View From The Grave

Looking at the world from this angle should bring one's priorities into much sharper focus.

Now I come to think of it, this picture brings to mind an incident that happened in my university days (the early 80's). I was always strapped for cash back then and would, from time to time, take on casual jobs when funds were running particularly low. On one such occasion I assisted a sexton in the excavation of a grave. It was backbreaking work but I was young and fit and up for an adventure of sorts. The grave had already been occupied for some years by a deceased gentleman so our task was to open it up again in time for his wife's funeral. Anyway, after hours of digging, my shoulders were at ground level so I would say that the hole was about five and a half feet deep. I was beginning to sense my proximity to the grave's mouldering occupant - the ground beneath my shovel was sounding hollow and I could feel a certain give under my feet. All of a sudden, I could hear and feel the coffin lid beneath me starting to fall apart and collapse. I panicked. Much to the amusement of my fellow gravedigger, with one mighty vertical leap I was straight out of that grave. I did not even have the benefit of a run up (such as you see athletes who compete in the high jump doing). One thing I am certain of though is that there is absolutely no way I could ever repeat that medal worthy leap!

Bone Idle