Epithets and Epitaphs

Blank pages like empty graves

waiting to be filled with sorrow

wrap the pages in leather string,

tie it tight and drop it in

burying the pain in order to move on.

Memories attempt to soothe

flower petals tucked between brittle paper.

But you can't recall their scent anymore,

and the ink is fading; a side effect

of being caressed too often.

Uprooted from the Earth,

you never allowed new growth to form

and you know you'll soon join

the weathered spines along the tombstone shelf.

Epithets or Epitaphs, what's the difference?