tuulamuse Free Verse, Poetry

THE CEMETERY

Kalispell, Montana

The Cemetery

The calm and stillness, the duly drifting clouds…
A place of peace and remembering.
 Quiet memorials honoring the lives of the no-longer living. 
At one time, sharing the same world and atmosphere,
now resting in the same earth.

Solid and stoic, the headstones whisper 
names and dates and epitaphs.
Angels, crosses, the Star of David…
bright, favorite flowers, flags, and woven wreaths.
Families and soldiers and toddlers;
musicians and carpenters and grandmothers.

Brutally bare branches in early spring,
and protective, leafy arms in summer.
Living, melodious birds fluttering from stone-to-stone.
Craftsmanship and design of the markers.
Not just death, but respect of life, sorrow, and mystery.
The image of God carefully crafted within each soul,
returned to the Giver. 

The city limits of heaven.
tuulamuse Bio

BIO

Kathleen Underhill
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"Let your light shine..."  Matthew 5:16

Born and raised in California, Kathleen Underhill, a 20-year homeschooling veteran, wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver is a 28-year NW Montana resident.

Writing – especially children’s stories and poetry – is her passionate focus, with travel, sketching, reading, photography, and filmmaking also necessary voices. A lover of travel, she has explored western/midwestern USA, Hawaii, New York, Canada, Mexico, western Europe, England, Japan, and South Korea.

Recently, Kathleen has enjoyed working as a Script Supervisor, Wardrobe Assistant, Hair & Makeup Artist, and Production Assistant on six locally-produced short films, feature films, and an HGTV reality show.
Currently, she is delighted to be a member of Flathead Valley Filmmakers and the Bigfork Independent Film Festival.

Education:
-Flathead Valley CC, Montana (2016-2018) visual language, professional practices, watercolor; AA, Phi Theta Kappa
-Flathead Valley Writer’s Conferences (2012-2014)
-Institute of Children’s Literature (1996-1998)
-San Diego State University (1984-1986) theater/acting, costume design and production, set design
-Chico State University (1982-1984) writing, theater history, stage makeup, props, costuming, music/voice 

"With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?"
Oscar Wilde

All photos attributed to Kathleen Underhill, unless otherwise noted