Poem written by Mary Elizabeth Frye:
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.
Poem Meaning
You don't need to stand at my grave and weep, for I'm not there; I am not asleep. I am all around you, in every gentle breeze that flows and every glittering snowflake you see.
I am the warmth of the sun on the fields of grain and the calming rain of autumn. In the quiet of the morning, I am the swift birds soaring high above and the soft twinkle of stars that light up the night sky.
Please don't cry at my grave, for I haven't left. I live on in the beauty of the world around you. Let my presence bring comfort and peace in your heart.