An angel drops flowers like rain from heaven.
The background of tangled branches beginning to bloom
speaks of rebirth, a symbol of life continuing.
The rusty window frame holds fragments of tinted glass.
Light pouring through reflects soft notes of color.
What do we hold on to when we are broken?
Layers of time past and present.
The broken stained glass renders Mary holding a faceless Jesus.
Though the light continues to shine, spilling on those who pass by.
This tomb made me gasp.
The blue eyes of a child, the ruby lips, the iron door delicately designed with flowers.
The sorrow of death and the hope of an afterlife.
Pere Lachaise captivates my imagination.
It takes me to a place deep within.
Fragmented stone statues, engraved words, iron gates that are unlocked, names of people of the past and bouquets of flowers with fragrant dried petals.
Messages of life and death, are within the walls that surround it.
A larger than life stone statue sits with her eyes closed,
her arms are broken,
her lips partly open as if she might utter a word.
Stories vanished in the earth.
The tomb of Heloise and Abelard, 12th century lovers,
is one of the many stories that rest in Pere Lachaise.
Photos: Pere Lachaise on Good Friday…darkness gives way to light.
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