Jan 24, 2012

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.

Poem written by
Mary Elizabeth Frye in 1935


In Memory of Clay, who lost his battle with life this morning...and for his wife, Pat...my dear quilting friend, here in Salem.

The skies have shed their tears, and the rivers have flooded over, but the true self of his spirit now rises up in the glory of a sun that will shine again, and the promise of the many colors of the rainbow.


Michele Bilyeu Quilts With Heart and Hands for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) Join in my Liberated Quilting Challenge and buy, or donate a quilt, today. My dear friend's husband died with the challenges of end of life dementia that caused months of grief to his loving family. I wish it could have all been so much easier for, and on, all of them.

18 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Sending sympathetic hugs, Michele, and prayers for peace and comfort for Clay's family.

Anonymous said...

Michele - Thanks so much for your lovely words - and for being a good friend to my sister Patti. She speaks of you often and I know you have been a comfort to her in these trying months.

Margie

Lynne said...

I mourn for the passing of your friend's husband; may you find ways to bring her peace and joy in the coming days, weeks and months.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I am so sorry for your loss Michele - love and hugs go out to you, your family, and your friends as well.

quiltmom anna said...

So sorry to hear of your friend's passing Michele. May you all find solace and comfort from one another... As always you shared your thoughts and memories so eloquently...
Anna

Betty Lou said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. My prayers to all.

O'Quilts said...

I am sorry too for your loss. I used to work at Hospice. That poem is my very favorite of all. Sometimes I enclose it in a card. It is uplifting always.

Celia said...

So sorry for your loss, I'm keeping you and the family in my prayers.

bjmccomber said...

Thank you for shariing the poem. It is reminiscent of John Donne's Death be not Proud. Take time to mourn.

woolywoman said...

so sorry. may his memory be a blessing

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for being there for my mom and sharing this poem
geoff

Anonymous said...

So many of my friends have lost their husbands and I can only imagine how hard that would be. I pray for your friend and am so glad she has you and her family and other friends to get through this. It takes a long time I know.

Anonymous said...

In my thoughts and prayers...their whole family.

jenclair said...

I'm so sorry. The poem is beautiful.

Angie said...

This is my all-time favorite poem for Death. Wrapping all of you in warm, loving, soothing thoughts, prayers and hugs, dear Michele.

Joanne Lendaro said...

Michele, you always have thoughtful post. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

Sue said...

Michelle, there is so much grief in the world. Thanks for the poem and putting a name to it. Thinking of your friend's family this evening. Sue

Pattilou said...

That poem really touched me. Thank you for posting it.