Lilacs

Lilacs, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Some may not think of the cemetery as a great place to walk, but I have learned that it is an ideal place for walking. In Montreal, we have a large cemetery on the top of Mount Royal, divided up by religion and separated by fences. Small roads and paths meander through the rows of stones with many trees offering homes for the birds and animals that live on the mountain. Today I wandered with a friend in the Protestant section.



The many flowering trees are in full bloom. Their heavy scent hangs in the air.



And everywhere you can hear the birds singing.  Each part of the cemetery has its own personality, reflecting the denominations of the people buried there. Huge monuments announce the resting places of the wealthy while tiny monuments cover the graves of young babies.




The identical stones of the military graves stand, honouring those who lost their lives in the wars that Canada has fought.



What a peaceful place for a walk. Others, too, were out with cameras, walking dogs and enjoying the sunny spring day.

Standing at Attention

Standing at Attention, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I was in the local cemetery. It sits on prime real estate on the slopes of Mount Royal. A road snakes up the hill through woods. One section is home to the graves of fallen soldiers - these are from the second world war. While in other parts of the cemetery, the graves are more haphazard, here they are lined up with military precision. Even in death they stand at attention.




Other stones are half submerged in snow, the inhabitants buried twice over. But above life continues. Birds flew over, enjoying the bright sunshine while a red fox trotted through, stopping now and then to leave his scent. It is a peaceful place, good for a meditative stroll.