Friday, May 8, 2009

Just An Ordinary Man . . .

I have, over the years, visited quite a large number of cemeteries. For many people, death and burial are taboo subjects, but I see them as a profound source of poetry, history, and art. Small glimpses into past lives come shining out. I am never disappointed by such visits, always come away feeling touched and enlightened in some small way. And awed at the miracle of life-time and the infinity of death-time. . . and just a little more resolved to make the most of however many days I may have left here. Louis Ordinaire died at age 16 in 1925, a student at the Technical Military School at Tulle. I wonder what did him in at such a tender young age. . . he was just an ordinary guy . . .
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5 comments:

The Sagittarian said...

I recall visiting a really old cemetary on the west coast of our Island while at school for a project, there appeared to be an old coffin lying above ground. It was all rusty and obviously made of iron...no idea who had escaped and I think I'm still running!

Steve said...

16... while to die young is always a tragedy, there is something about 16 that speaks of promise and potential and so it's doubly tragic to see it snuffed out.

namaki said...

poor little Louis ... died so young and his image is almost completely faded out !

William Evertson said...

Namaki's observation of the faded portrait is what caught my eye also. Sixteen? Too fresh to fade but not fully formed either.

Catherine said...

What a wonderful name... and I will repeat..if you love cemeteries then mexico is the place to be...