While driving around Frederick, Maryland recently, I came upon a historic graveyard, home to Barbara Fritchie, among others.  Graves dating back to the birth of our country. 

I learned about Barbara Fritchie in grade school and for whatever reason, she has stayed on my mind for my entire life. 

From Wikipedia:   According to one story, at the age of 95 she waved the Union flag in the middle of the street to block, or at least antagonize Stonewall Jackson's troops, as they passed though Frederick in the Maryland Campaign. This event is the subject of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem of 1864, Barbara Fritchie. When Winston Churchill passed through Frederick in 1943, with President Roosevelt on their way to Shangra-la (now Camp David), he recited the poem from memory,^[2] an excerpt of which follows.

"Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,
But spare your country's flag," she said.
A shade of sadness, a blush of shame,
Over the face of the leader came;
The nobler nature within him stirred
To life at that woman's deed and word;
"Who touches a hair of yon gray head
Dies like a dog! March on!" he said.....

Barbara Fritchie died at the age of 96 and was interred in Mount Olivet Cemetery, in Frederick City, Maryland.

- I entered the cemetery on a lovely blue sky summer's day.  I was alone in that grave yard and I stood silently, listening to the slight breeze rustle through the trees. I felt the energy of the grave yard, ancient spirit's surrounded me. It was quite a moment, and I was compelled to write this poem. The words just flowed through my fingers.

Sea of Stones

Wandering in a Frederick grave yard

Their souls greeted me at the gate

I felt their presence all around me

As I rejoiced in their afterlife

I felt as if in a fog, though, I could see clearly. 

The rich blue sky, deep and inviting

I stood in a sea of stones, listening to their hungry souls, as if, left behind.