Do Not Stand At My Grave & Weep Mary Fry / Immortality Claire Harner - Funeral Poem

Do Not Stand At My Grave & Weep Mary Fry / Immortality Claire Harner - Funeral Poem
This is one of the most popular and widely used funeral poems of all, so why does it court such controversy?
Simply because there is an ongoing dispute about the author and title. Some believe "Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep" was written by Mary Elizabeth Frye - Others believe she copied the poem "Immortality" by Clare Harner.
Two things are certain...
First, there are slight variations of this funeral poem out there - as there often are with funeral poems
Secondly - whoever wrote it - this is a magnificent poem that speaks so well in just a few lines.
At first glance you might think this poem is about denial; not accepting the death of a loved one.
I see it differently. It is about acceptance. The author reminds us that we can take solace in the beauty that surrounds us. But first we must acknowledge the loss.
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’s 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.
The last lines are sometimes give as...
As you awake with morning’s hush, I am the swift, up-flinging rush Of quiet birds in circling flight, I am the day transcending night. Do not stand By my grave, and cry- I am not there, I did not die.
Poetry is written to be shared, read and heard.
Can I share or use this poetry?
All the poems I share on my website or social media have been in the public domain and are sometimes used at funerals.
Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author. If you know the author of any I have marked as 'unknown', then let me know, and I will amend the page.
If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit - WHOEVER YOU BELIEVE IT MIGHT BE!
Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

[@johnp2975]

Beautifully read. Thnks for sharing.

[@celebrantmarc]

You are so welcome