Prairie Grass

IMG_0108Prairie grass waves over the spot where my parents’ house used to be. Its roof was blown away in a tornado years ago and the house leveled, the basement filled in. What physical remnants of my past remain beneath this dirt I’ll never know as members of the family were all far-distant when the tornado hit and no one ever went to clear out items stored in the basement. I’m told townspeople came in and scavenged in the basement before it was filled in.  A friend took my childhood books for her children.  I have no idea where other letters, books, trophies and assorted treasures from my past ended up. Perhaps they are buried there.

IMG_0105
Across the dirt road is the cemetery where we all will lie beneath prairie grass one day. Yes, I was moved to tears both by the beauty and the inevitability that all our fuss and bother will result in this simplicity. We rise from the earth, feed on it and in return are fed upon. No person is so special as to survive the inevitable leveling force of nature.

IMG_0117

Daily Prompt: In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Moved to Tears.” Describe the last time you were moved to tears by something beautiful.

14 thoughts on “Prairie Grass”

  1. Marilyn Armstrong's avatarMarilyn Armstrong

    How strange to visit a place that no longer is. But come to think of it, my family home was also leveled, though it isn’t under the prairie, but under the foundation of a bunch of condominiums. I think the prairie grass has at least poetry going for it.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓
  5. koehlerjoni's avatarkoehlerjoni

    This post reminds me of my husband’s family cemetery. We are usually visiting to clean the place up, but it always feels both sad and peaceful to be standing in the place where so many dreams were laid to rest.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      I know. I couldn’t wait to get out of my home town but it feels good to think of my ashes going there with grandmother, grandfather, aunts and uncles and sisters. My folks chose to be buried in Tucson but we’re putting up a marker to include them as well. I love walking through graveyards and perhaps one day someone will look at my stone and wonder who I was. Now I just need a good quote to inspire reflection!

      Like

      Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: Moved to Tears by “The Artist” (2011) | Ramisa the Authoress

      1. rogershipp's avatarrogershipp

        I have 24 to go and I am caught up! Plus I am up-to-date on most of the contest/ challenges that I like write and enter. I am doing a class on-line “Creative Writing Now” for the next 40 days. Some of my writings are longer than I am used to doing. I guess that is stretching me?

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

Leave a comment