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Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Summary:

Inspired by: Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep by Clare Harner, published in 1934

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am the air in and out of every breath, every sigh you do.
I am the rain following your step, splashing on your shoe.
I am the bell on the lucky charm that rings with your move.

My crane flapping when your lash fluttering,
each time your name gets called, blood pulsing through my veins,
my tattoo then burning, boiling. And my love, don’t I miss that feeling?!
You make me feel so alive.
Again, again, and again, you bring me back to life.

Every rest, every rise and shine,
Every morning and every night,
I am threaded into the blanket that holds you tight,
I am riding currents when you switch the light.

Satomi, love, would you do a favor for me?
Here, gently dry your tears.
Feel me, baby, I am right here.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Notes:

I was visiting my friend last weekend, and I noticed this card with the original poem printed on it on his refrigerator. He told me it was a prayer card for his dad’s funeral. I’d never seen a prayer card before—it’s not something common in my culture. I did meet his dad a couple of times. He was a great man and a great dad. Rest in peace, Wayne. I hope our paths cross again in the next life. CANCER, FUCK YOU!!!!!!!

Since then, I haven’t been able to get this poem out of my head, and I needed to write something down. It’s such a beautiful, moving poem. Kyouji, I love you so much that I already have a poem ready for your prayer card—so you’d better live long and healthy, and treat Satomi well.

To whoever read here, thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this piece. See you in my next one.

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