Gardens of Stone

As I walk through these gardens of stone,
I see faces of those I've known.
For those who lived before my time
I have their pictures in my mind.

I am not sad and I am not blue
for they are the same as I knew.
They will never change to me
throughout all of eternity.

There are great-grandparents I never knew:
some aunts, uncles, and cousins, too.
I know the stories of their lives;
In my memory they will survive.

Their lives had many long hard days;
They made it through in their special ways.
I know they're at a better place
Because they ran a faithful race.

Even though their earthly days are o'er
I'll cherish memories forevermore
For now I keep them in my heart
Until the day we never part.

James Eddie Warren
Kathryn Beckcom Warren