Resting

The word suggests a temporary state,

a periodic repose before resuming

normal movement, a simple pause, hiatus,

recovery of feeling, thought and strength.

Unless the adjective is raised in stone

above a name and date. Another meaning,

the rest conditional: finite with faith,

some future awakening, without faith, endless.

Here at Margate cemetery, confinement

looks a long one — eighty years, eighty

summers since Marjorie (whom God loves best)

was lowered in the ground to start her rest.