~ Mary Elizabeth Frye
Mary Elizabeth Frye (1905 – 2004) was an American housewife and florist, best known as the author of the poem “Do not stand at my grave and weep,” written in 1932. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, and was orphaned at the age of three. The poem for which she became famous was originally composed on a brown paper shopping bag, and was reportedly inspired by the story of a young Jewish girl, Margaret Schwarzkopf, who had been staying with the Frye household and had been unable to visit her dying mother in Germany because of anti-Semitic unrest.
Credits: Photography – thefujifreak. Poem – Decorated Skin
I can read poems like this now that is is years since Matt is home from Iraq. But it has taken a very long time. Would that each of these veterans were whispering on the wind..
I bet it has Mimi. Yes…
What a stirring poem! It just swishes your feelings as in a spin dryer and even more so after you know what inspired it…
Yes, so true Nona.
a beautiful and powerful classic.
My first time with the encounter, and the poem left me similarly inspired.
Well, I’ve heard it hundreds, if not thousands of times…..but never knew the origin. Thanks for teaching this old undertaker something new…..
Thousands of times. Wow. And for me, a virgin, the first time. Then again, given your occupation, I understand…
Reblogged this on Hadel.
Thanks for sharing Hadel.
You are most welcome.
Reblogged this on Lavender Reflections and commented:
Memorial Day
Thanks for sharing Daria
Reblogged this on Radiating Blossom ~ Flowers & Words.
Thanks for sharing Carol
Still one of the single most beautiful poems I have ever read. The pictures it conjure’s up in both the heart and mind linger and bring hope to the soul 🙂
Thank you – I had same reaction to both.
I’m not surprised they were excellent thank you for sharing 🙂
This poem features in my novel, as one of my characters knows it off by heart.
One of the choirs I belong to sometimes sing a setting of this on Remembrance Sunday in November. Here is a recording of Katharine Jenkins singing the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv9bAma0ft8
Thanks Sarah. I’m on my way to check Katharine Jenkins rendition out now. (BTW, are you published?)
Not yet, apart from a short story, but am feeling very hopeful and positive about my latest novel that I’ll start submitting to publishers and agents at the beginning of June. Fingers tightly crossed.
Good for you Sarah.
I love this poem. Reminds me of my mother. She’s not in her grave. She’s with me in my heart.
Awwwww, beautiful Anneli.
Beautiful words, read before and remembered with new perspectives this morning. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Lisanne. It was new to me. And they are beautiful words.
Mom mother wrote this on a piece of paper, gave it to me, and told me to read this when she died. I did.
Wow. Full stop.
So lovely to read again. Thank you.
Thanks Kim. It is beautiful…
Most welcome. So glad to see it.
Powerful, touching a propos. wonderful
It is, thanks Michael.
Reblogged this on Melody Music Studios.
Thanks for sharing.
I especially enjoyed the bio info. I have seen this poem hundreds of times as a funeral director…glad I learned about the person who penned the popular piece. Thank you.
Thank you for dropping by and letting me know.