“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” is an eternal and powerful elegy that was written in 1934 by Clare Harner, a poet from Green, Kansas. Harner was born on the 1st of October 1909 and passed away on the 27th January 1977. Initially, the poem was published under the title of “Immortality” in the magazine “The Gypsy”. This poem was written within a very short period of time after her brother’s sudden death became a comforting virile piece of hope for the bereaved.
“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” was written after the death of Harners brother, and was keenly sought after. It quickly gained popularity as a eulogy which was read at funerals in her home state of Kansas. This popular poem was reprinted in the Kansas City Times.
Clare Harner combined degrees in Industrial Journalism and Clothing Design from Kansas State University in a variety of careers: social work, journalism, and fashion. Yet, throughout her life, she wrote poetry. Many of her poems were published in literary journals, but none ever gave her the lasting renown of “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”.
The poem consists of twelve lines and uses simple language to explain that death does not truly exist but is instead a transformation. Harner reminds readers of the eternity of the deceased’s existence in everything around them with her use of nature, such as “a thousand winds that blow” and “the sunlight on ripened grain.”
A deep sense of immortality has resonated within this poem across generations and cultures, finding it consistently present during funerals and memorial services worldwide.
Celebrity funerals
Over the years, the “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” has been read at notable celebrity funerals, including that of Hollywood actor Charles Bronson and rock icon Michael Hutchence. It gained widespread recognition when the father of a British soldier read it on BBC radio in 1995, profoundly touching audiences. John Wayne famously recited it at the memorial for director Howard Hawks in 1977.
Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep
The poem has also been an influence on music and popular culture-from choral pieces to television dramas like Desperate Housewives and After Life. That is why it will always be in demand, being universally appealing with its message of hope that keeps the spirit of the dead alive in the hearts of the living.
Copyright
Unfortunately this poem is often incorrectly stated as the author being Mary Elizabeth Frye in 1983. Frye is reportedly to have handed out copies of the poem with her name on. Two native American tribes have also laid claim to being the authors of this poem.
Do not stand at my grave and weep – by Clare Harner – published as ‘Immortality’
For more poem inspiration visit the Save Funeral Costs blog of funeral poems.
