More than names and dates
Our ancestral lineage lives on
Through stories, memories,
And mementos treasured through generations
Plots of land mark those who’ve passed on
People loved, despised, or a blend of the two
They made an impact, yet
Has the effect withstood the test of time
Debate remains over religious and spiritual significance
Of what happens when death meets life
Does our belief in what happened to the spirit of others
Affect our actions and the lessons we can learn from those who came before
Tears fill the eyes while we talk to an etched gravestone
Our emotions, regrets, and hopes overflowing to the energy around us
Do we talk to be heard
Or to hear ourselves more clearly
We can choose to keep moving forward
Even when overwhelmed with the past
In telling the stories of those long since gone
We open our hearts and minds to live more fully.
Kelly Deeny 
Besides being very thought provoking and motivational, this is beautiful.