May 7, 2023
Not too many blocks away from Reynolds Square is a lovely old cemetery. Since my room still wasn't available, I walked down to check it out. I've wondered sometimes why we are so drawn to cemeteries. Is from some innate need to know when we are gone, we will have left a mark?
There's a lot of history in this small plot of Georgia land, but I won't attempt to give a lesson. Read the signs if you like, or just enjoy the pretty park.
The Habersham men left quite a mark on Georgia. All four of them.
From every tree drips the Spanish moss.
On one side of the cemetery there was a brick wall. All along it were tombstones that for whatever reason, were no longer marking a specific grave.
It was a challenge to try to read them as time had taken a toll on some of the letters. Even the newest ones have had nearly two centuries of Savannah rains pouring down their faces, washing them away, one grain at a time, and adding layers of moss and mold to some.
IN
memory of HANNAH G. SHEFTALL
consort of Mordecai Sheftall Jr.
who was born on the 15th February
1803,
and departed this life
on the 10th November
1834
In thee we lose a friend sincere,
A loving wife, and mother dear,
Securely rest, they sleeping dust
Till the last trump awakes the just.
Affection sighs - alas! that though shouldst die,
Torn from our hearts & lost forevermore.
But Faith points upward to a brighter sky,
And gently breathes "Not lost, but gone before."
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