I’m not a great fan of cemeteries. They take up space in the landscape, and over time begin to look tired and worn. Some people love to spend an afternoon wandering through the maze of sculptures, learning about deceased people and their families.

To me that is somewhat macabre. Once we’re dead, that’s it. We are gone. It’s the natural cycle of things.

So earth to earth, dust to dust…

But given how we are presently interred, wooden boxes, lining, and clothes, the whole process of returning to the earth must surely take much longer than it ought to.

Cost aside of traditional coffins, and church ceremonies, it’s why many people opt for cremation. The process is simple, and if you must, and want to, those ashes can adorn a mantelpiece for as long as it takes to decide what to do with them.