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Martha B. Long (Tombstone Tuesday with a Poem)

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Just a few days shy of the 116th anniversary of her death.

100_1293

Our Mother
Martha B.
Wife of H. M. Long
Born Oct 5, 1812
Died July 29, 1900

On that bright immortal shore,
We shall meet to part no more.

Level Creek Cemetery
Suwanee, Gwinnett County, Georgia

For an added bonus, here's a poem published 1865 in the book, Eighty Original Poems, by John McNair, D.D.  The poem does contain a line from Martha's epitaph, but really I'm posting it just because I like it.  I think I'm drawn to the cadence, as well as the words.

UP IN HEAV'N.

I have a treasure great indeed
Reserv'd for me in time of need --
Which does all other things exceed;
A treasure up in Heav'n.

I have a house far out of sight,
A blessed mansion pure and bright
Where I shall dwell in ceaseless light,
Exalted up in Heav'n.

I have a hope both firm and strong,
It is so now, has been so long,
That I shall join the happy throng
Who shout and sing in Heav'n.

I have a faith my Maker gave,
It vaunts not, yet 'tis strong to save,
And will, methinks, ev'n death out-brave,
And land me safe in Heav'n.

I am a king, but not of earth,
I boast not of my human birth,
This is a thing of little worth,
My kingdom's up in Heav'n.

I have a crown that's kept for me
By him who died on calvary;
That crown I soon in joy shall see
And wear it up in Heav'n.

I have a Great Almighty Friend,
Who does my life, my all defend,
And still will guide me to the end,
Then fix me up in Heav'n.

There, there my conflicts will be o'er,
There I shall need my faith no more,
But on that bright, immortal shore,
Obtain my long'd for Heav'n,

There with the God-man glorified,
I'll in that glory sweet abide,
And wish for nothing more beside,
To constitute my Heav'n.

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Comments

Darla M Sands said…
Though my paternal grandfather was not much for reading, I am sure he would enjoy this just as much as you and I. A favorite memory is sitting by his side in church and singing hymns. Thank you for sharing this beautifully cadenced poem.
July 29, 2016 at 2:49 PM
S. Lincecum said…
Glad it reminded you of a fond memory!
July 29, 2016 at 6:20 PM
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SouthernGraves.blogspot.com

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"

So I answered, "O Lord God, You know."

Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!' Thus says the Lord God to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live...'" (Ezekiel 37:1-5, NKJV)