Till Angels Bid Us Rise

I was reading some short passages this weekend in Charleston Magazine from back in February of this year. Yes, I am often way behind in my reading. But these short works in a featured titled “In Love with the Lowcountry” reminded my of how much I love the cemeteries and churchyard of my home town.

When I was in college many years ago I used to steal away with my books, often poetry, and sit in these ‘fine and private’ places. I could read, recharge my spirit, and be at one with the history of the old city. I still do this from time to time. It helps that I am member of one of the churches that has a churchyard that offers such solace. But, also I seek others out. Magnolia Cemetery is a wonderful haven.

So indulge me, if you will, for a few pictures and a few favorite lines of poetry.

UCChs Churchyard

“…we’ll close our eyes,
To the decaying world,
till angels bid us rise.”
— from The Christian Year
by Rev John Keble

The churchyard of the Unitarian Church in Charlesotn

“The grave’s a fine and private place,
But none, I think, do there embrace.”
— from To His Coy Mistress
by Andrew Marvell

Angel

“Too long a sacrifice
Can make a stone of the heart.
O when may it suffice?
That is Heaven’s part…”
— from Easter, 1916
by W.B. Yeats