I had a wonderful time.
I met some interesting people..one lady from Viet Nam
who struggled to understand a monument that had the words
Tree Magie on it
The large headstone stood in a clearing with tall oak trees framing it
She thought it was a magic place of trees
...I think she was right...oh I adored her...so fascinating talking to her
And then there was this woman talking photos ...like me
only she had a real camera....she drifted my way and began talking to me about
what I took photos of.....what interested me through the lens
light-shadow-angles-art-light
this pleased her.....she actually invited me to visit her camera club
and encouraged me to join the one in my area
....ha....I wouldn't know a f-stop from the Elevated stop
It was very difficult to take photos while keeping up with the group
I will need to go to cemeteries alone.....wait for the light to be just so
look for the details.....so purposefully put there on every stone

Every big shot from old Chicago is there indeed at Graceland
poets architects mayors business magnates
big shots with big graves
except for Mayor Daley...he's buried in an ordinary catholic south suburban cemetary

The experience yesterday was peaceful...it is...
Like most big city cemeteries of this era
they are built like parks...big gorgeous parks
I loved every tree I saw...collected many acorns...for which I was laughed at
bah..who cares....some people have no magic in their souls
But I do....

I even tarried over a grave.....
..a story....came to me
I asked our guide...who is a history  prof...What do you know about the battle of Stone River?
He didn't know.....
.But this young man died of his wounds there
Battles are always horrific for those who fight in them
and there stories are forgotten...their pain, their sacrifice
the history
forgotten
I came away from my day at Graceland Cemetery
haunted.