Mary Elizabeth Frye, an American housewife and florist, wrote this twelve-line poem in 1932. She was inspired to write it because of a young Jewish girl who was staying with her household at the time and was unable to visit her dying mother in Germany because of the anti-Semitic unrest there. It is a heartfelt work that, according to the story, was originally written on a brown paper bag.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
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.
This is new to me and VERY powerful. It is especially poignant given the rise in antisemitism throughout the world, with old tropes and lies being revived. I will save this one. Thank you, Dorothy.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my most favorite poems!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this one -- so thanks for posting it. What an interesting history behind the poem. Very good to think about.
ReplyDeleteOne of my most favorite poems.
ReplyDelete