Gilding the Lily

Photo Fiction

Brett Paufler

Page 9

Cherub/Angel Figurine Headstone Close Up

So, that's a pretty nice grave marker. And is the type of thing that is easy for my mind to transform into some sort of story element. So, at this point, I was thinking I had some sort of fireman father figure who'd lost two children in a fire, maybe his own, maybe someone else's.

Cross Headstone: 'At Rest In The Lord', the two trees in the background

The girls that died, however, were definitely Resting at Peace. I mean, it would have been easy for these Twins (or whatever) to have died in a fire and come down the valley to seek retribution for a life cut short, but that simply wasn't the case. The next gravestone said Rest in Peace and so they would.

Pair of Black Headstones Flush with Ground, sporting medallions

This has nothing to do with the story. I just like it.

Headstone (partial) with 'TKO' Medallion

Somewhere, someone has a collection of graveyard knickknacks, but it's not me...

"Put that down!"
"I'm just looking at it."
"Look, fine. Don't touch!"
"Ouch. You know, I'm starting to wonder if maybe you're the murderer."
"Put that back or maybe I will be."

I have no idea why these medallions where placed on the grave and no great story comes to mind. But as far as graveyard pictures go, I like them.

Pair of Heinekens Beer Bottle on Veteran's Headstone

And here we have a Vietnam Vet who's buddies came and had a drink with him. OK. Maybe not. What do I know? But that's what it looks like to me.

Same Headstone (pulling back) Reveals Four Beers and a Water Bottle

Neal died long after the... Vietnam War? Engagement? What are they calling that Action? These days? Yet one more thing about which I am clueless.

However, the one thing I really (really) like about this picture (or series of pictures, the pair) is the water bottle in front. They had a designated driver. Of course, it'd be sort of ironic if Neal was the designated driver for the group, but I digress.

Small (baby?) Jesus on Cross, cemetery in background

And here we have another little cherub (Baby Christ, actually, but it was small), so I'm thinking babies.

"No, the murder victims were in their teens."
"Sorry, but the evidence never lies."
"What evidence?"
"Right there, that Baby Jesus thing..."
"Jesus was not a baby when he died on the cross."
"You're not seeing the big picture."
"Well, you need to get your eyes checked."

Statue of Lady Holding Flowers, cemetery in background

And then, we finally make our way to the statue and it's not some little girl, but an older lady.

"Ha, you said a baby. You were so wrong."
"Was I?"

Flower Lady Statue is Facing Towards the Waterfall

"Was I?"

"Was I?"
"OK. You're just stalling now."
"It's true. We need another commercial break before the big reveal."
"It's all about money for you Haoles."
"Um, yeah. There is a reward, right?"
"No."
"No?"
"Hearing going along with your eyesight, Old Man? No."

Another Close Up of Just Her Face and Eyes (endlessly seeking?)

Anyway, that's a great statue. With the weathering and all, you (or at least, I) can almost see the tears streaming down her face as she looks longingly down the valley towards the waterfall... and perhaps the past.

Inscription on Flower Lady Statue: 'Maria H Kahanamoku', fresh flowers at her base

And this is part of my notion of honor. I'm using her statue, I should offer her some sort of recognition. Maria H Kahanamoku, may you rest in peace. You have one awesome gravestone marker.

"What kind of flowers are those?"
"Does it matter?"
"Well, she's holding like Lilies or something in her hand. Why didn't whoever bring her lillies?"
"Who would bring what? She's been dead for like ages."

Actually, I don't know the date, but in story, she died like hundreds of years ago.

Kahanamoko Family Grave Marker (I believe)

And here's more family info. Same last name, so they're probably related. Absolutely nothing story wise, but I am compelled to avoid walking on gravestones (and apologize if I happen to slip, which happens on occasion), and like to thank them (whoever) for whatever inspiration that have given.

So, thanks. I think I've got the story now; at at the time (in a graveyard and all), it gave me chicken skin.

The Next Exciting Installment of Gilding The Lily

(((Note: while the pictures are real (as real as pictures can get) all the text should be treated as fiction -- or at least, unreliable. Nothing has been fact checked. Things change. And the truth sometimes only serves to get in the way of a good story. Thus, taken as a whole, these web pages that comprise this story should be viewed as a record of one man's flight of fancy as he takes a walk on a long sunny afternoon. Nothing more. Nothing less. And most certainly, no disrespect to any individual (living or dead) is intended.)))

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