WHEN I DIE, WHEN I AM GONE
CRY NO TEARS FOR ME.
MY ASHES SPREAD THEM ON THE DUNES
WHERE I CAN HEAR THE SEA.
WHERE I CAN WATCH THE RISING SUN
OR VIEW A CRESCENT MOON
AND HEAR THE LONELY SEABIRDS CRY
OR SOARING SKYLARKS TUNE.
ERECT NO STONE TO HOLD ME THERE
THEN I MAY WANDER FREE.
NO CROSS OF WOOD UPON MY GRAVE
THAT CALLS YOU BACK TO ME.
NO FLORAL TRIBUTE LAY YOU THERE
ABOVE THE STORM LASHED SEA,
JUST LET THE WILD WIND BLOW ITS SONG
AND CRY NO TEARS FOR ME.
IF EACH OF YOU RECALL ONE DAY
WHEN YOU WERE THERE WITH ME,
THAT FILLS YOUR HEART AND MIND WITH JOY,
LET THAT, MY MEMORY BE.
NO SORROWED SIGHS, NO HEAVY HEARTS,
JUST SET MY SPIRIT FREE.
REMEMBER ME AS ONCE I WAS,
AND CRY NO TEARS FOR ME.
Well chrissa, see how you feel nearer the time, if you think you can do it, then fi ne, but if not, then get a relative or friend to do it on your behalf........don't give yourself more stresss just now,.............enough!
it's a nice poem. When i read a poem at my daughter's funeral, the chaplain had a copy too, in case i couldn't continue, she could. However i did manage it (although mine was a lot shorter than yours)
Chrissa, you will get through it. I actually took my mothers funeral, read a poem and talked a bit about her. Practicing really helps. I took care not to look at anybody because I knew it would start me crying, so I looked towards the back of the crematorium and spoke very slowly too. Try not to rush it. It was very, very difficult but it felt right that the person nearest to her should be the one to talk about her.
I wish you all the very best at this very difficult time for you. Take care of yourself. x
Oh, lilies I think. They are so beautiful. I've just been reading the poem out loud to the room, as my daughter s out with the dogs and I'm definitely going to read it at the funeral now. I'll take lofty's advice and not look at anyone.
That is a beautiful poem chrissa, I had tears in my eyes reading it. If you feel up to reading then do, but please don't feel bad if you don't feel strong enough. I wish you well, my thoughts are with you, take care.xx