Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell
among the wonders of the world; for my larger self
is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels,
and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am known.
I am loved, and I am safe from all harm.
Do not weep for me, for I shall return,
again and again, to whisper clues to you
of eternal life and growth without end.
Do not weep for me, for I am home.
OverView
This poem provides reassurance from the perspective of the deceased, stating they are free, safe with God, and experiencing joy. It discourages weeping and suggests a continued spiritual connection and eventual reunion, framing death as a homecoming.
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Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
A short, powerful poem expressing acceptance and even contentment with death. The speaker declares they lived and died gladly, choosing their final resting place. The final lines provide famous metaphors for returning home after life’s journeys (‘home is the sailor…’, ‘hunter home from the hill’).
An Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise Up to Meet You)
Unknown
Ancient origins
Approx. 25 seconds
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A gentle blessing wishing the departed peace and divine protection on their journey (‘until we meet again’). It uses imagery of nature (road, wind, sun, rain) to convey warmth and care, offering comfort through faith and tradition.
An Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise Up to Meet You) by Unknown
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
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’s 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 widely loved poem offers comfort by suggesting the deceased’s spirit is not confined to the grave but lives on, integrated into the beauty and elements of nature. It provides a sense of continuation and presence, encouraging the bereaved to find the person in the world around them.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye
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’s 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.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
A sonnet expressing the speaker’s wish to be remembered after death, but with a selfless turn: they ultimately desire their loved one’s happiness above being constantly remembered if that memory brings pain. It balances the natural desire for remembrance with a profound, loving concern for the survivor’s well-being.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
A very short, gentle verse asking nature’s elements (sun, wind, earth) to be kind to the resting place of the deceased. It’s a simple, tender farewell expressing love and wishing peace.
I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and professionalism your team provided, from the paperwork and all during the services for my husband Franco Trombetti.Every detail was handled seamlessly which brought our family great comfort during a very difficult time.We were particularly touched by the beautiful floral arrangements and how smooth and dignified the transport was.Please share our sincere thanks with everyone involved. You made a painful process much easier to bear.
Udens were exceptional. The care showed to us and our wishes for Mum was so excellent. The service they offered was perfect. Adam was so obliging and available. The actual funeral staff led by Lee were impeccable. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with such respect for our Mum. Thank you
This is the second time we have used Udens in the last 18 months.Both times their service and staff have been exemplary.The team that collected my Mum from the care home were so professional and caring, Andrea in the Petts Wood office couldn’t do enough to help us and helped me every step of the way. Kate the celebrant who took our service was beyond amazing!The team we had for the funeral were immaculate as were the cars, everyone was so professional. Udens are 5 * across the board.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and would never use anyone else myself!
Couldn't fault Uden's for the care, attention to detail and dignity they provided at my late father's funeral.Stanley and his colleagues made the event as special as it possibly could be.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Udens bexleyheath.The care, support and kindness from start to finish was amazing. Thankyou for taking really good care of dad, you guys are 1 in a million. Big shoutout to Adam also. Your care and compassion has been phenomenal. Thank you guys.From the Underhills x
I would like to thank Spencer and his team for helping our family plan our Dads funeral. They made the planning as easy for us as possible and were by our side every step of the way. Amazing team, thank you so much for your support.
You simply cannot ask for a better service than when you first contact W. Uden & Sons. From the initial phone call, to the meeting, to the correspondence, to the help and advice, to the whole process, they were kind, respectful and so professional. They managed to blend the old traditions with some modern requests and the service was beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of mine and my sister’s heart.
I’ll like to thank udens & son for doing my dads funeral they went above and beyond want I expectedEven though the day was raining the guys at udens was really professional and helped every way they could to make the day less stressfulThey all was respectful and polite the whole timeI would recommend to anyone they was there to answer all my questions that i hadThanks again for everything
Udens Petts Wood were first class from start to finish. The dignified way they collected dad from home and then a few weeks later mum from the nursing home showed great compassion and they made sure they were kept together. They quickly rearranged a single funeral to a joint funeral and explained the different options available and we were able to see them both together in the chapel of rest at very short notice. On the day Andrew turned a heartbreaking day to one of celebration and couldn't do enough for us. As a family we would like to thank Andrew and his team for their kindness, compassion and professionalism.
At a very difficult time, Adam and the staff of W. Uden showed us support and kindness. My father's funeral from start to finish was managed with dignity and understanding. I had not had to arrange a service before, so had to completely trust Adam. His focus was about our family, and giving us the day my father would have wanted. With beautiful small gestures, of a choice of colour of the ties that the staff wore, to the car and advice relating to the side of funerals I was not aware of. Sharing the procedure with thoughtfulness.Jay, who supported us during the service was respectful and understanding. At the meeting to arrange the service, we discussed things, which on the day changed. Jay was incredible in performing, not only his own duties, but to guide me. With just a look, he was at my side, checking that the ceremony was as the family wanted. To be able to rely on someone took away so much pressure. Even his call on the morning of the funeral, checking on me gave me the courage to feel I could handle the day. I am forever grateful.Thank you for your support and kindness.
Huge thanks to Adam and the team for the care and professionalism leading up to the funeral of Alfred Chambers and making the day of the funeral perfect. A truly outstanding service provided by Uden’s Bexleyheath. My family and I cannot thank all of you enough.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Udens Bexleyheath for the exceptional care and support they provided during the arrangements for my dad’s funeral.From the very beginning, Adam in the office was incredibly helpful, compassionate and professional. They guided us through the planning process with patience and understanding, making what could have been an overwhelming experience feel much more manageable. Nothing was too much trouble, and their support was greatly appreciated by our family.On the day of the funeral, Callum conducted everything with dignity, kindness and professionalism. His calm and reassuring presence helped us through a very emotional day, and it was clear that he genuinely cared about ensuring Dad received the respectful and meaningful farewell he deserved.The entire team helped create a beautiful service that honoured Dad’s life perfectly. At a time when emotions were running high, it was a great comfort to know that every detail was being handled with such care and attention.Thank you all for your compassion, support and professionalism. We are truly grateful and would not hesitate to recommend your services to others.Dad’s funeral was exactly what he would have wanted, and for that we will always be thankful.
Uden and Sons did a fantastic day for my mothers funeral . Their professionalism shone through and we could not have asked for any more. I'd like to thank all the team for all their support for the day and would not hesitate to recommend them . Thanks from all the family.Many ThanksDes Shannon
Udens were extremely professional and respectful from my first call to the end. I can't recommend them highly enough. Andrea was enormously helpful. I have never organised a funeral before and they made everything so simple when we were obviously otherwise occupied. Thanks to everyone especially as I don't remember the names of those on the day, for which, forgive me.
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