Threshold

Entry 15 – By My Grave

Do not stand by my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep,

I am the thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints in snow,

I am the gentle, autumn rain.

As you awake with mornings hush,

I am the swift, up flinging rush of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the day transcending night.

Do not stand by my grave and weep,

I am not there, I did not die,

. . .

If you really seek me,

I am in that frame – the one that captured my brightest smile,

The one you look at longingly.

I am in the children passing by, waving just to make you smile.

I am in your dreams every night to keep you company.

I am that stinging ache you sighed away and sought distraction from.

I am that lonely tear that slips out quietly at the thought of me on a random day.

I am in every joy that blooms,

In the breeze that sways the leaves,

In the greenness of plants,

In the stillness of the earth –

And with the earth, revolving gently with it.

That's why I'll always find my way back to you.

I am in the stars that make you wonder,

In the sky above,

Everywhere you go.

You tread softly on the ground,

kneel by the earth and whisper “Rest in Peace”

but do I truly rest in rust,

in dust, in ruins, enclosed and in sorrow?

No… so when next you say R.I.P.,

lift your gaze to the sky.

For that is where I truly rest –

In light, in love, in the arms of eternity.

Above all else,

I am in that world that makes dreamers stir,

That gives hope to the weary,

In a beautiful place,

At peace, together with my Creator,

In a wonderful place.

In Paradise.

Based on “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye, with my additions right from the fourth stanza.