Dead Poets Society of America

Summer Cemetery Camp

That is how one excited participant described the annual Association of Gravestone Studies conference.  Here in Granville, Ohio,there is a shot put, tennis, and soccer camp, but our group is the most excited...busing hither and thither to cemeteries in this part of Ohio and listening to professors, photographers, sculptors, and graveyard aficionadoes.

Rejoice! Your Redeemed

Rejoice! Your Redeemed
Originally uploaded by gravelight

At the tombstone of African-American poet and abolitionist, Alfred Gibbs Campbell. Just outside Trenton, NJ.

Alfred Campbell's "Ode to Death"

Abolitionist and poet, Alfred Gibbs Campbell, wrote one of the most-unique and enjoyable poems on death I have read (and trust me, I have read a LOT)

Ode To Death

Blessed Death! thou op'st the door

To the Grand Forevermore!
Unto thee the task is given
To unbar the gates of Heaven!
Thou alone dost hold the keys
Of eternal harmonies!
Thou the secrets dost rehearse
Of the wondrous universe!
Thou art God's interpreter
Of the mysteries which stir
To its depths the human soul
Longing for its final goal!
Universal friend thou art,
Healing every broken heart!
Ultra Abolitionist,
Breaking chains as thou dost list!
Stern emancipator, thou
Layest petty despots low;
Breakest every captive's chain;

Soothest every sufferer's pain;

Driest every mourner's tears;
Quellest all our timorous fears;
Thou shalt fold the human race
In thy loving, dear embrace,
Opening to our failing eyes
Panoramas of the skies.
Fear shall not our bosoms stir,
Welcome! God's kind messenger!