Calvary Churchyard – here where sometimes time stands still

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. – William Henry Monk (1861)

This spring has kind of snuck up on me. I still need to schedule an official “photo shoot” with my Nikon, leaving distractions behind so that I can intentionally capture the beauty of late March here in Tarboro, as it dazzles around the historic district.

But yesterday, taking Max out for a short afternoon walk, the neighborhood spoke to me as it so often does. I glanced over the wall at the Calvary churchyard and suddenly all the color was there. So we paused long enough to grab a handful of photographs before continuing our stroll.

Church Street, too. Then, turning the corner back onto Saint Patrick to complete the short loop before arriving home.

But Calvary, magically attractive at any time of the year, shines with particular beauty here in the early spring. There is just enough color, plus enough fresh new leaves, yet not so much that the foliage obscures the sight lines.

The historic arboretum makes the cemetery a lush woodland oasis right in the middle of downtown. The churchyard’s casual vibe is just relaxed enough to avoid feeling overly clipped and pristine, and just nurtured enough that the minimally overgrown charm does not slip too far into the realm of untidy.