Poems & Selections

I Am Not There

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.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings Bear you on the breath of dawn Make you to shine like the sun And hold you in the palm of His hand.
To those I have loved and to those who loved me, When I am gone release me; let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years, I gave you my love you can only guess, […]
When life as opening buds is sweet, And golden hopes the fancy greet, And Youth prepares his joys to meet, – – Alas! how hard it is to die! When just is seized some valued prize, And duties press, and tender ties Forbid the soul from earth to rise, – – How awful then it […]
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.