The Part of Thirteens

Link: http://flickr.com/photos/8047619@N08/sets/72157600225868569/

Found on actual grave markers I’ve seen while browsing photos on flickr:

1. Remember me as you pass by,
   As you are now so once was I,
   As I am now so shall you be,
   Prepare yourself to follow me.
2. Oops, he died.
3. Exchanged mortality for life.
4. Life how short!
   Eternity how long!
5. Death did to me short warning give,
   Therefore be careful how you live,
   Prepare in time, do not delay,
   For I was quickly called away.
6. Afflictions sore from time I bore
   Physicians were in vain
   Til God was pleased to send me ease
   And free me from my pain.
7. The sprightly youth, ah mournful tale to tell,
   Crushed by a ponderous load which on him fell.
   Awhile he lived oppressed with pain and grief,
   Till heaven the patient sufferer sent relief.
   Death’s icy hand the well blown flower crops,
   And blasts the aged parents future hopes.
8. Tired with traveling through this world of sin,
   At length am come to nature’s common inn,
   In this dark place, here, to rest a night,
   In hopes to rise that Christ may give me light.
9. Ere sin could blight, or sorrow fade,
   Death came with friendly care,
   The opening buds to heaven conveyed,
   And bade them blossom there.
10. Remember Man
    Die thou Must
    After Death
    Return to Dust
11. The waters flowed on every side,
    And there was none to save,
    At last, compelled, I bowed my head,
    And found a watery grave.
12. Kind hearts are more than coronets,
    And simple faith than Norman blood.
13. Go home, dear friends, grieve not to leave us here,
    To lie til Christ to Judgement shall appear.
    On that tremendous day we hope to have,
    A splendid rising from the gloomy grave.
    Then we shall meet again in realms above,
    Where all is joy and peace, all harmony and love.
14. It’s been fun.

“Life Uncertain” photo by Robert Garbett : http://flickr.com/photos/lawntffoto/