Memory Eternal, Part III

When I was at the monastery, I wrote several poems/prayers. The following is prayer XXIII. This is the prayer that arose in me after I went to the vespers for the Saturday of Souls.XXIII.

I have always loved cemeteries,
quiet, peaceful havens
to honor
those who have passed
through this life.

But for me
the dead have always been dead,
their fates have already been sealed.
There was no reason
for me to intercede for them,
nor the need for me
to ask them
to intercede
on my behalf.

Slowly,
like the formation
of milk into butter,
the Orthodox mindset
is starting
to solidify in me.

Lord have mercy,
on those who have departed
from this life.

Lord have mercy,
on those dear to us
whose memories still surround us
each and every day.
Lord have mercy,
on my tree of ancestors
hidden from my knowledge.
Lord have mercy,
on those who made this world
better by their beauty and grace.

Lord have mercy,
on those who fought for injustice,
on those who created art and music
for the enjoyment of our souls.

Lord have mercy,
on those killed
by a hand of another,
on those who were tortured
and left to rot.

And Lord,

have mercy
upon the alcoholics,
the murderers,
the rapists,
the thieves.

Memory Eternal!
Memory Eternal!
Memory Eternal!