This is the poem featured in the movie above. Authorship of the poem in its original form (with two verses) is not entirely clear, but it is largely considered to have been written by Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904-2004). I added the middle verse myself, and this poem then formed the basis for the whole Light Beyond project. This classic poem is frequently heard at funerals all over the world.

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.

Do not stand at my grave and mourn.
I am the dew-flecked grass at dawn.
Where tranquil oceans meet the land
I am the footprints in the sand
To guide you through the weary day.
I am still here; I'll always stay.

When you wake up to morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

© 2007 Lucie Storrs www.thelightbeyond.com

Please feel free to reproduce this version of the poem on your own website or anywhere else; however, make sure you include the copyright statement underneath the poem. It's only fair!

• Suitable for English speakers all over the world...
  
  

• Whether you have lost a parent, child, husband, wife, partner, friend, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or anyone else, this book will help you find the words to express your sorrow and pay tribute to your loved one
  
  

• Over 250 carefully selected poems, quotations and readings covering the vast range of emotions caused by bereavement, from anger, rage, denial, desolation and despair to hope, peace and acceptance, put together with love, care and a great deal of attention to detail
  
  
• Contains both timeless words of wisdom from some of the greatest writers who have ever lived and the work of more contemporary poets, with many famous pieces on bereavement as well as lesser-known treasures for you to discover
  
  
• An excellent resource for those seeking the perfect poem or quotation for a funeral, memorial service, obituary, condolence letter or sympathy card, as well as for those who are simply trying to make sense of it all
  
  
• Includes our simple guide on how to write and deliver a eulogy

Another wonderful funeral poem taken from Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep, our book of over 250 poems, quotations and readings for funerals, memorial services, eulogies and inner peace:

If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the silent way,
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh and talk of me
As if I were beside you there.

(I'd come - I'd come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song or
See a bird I loved,
Please do not let the thought of me be sad...
For I am loving you just as I always have...
You were so good to me!

There are so many things I wanted still to do -
So many things to say to you...
Remember that I did not fear
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face...
We cannot see beyond...
But this I know:
I love you so -

'twas heaven here with you!

Isla Paschal Richardson (1886-1971)


Our ebook has over 250 funeral poems to choose from, suitable for all kinds of different situations. Click here to find the perfect poem or reading for you.