Absolutely beautiful…and sad to know that the lineage of these individuals has been lost based on the condition of the gravestones and markers. So beautiful…and so well loved at one time…. (sigh) Where are they now?
Hi Heather, how wondrous to find this resting place. It does make you wonder about the many lives and how they lived.
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Heather, these are some of the most stunning and moving photos I've ever seen. Thank you. It is sad, yes, but isn't it really what will happen to us all eventually? Your photos ca help us to embrace that truth.
Great idea! Thanks a lot! –
–Judi