Dance With Me

"Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin.

Dance me through the panic 'til I'm gathered safely in.

Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove.

Dance me to the end of love.

Dance me to the end of love."

Leonard Cohen

If you haven't visited Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY, you're missing out on one of the most stunning garden cemeteries in the United States. The landscape at Cave Hill is adorned with magnificent tombstones and sculptures made from marble and granite, along with artistically designed mausoleums, many of which have walls accented with stained glass. Additionally, there are hundreds of bronze statues in various shapes and sizes, each with its own significance.

My personal adventure at Cave Hill started with the enthusiasm of a child in a candy shop. I drove through the gates with eyes wide open, navigating my car slowly along the winding roads, soaking in the incredible beauty.

Renowned individuals who are interred here include Colonel Harland Sanders, known for founding Kentucky Fried Chicken, and his wife Claudia. Also resting here are Muhammad Ali, celebrated as "The Greatest," a boxing heavyweight champion, humanitarian, philanthropist, and civil rights leader, along with Patty Hill, the composer of the song Happy Birthday.

Some residents have achieved fame because of their accomplishments.

Others have remarkable installations erected by their families to honor them. One that instantly grabbed my attention is situated on the Zehnder plot, section 43, located on the right side of the road just down from the columbarium and office.

The sculpture "Dance With Me" depicts a man and woman moving towards each other just before starting to dance. The design is so fluid that it implies motion, despite the figures being stationary. Crafted by Wyatt L. Gragg in 2019, Cave Hill is home to several of his creations.

One word to describe it would be enthralling. I lingered there for quite a while, absorbing the scene. A part of me imagined them stepping off the platform and waltzing across the lawn and into the street.

However, given the vast area I needed to explore (Cave Hill spans over 296 acres), I had to get moving. My visit to Kentucky was brief, with just a day to spare. I've already arranged a return trip so I can spend ample time exploring each section thoroughly in search of additional art and history.

Perhaps I'll meet you there on your own personal journey.

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Christine Shephard is a photographer, writer, and avid taphophile. She makes her home in Central New York.

Images captured by Christine Shephard Photographic Design and the written content may not be utilized in any other format or publication without express permission.