Oeselgem & Wakken: local poems about star children in cemeteries

Yesterday, three poems by local artists were placed in the cemeteries of Oeselgem and Wakken. The meticulously penned words are about the theme of ‘star children’. In the autumn, local works of art will follow for the star meadows.

Local poets

Poet Gilbert Van Gampelaere, who works under the pseudonym Beritos, wrote the striking poem ‘Sterretjes’ about stillborn children as stars. His work now adorns one of the walls at the cemetery in Oeselgem. In the gripping ‘My sweet little child’ by Hervé Maes, a mother addresses her star child directly. She talks about her experiences and loss. Marie-Jeanne Deman wrote ‘Stars in the sky’, a poem that puts into words that a starry meadow can be experienced as a sad place, but also as a place to cherish, which connects. Both poems can be found at the Wakken cemetery.

Call artwork

In January, the local government launched a call to all residents of Dentergem to submit an idea for a suitable monument on the star meadows or children’s cemeteries. Six proposals were submitted. The municipal council is currently looking at how all works of art can be developed in practice.