"Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep"

This is one of my favorite poems.  The words creates a wonderful imagery that ones life force does not die but becomes part of the natural world:  a thousand winds, sunlight, autumn rain and soft star light.


"Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep"


Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
                        
                                               

By Mary Elizabeth Frye 1932