Where We've Buried Them

“Here’s all the tears that we’ve lost

-It’s where we’ve buried them.”

We stood, the two of us-

On a bluff, looking down

Down at the countless graves

Rock tombstones

In the form of simple slabs

Almost shining

From the sun’s powerful light

 

I looked at her

And took note of her emotionless face

“Tears?” I asked

She nodded solemnly

For reasons that escaped me

She told me

How this site

Was only a place of memory

How their graves

Ran beneath the city

Ran beneath the homes

And beneath the sidewalks

And between the buildings

 

They called the grave yard

Something strange, to me

They named it “Opprobrium”

 

I stayed in this place

For a few more days

I noticed the sidewalks had no splits

Not even when they met the roads

Nor the driveways

It all just melded together

 

I stayed in this place

In turn-

For a few more nights

And I took note

Of the fact that this place

Had not moon

Only stars could be seen in the sky

 

The people within were a quiet sort

I met no one of garrulous nature

Not here

But rather-

They all seemed rather laconic

Not only this but their emotions

Were kept on a tight leash

They weren’t sad, no

That’s not the word for it

They weren’t exactly full of mirth either

 

I saw subdued,

Patient smiles

From time to time I heard a laugh

But I never heard any cries

I never saw any pain

Still, somehow the air seemed-

 

Melancholic

 

On my last day

I met again with the woman

Who showed me “Opprobrium”

And asked her a question

That had been nagging at me

I guess it’s because

She seemed to be the right age

“Do you have any kids?”

I said it casually

It was intended as small talk

 

She gave me one of those

Patient smiles

A patient smile

With a veiled look in her eyes

But I saw behind the veil

And the beautiful bride within it

Was crying

 

She shook her head

“Not anymore”

 

I decided quickly to change the subject

But the only thing that came to mind

Was probably the wrong thing

“May I ask,

               Why no one seems sad?”

 

Again, a patient smile, with one word

“Opprobrium”

Author's Note

Interpret it. Entertain me ;)

Please.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing poem. I liked the word “Opprobrium”. The poem left me with the want to know more. In the graveyards if we pay attention. Can learn some lessons. I liked the description of the location and the conversation at the ending. Made this words “Opprobrium” to be understood by the reader. Thank you Nicole for sharing the excellent poetry. I love your poetry. You make me think.
Coyote
Coyote

[Nicole Laszlo]

I'm really happy that you liked it, and I'm glad to hear that the meaning of the word was made clear. Thank you, again, for the specific and kind review. I'm glad I can make you think. Definitely a main goal for me in poetry.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right. People who love to write. The goal is take the reader to better or different place.