Do not stand at my grave and weep

by Mary Elizabeth Fry

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 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 the beautiful poem written by Mary Elizabeth Frye which was read out at Hayley’s Funeral on ITV’s Coronation Street. For other poems suitable for a humanist funeral please see my website