To walk the yard’s perimeter,
Scout the final place of rest–
Copy down the name of him
Who came before my quest.
I wonder what he did at night.
Were his dreams at all like mine?
Did he imagine all the possibilities
Awaiting in the coming time?
Did he long for trips to Sunset Beach,
Bookstore browsings, or applet treats?
Did tomorrow hold the promise
of another love or two?
Is it enough to read his name
and think about his life?
I wonder, did he know I’d come–
Is he here, but not inside?
I’ll jot his name into my book
And find his records, too
And seal for him his family fast
And hope to meet him soon.
Word Play 