Don't stand by my grave

Don't stand by my grave and weep,
For I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint in the snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
In the soft blush of the morning light
I am the swift bird in flight.
Don't stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there,
I did not die.

Mary Frye

Comments

[Chris]

Much as I would like, on behalf of Native Americans everywhere, to claim ownership over that poem, it was actually written by an American woman called Mary Frye. CBC Radio did a fabulous documentary on the poem which can be found in the archives of IDEAS.

Merry, happy...

[Euan]

Aha - thanks for clearing that up Chris. It was quoted at the end of the Deepak Chopra I have just finished reading.

[Ellen]

Nice lines but does any-oe know who is the person that sung the song?

[Opal]

Is this poem in a book I can purchase? Thank you.

[Euan]

I am afraid I don't know - you could try searching Amazon for the content.

[dozy rosie]

this poem is true and moveing when i first heard it i was at a friends funeral and the poem stuk in my mind Mary Frye is pure class

[John dermody]

I recommend that anyone interested in the poem to listen to Katherine Jenkins sing it on her latest album this is how I first heard it and have subsequently passed it on to my grand daughter :- John

[Euan]

Thanks John - do you have the name of the album?

[kathy]

The song, 'Don't stand at my grave and weep' is on Katherine Jenkins album ' Living The Dream'

[Sherri Ivy]

This poem was read at my husband's funeral and his father's funeral; it is a wonderful inspiration to those in grief.

[Kurt Claes]

The poem is ritten by Mr.Edgar Allan Poe!

Belgium

[Rosemary Mentz-Sutton]

I have been studying the authors and have found Brooke Rupert wrote "Don't stand at my grave and cry..."

[Sandy Rose]

I had a set of twin boys on May 9th 2005. Unfortunately, neither of them survived. I was cleaning a ladies house and found the lyrics on her wall, and needless to say,i cried. But, it gave me strength, and I thank you for it.

[Euan]

How sad Sandy - glad the poem helped.

[Willa Brooks]

This poem was first sent to me by my sister when my husband died. It meant so much to me that I have since shared it with two friends who were grieving. I needed to do this again but couldn't immediately find the original copy. Thanks for making it so readily available and saving me the time and stress I would have spent looking for it.

[Wilma]

My friend in Texas asked if I had this poem as she wants her grandson to read it at her funeral. I could not find it but thought possibly on the internet. Thank you for having it.I am giving her a copy.

[jane]

i am going to give this poem to my sister we lost our nan a wile ago my sister says she keeps coming to her in her draems and she get upset

[Louise]

I am reading this poem out at my mother Margaret Matthews funeral on 28th June I will think of my Mother everytime i look at a flower, a bird, or a tree. I believe she will be in the wind blowing over Harlow Common. She was a good strong woman who gave to everyone she meetand will be missed by all who knew her

[alex]

we are singing this poem as a song called in rememberance. if u love this poem then the song will make it that much more special. everytime i sing it i cry.

[alex]

we are singing this poem as a song called in rememberance. if u love this poem then the song will make it that much more special. everytime i sing it i cry.

[Fulvia]

I have found an extension of the poem for those who have an interest :

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 glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the song that will never end.
I am the love of family and friend.
I am the child who has come to rest
In the arms of the Father
who knows him best.
When you see the sunset fair,
I am the scented evening air.
I am the joy of a task well done.
I am the glow of the setting sun.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
~ Author Unknown ~

[martin crump]

The poem "Don't stand by my grave and weep"
were the words used by Bishop Michael Wilson at the funeral of Joanne Dye(nee Crump) aged 41years, who died on 6th October 2007, from pneumonia whilst undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. As Joanne's father the words are a comfort and by the turnout of friends and colegues in excess of 350, then Joanne will never die.

[kerrie]

hi, i have the katherine jenkins album and was wondering if anyone knows where i can find the sheet music or a book i can get the written music from? ive had a request to sing it! ahh!

[Neil]

My dad died on the 8th December of this year and at his funeral I read this poem.

[Andrea]

My dear sweet husband of 25 years died Feb 7, I remember this poem from a television show I saw w/in the past few weeks and I want to send it to his mother and sister. It is beautiful and will be how I remember him