Death Is Coming For You Next - Graves of New England

A rule my wife and I have is to never pass a graveyard from the 1800s without stopping for a look around. New England is loaded with these gems, and if you walk enough of them you'll realize that many of our ancestors were storytellers. People will tell you how they died, call out old grievances, or maybe even spew one final piece of bitterness. Part of the fun in reading them is to look for themes, and for this collection the theme is; Death will be coming for you next.

1. You Must Soon Come After Me

1840, Gonic NH

Now I am gone, I can't return

You once more for to see;
But it is true, that all of you 
Must soon come after me. 

2. Time's Sithe Will Cut You Down As It Has Me

1801, New Boston NH

From time's sithe there is none that is free,

T'will cut you down as it has me.

3. Death Is A Debt That Must Be Paid To Nature

1830, Newburyport MA

Death is a debt to nature due,

I've paid the debt, and so must you.

4. Prepare For Death, See Here's The Grave

1813, Haverhill MA

My life was eighty two years long,

But quickly ended like a song.

Come young and old you've souls to save,

Prepare for death see here's the grave.

5. Receive Death's Stroke And Turn To Dust

1795, Newburyport MA

No mortal Flesh can e'er withstand

The power of Deaths impartial hand.

But each without resistance must

Receive the Stroke & turn to dust.

6. More And More Of You Must Die

1806, New Boston NH

In this yard lies a numerous throng,

Of great & small of old & young,

Still more & more of you must die,

And in this yard with me must lie.

7. Look And See What Your State Will Be

1811, Beverly, MA

My friends, look here and see
What your state will quickly be

8. Remember Thou Must Soon Depart

1820, Beverly MA

Reader; whoever thou art:
Remember thou must soon depart. 

9. The Next Opening Grave May Yawn For You

- 1815, New Ipswich NH

`

Like crowded forest. trees we stand, 
And some are marked to fall; 
The axe will smite at Gods command, 
And soon will smite us all. 
Learn then ye living! by these mouths be taught, 
Of all these sepulchres instruction true, 
That soon or late Death also is your lot; 
And the next opening grave may yawn for you!

Maybe these messages could be taken from the standpoint of bitterness - yeah, I'm dead, but soon you will be too - but I take them as messages of inspiration. We are all resigned to this same fate, but that is why we must never take our time for granted. I believe that is what these people are telling us. Every day is precious, so be sure to make every day count.