Brunswick, Georgia

Free-Range Figurines:  Like birds and butterflies, dolphins range across three dimensions. They can go anywhere, left or right or up or down, in the ocean of water that surrounds the planet. Land-lubbers, like cows and dogs, are so not free-range. City Cemetery. [2012]

El Dorado, Arkansas

Free-Range Figurines:  What is a better symbol of a free-range spirit: an eagle or a butterfly? In this case, the butterfly is as big as an eagle, so it is hard to say which is better. Butterflies, though, with their aerial antics have become popular symbols of disembodied spirits. Arlington Cemetery. [2018]

Odessa, Delaware

Free-Range Figurines:  What is a better symbol of a free-range spirit: an eagle or a hummingbird? Consider how many people have eagles in their backyard and how many people have hummingbirds. And, this one even has a flower to hum about. Drawyers Cemetery. [2018]

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Free-Range Figurines:  Symbolizing the essence of freedom, an eagle tries to take flight. On his wings ride the souls of the departed. "They shall mount up with wings of eagles." So sayeth Isaiah. There seems to be no better symbol of a free-range spirit than an eagle. Cedar Rest Cemetery. [2014]

Batesburg, South Carolina

Free-Range Figurines:  They must have been a farm family, in love with their animals and now missed by them. They must have been in love with each other too, judging from the overlapping hearts. Amick Grove Pentecostal Church Cemetery. [2016]

Harristown, Illinois

Free-Range Figurines: Just because it is plastic, doesn't mean it isn't a sculpture. Maybe this pink flamingo is a sign the WL's spent their winters in Florida. This bird seems to have legs to stand on, but no feet, so how free-range can he be? Harristown Cemetery. [2015]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Free-Range Figurines:  He is up on all fours getting ready to ward off any intruders. You might call him a grave guardian; and, if so, his ideological lineage goes back to the sphinx of ancient Egypt. Cemeteries are scattered with sculptural figurines like this, and often they are not part of a headstone or individual memorial. Sunset Memorial Park. [2013]