The Heart Remembers...

                                  


 

 Siobhan and I often visit our young friend, George, who resides in a neighboring town.  Though long gone now, George is a true kindred spirit; his Celtic roots, his passion for horses, and his circus ties surely make him so.  We take him roses, red and gold…and fragrant stems of rosemary.  (Rich Red and Old Gold, the time-honored colors of the circus; Rosemary is for remembrance.)

 

 George was a circus equestrian by trade—an orphan from Scotland, a long way from home.  He was considered an accomplished rider, and was pleasing in both manner and appearance...

In the fall of 1827, with much excitement and fanfare, the circus came to town.  Here beneath the big top, in front of a cheering crowd, young George fell to his death.  His fellow performers were devastated.  With heavy hearts, they buried George in the town cemetery; and when the circus  packed up to go, tearfully they left him…

  The circus moved on--but for many years after his death, George’s friends would visit him whenever their travels brought them near.  Time-weathered and faded, you can still read the names and messages they carved on his tombstone...

  I smile to think what a picture they must have made, these friends as they came to visit …the exotic acrobats and proud lion tamers, boldly walking through the tall iron gates…the bright parade of clowns and jugglers strolling among the stark tombstones... the ringing sounds of the equestrians’ boots and spurs, tapping on the flagstone paths…and at the rear of the small procession, the sweetest of souls-- the tender-hearted Fat Lady, gently dabbing her eyes with a lace-edged hanky... How George must have smiled down from Heaven to see his old friends again!

But the years passed, and his friends grew old.  Then one by one, they too were gone…  Now, after 185 years, no one is left to visit poor George-- except Siobhan and me.   So we have taken him into our hearts and into our clan; we visit and leave fresh flowers on his grave.

   George, we hope you find comfort in our small attentions, such as they are--please know that you truly are not forgotten….”Chuid eile i siochain, mo chara.” Rest in Peace, My Friend.  “Cuimhin an croi.”  The Heart Remembers….