Brave New World

We were once part

Of this brave new world

Or so we thought

But now we look out upon another

Where everything here seems attuned to you

Nothing can be ripped asunder

Or so you hope

The promise of glories, splendour and joy

Occupy your constant thoughts

Into the starry night

And the wild blue yonder

But we all burn down in our lives

The candle starts to flicker low

And things suddenly do not matter

As our hearts start to slow

Instead our soul becomes our greatest treasure

We wonder about our longevity

Measure for measure

Like us you may try to protect your spirit

In the ultimate casket

Just in case

With eight sides of harmonious perfection

Ready to move on to the next lesson

Through infinity’s gate

Before it is to late

 

*****

 

The octagonal tomb depicted in this photograph belonged to the Stapley family who were seeking the home of perfection in the Halls of Jerusalem. The octagonal temple of Jerusalem on the Mount is the spiritual home of Christians, and the number eight in symbolism stands for eternity.

 

So eight-sided tombs in other parts of the world are a link to Jerusalem and eternity generally, as it is thought the temple in the Emerald City mentioned in Revelations in the New Testament is the true Jerusalem, where one’s soul will be reunited with Christ and God.

 

Here in Ocklynge, in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in the UK, at a time of great industrial revolution, when the Victorian era was spreading its wings and enlarging its empire over continents, it was seen as a progressive time, a time of great change. But Christianity at this time was also a driving force, a conquering faith for good. In truth of course, it was not always welcomed, but the wealth of the Victorians was welcomed nevertheless in certain countries.

 

Wealthy families could afford expensive tombs for their dear departed, and in Ocklynge Cemetery there are plenty of examples.

 

But they also hoped that in bringing their families together, they would all easily reunite in heaven, or Jerusalem, in their spiritual home. This image is one such tomb, containing all their hopes and dreams.

 

This work can also be found on a new page about Ocklynge Cemetery on my website, as I have written quite a few works inspired by the photography I have taken there, so I decided that there was going to be enough to merit the addition of a separate page on its own for this wonderful cemetery. More will be added over time, but here is a link where an introduction can be found and the poems designed in such a way that they become a complete work with the image as a viewing experience.

 

Please click here:

 

www.shelleyturnerpoetpix.com/hallowed-ground

 

Well, this concludes my uploads for this session, and there is enough here to keep you engaged while I prepare the next lot! I hope you have enjoyed these works, and I will enjoy catching up with you all!

All my love, and it is great to be back!

Shell x

 

 

Done