The tree-lined graveyard avenues, mottled and sun-dappled;
refracted sun is impressionistic like Monet had a word with Cezanne and Sisley
overheard. Shiny marble and old stone bear names of the dead;
‘Arthur Zebedee Brake’
What was the score with this guy, apart from the cool name? Born 08/01/1918 died 29/06/1963: husband of Janet Barnes who lived on until 2004. He died young, she lived long. Sad story.
The graveyard is full of stories; a cliché I know. A novel
with a cast of thousands; those dead and those left behind.
In America, so I am told, some graves have little taped
messages: a greeting from the grave. ‘Hi! It’s good to see you. I’m Henry, have
a seat’
A touch too macabre for British tastes. The furthest we’ll
go is a photograph of the deceased on the stone, maybe some bits and bobs to
indicate Hibs or Hearts, a miniature of JD or, most heart-breaking of all, a
teddy bear for a little one.
A modern thing, this. Not the routine in the days of Arthur
Zebedee Brake. Nothing so ostentatious or revelatory. If Arthur had played
football, - and maybe he did – he’d have had a waxed moustache and ‘shorts’
down to the top of his socks (arms folded, hair sleek and shiny. What did they
use before Brylcreem - chip-fat?)
Sandy Young (23/06/1918 – 17/09/1959) is also buried here. Scottish
international footballer and scored the winner for Everton in the 1906 FA Cup
final.
Definitely chip-fat….
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