Evergreen by Aubrey Calaway

Evergreen Cemetery serves as a backdrop for a reflective exploration of mortality, memory, and the fragility of life. The physical environment—covered in glass-like ice and melting slush—parallels the delicate transition between existence and death. Cypress trees, frequently planted in graveyards, symbolize this duality; they are hardy yet succumb to death instantly if injured, with roots that reach deep into the earth. Personal anecdotes further illuminate the boundary between worlds, such as a father’s final moments seeing a blinding light in a pitch-black room and dreams of deceased relatives delivering messages to the living. These encounters suggest that remembrance persists through spiritual connections and sensory experiences, even as the physical world shifts and thaws. The dialogue ultimately questions how individuals are remembered and how to remain upright amidst the slippery, unpredictable nature of the human experience.