Lovington, New Mexico

"In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!"  He was probably cocooned in a wheel chair for much of his life, just waiting for the day he would fly off as a butterfly. Maybe he lived a hidden promise in that cocoon as he dreamed about riding that motorcycle all over the state of New Mexico. On this headstone, the hidden promise of the cycle seems to be revealed as a butterfly: off soars his spirit. Lovington Cemetery. [2018]

Midland, Virginia

Bequeathed to the Living ~ Biker Wisdom:  "Ride the Open Road." Midland Cemetery. [2014]

Lamesa, Texas

Bequeathed to the Living ~ Biker Wisdom:  "Live to Ride." Dawson County Cemetery. [2018]

Greencastle, Pennsylvania

Bequeathed to the Living ~ Biker Wisdom:   "It is what it is. Live to Ride. Ride to Live." Cedar Hill Cemetery. [2018]

Charleston, Illinois

Bequeathed to the Living ~ Biker Wisdom:  "It's not the destination. It's the journey." So sayeth Jaybird. Roselawn Cemetery. [2017]

Enfield, Connecticut

Liquid Refreshment in the Cemetery:  He must have been as cute as that teddy bear. Maybe he got even cuter when he partook of his favorite vodka or (look again) his favorite beer. Enfield Street Cemetery. [2013]

Batesville, Indiana

R is for Riley:  What did the "life of Riley" mean to this couple? Living high on the hog, obviously. But in their case the hog was a Harley. Their motto, now given voice by black granite, will stand forever and will be the envy of many like-minded and free-spirited visitors: "We Lived. We Loved. We Rode." St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. [2013]

Alexandria, Kentucky

Heaven as the Old Homestead:  These are the Baby Boomers. They loved living in the suburbs and making the most of mobility. In this case, they look pretty isolated, so it's good they had a few vehicles at their disposal. Do you recognize their nearest neighbor? He appears to be a welcoming sort who lived right up the road. "Come in," said Jesus. "My house is now your house." Alexandria Cemetery. [2013]

Greeley, Colorado

Defined by Our Helmets:  On this grave stone, two symbols evoke images of an active life. This football helmet is empty, but the insinuation is clear: Here lies someone who took the game seriously and let his dream of being a star (see it?) play out on the gridiron. What do you communicate to others by what you wear on your head? Linn Grove Cemetery. [2013]

Laramie, Wyoming

Signature Landscapes:  The signature captures the forward motion of the cyclist, doesn't it? It also captures the energy of grammar schools devoted to teaching cursive. The influence of Peterson looms large over this headstone, though only those of a certain age will even know what 'Peterson' means. The problem with the subscriptio is that it's almost too perfect, perhaps font-perfect. Green Hill Cemetery. [2013]

Federalsburg, Maryland

Zoning Out ~ The Grave Marker:  Here's a case where the burial zone and the grave marker are wrapped up in one. It's called a mausoleum or vault (and there are other names, too). The gate appears as a front door and the black panel on the side suggests a window.  When you look inside the vault through that window though, you look outside instead. There, you find the deceased riding his cycle for eternity. Once again, a memorial gives us more than names and dates; it gives us a glimpse of the person and the times. Hill Crest Cemetery. [2013]