“If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” Khalil Gibran ~ On Death
Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati is one of the largest nonprofit cemeteries in the United States.
It is a National Historic Landmark with graves of both revolutionary war and civil war soldiers.
“When the hours of Day are numbered,
And the voices of the Night
Wake the better soul, that slumbered,
To a holy, calm delight. . .” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – Footsteps of Angels
Spring Grove is a beautiful cemetery and is famous for its lawn plan, unconventional at the time of its creation, but now a model for many other cemeteries.
The designer, Strauch, “believed in developing the landscape to harmonize with nature. He re-routed roads to follow the natural shapes of Spring Grove’s hills and valleys.
He built lakes, islands, footbridges, protected woodland areas,
and brought hundreds of trees and plants from other parts of the world,” (Spring Grove Cemetery).
“Darkling I listen; and, for many a time
I have been half in love with easeful Death,
Call’d him soft names in many a musèd rhyme,
To take into the air my quiet breath;
Now more than ever seems it rich to die,
While thou art pouring forth thy soul abroad
In such an ecstasy! ” John Keats ~ Ode to a Nightingale
The varied landscaping transports you from what might be a mysterious Louisiana swampland
to a stately Georgian plantation.
“Because I could not stop for Death—
He kindly stopped for me—
The Carriage held but just Ourselves—
And Immortality.” Emily Dickenson
Gravemarkers range from the elaborate—
buildings made of marble and stone,
this one boasting flying buttresses—
to the simple.
“Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so . . .” John Donne
“I balanced all, brought all to mind,
The years to come seemed waste of breath,
A waste of breath the years behind
In balance with this life, this death.” W. B. Yeats ~ An Irish Airman Foresees his Death
“Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.” Christina Rossetti ~ Remember
Pretty images, Christine. Our trees changed while i was away, and now we’re hunkering down for Hurricane Sandy. So I do appreciate looking at the beautiful landscapes!
I hope you will stay and be safe. Our trees lost most of their leaves while we were gone, too.
You did a great job with the photos, quotes and storyline. Thanks for putting this together and sharing it!
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy. I’ve always liked walking in cemeteries. This one is particularly beautiful.
It looks like a very peaceful place. Thanks for sharing the photos!
It is. Thanks for stopping by, William. Are you worried about the storm at all in Canada?
Thus far, we’re still dry in the Ottawa Valley. We’ve been having high wind since last night though, and threatening skies. It’ll show itself sooner or later….
Thanks for the tour. Amazing place. Your photos are excellent.
Thanks, LeRoy. It is a beautiful place to walk.
Lovely shots, Christine. I like the simple markers the best.
I’m not surprised. I’m leaning towards returning to dust myself and not being deposited in a vault somewhere, but out onto this earth.
We actually found the graveyard with Yeats’ tombstone (and presumably, Yeats himself). It turns out my husband’s great grandparents are also buried there, talk about Serendipity. I love old graveyards and take a lot of pictures there, but I find they are not as popular with the public as other types of picures. Not everyone is comfortable with death!
People have differing views about cemeteries, that’s for sure. I’ve always liked walking there, and they can be a photographer’s treat.
That’s cool about Yeats’ tombstone. I have some ancestors in Dutchess County, NY that I’d like to walk through a cemetery to two to look for. Someday perhaps.
“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” That quote speaks to me. Isn’t it beautiful to explore in cemeteries at this time of year? I remember doing that last year at this time, just as Barry went in for his first knee scope.
I really liked that quote too. You’ve come a long way with Barry in a year haven’t you? I look back at Mark’s pre-surgery days and think, “Thank goodness that’s behind us.”
We’re just about starting to think that, Christine. It’s been a long challenging almost two years since the knee troubles began. But there is now light at the end of the tunnel! Glad you and Mark feel that way, too. You’re a few steps ahead of us.
This is a lovely post. I’m surprised to find old grave markers and monuments in such good condition. The autumn color really sets it off.
Thanks, Patti. Some old grave markers hold up better than others. Probably has to do with the quality of the stone, I imagine.
Awesome trip to a great gem in our city!
Have you been there?
Several times … a great place to walk!
What a beautiful creative post you have done here Christine…. Be proud … and yes what a beautiful place to rest…. Pure Gold….. with such wonderful words …. Wishing you well Christine and sending thoughts of Calmness in the coming of the Storm in your country.. I hope you are no where near its edges.. Blessings Sue xx
Thanks, Sue, for the kind words and calming thoughts. I don’t think it will be a very big deal where we live, but I am concerned about the folks in New Jersey and New York.
Yes its looking one Huge storm 900 miles wide reported here in the UK.. and so my thoughts are with all in its path… Glad you will be ok…
Yes its looking one Huge storm 900 miles wide reported here in the UK.. and so my thoughts are with all in its path… Glad you will be ok…
It certainly does look like a beautiful place rest, and to walk, especially with all of those gorgeous fall colors. 🙂
Thanks for stopping over, Robin. I’m way behind on my blog reading after the three trips to St. Louis last month. Hoping to catch up on everything this week.