R for Romania: Where Death Comes Laughing
The feeling of queasiness that I had initially felt when I had learnt of the destination on our itinerary is soon replaced by a growing sense of calm and acceptance. Colourful flowers and shrubbery form a lush inviting carpet. All around me are tombstones engraved with interesting epitaphs, several self-deprecatory in nature. The tour guide points out funny pictures depicting lives led, amusing rhymes describing highs and lows.
“The people of Romania believe that death is to be celebrated. It is after all just a passage to the after-life. Hence, the name. Merry Cemetery,” he says matter-of-factly.
He leaves us with a question in the end. “If you had to get something inscribed, what would you?”
Late that night, suspended somewhere between consciousness and deep sleep, words come together and take form.
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One of Romania’s touristy destinations makes a very unique claim to fame. The Merry Cemetery – a different way to look at death. http://touristinromania.net/2014/01/27/merry-cemetery-romania-bizarre-graveyard-dead-silly-poems-tombstones/
I would love to hear your views!
It does and I am amazed at the fact that people still recognize the strengths and good memories than mourn and grieve! Thank you Shilpa!
Celebrating death… that's tough but makes sense actually!
Beautiful epitaph!
Thank you, Shreya! The A-Z has challenged me in more ways than one!
V nice poem.