The Wailing Tree

Time passes slowly here on the grounds of a former state hospital for the incurable insane. Long forgotten by a busy world, these humble people lie resting from their labors and torments awaiting the dawning of another age. The wind blows softly through the grass as the summer insects begin to sing a chorus with their beautiful songs. Perhaps they remember the events that unfolded here so long ago. A mute man whose name nobody knew used to hand dig these graves. Eventually he was given the name A. Bookbinder because of the work he did at the hospital of rebinding books. Old Book, as he was affectionately called by the doctors and nurses of the asylum, was in the habit of laying his shovel aside as they interred a body and he would begin crying profusely and wailing aloud for the deceased as he leaned against this old elm tree. The day eventually came when Old Book himself died and was laid to rest. As they lowered the casket into the grave the multitude standing by in reverent silence saw an apparition suddenly appear leaning against the old elm … it was wailing. Over the years many people have claimed to hear the sound of someone wailing when visiting the graveyard. Old Book is still crying for the hapless people buried here.

Done