____________________________
Memory of Me
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles
When life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering
Softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.
___________________________
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 sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s 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 cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.
