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Post by sonata58 on Jun 7, 2008 13:37:41 GMT
When I first heard the original poem sung by Katherine Jenkins, I was touched by its poignant words and equally memorable tune. As Katherine herself said, it is a song of hope. However, being a Christian, I was a bit disappointed by the analogies in the original; it sounded very mystic and reflected a belief in reincarnation. I thought that there must be a Christian version of this poem. Finding none, I decided to come up with my own. As a Christian, who believes in an immortal soul and the Resurrection, I can have hope, knowing what lies after death. Though our bodies may lie in the grave, our soul is much alive, enjoying conscious fellowship with Christ. For believers, death should not be a time of weeping but of rejoicing in the fullness of life in Jesus’ presence. (Sorry, if I sound a bit "preachy"; I'm just trying to share my thoughts that prompted me to make this reworking). I kept the same pattern as the original, making analogies to something in nature, but with a Biblical message. I even kept some of the same rhymes and words as the original. Each line is my paraphrase of a Scripture verse. Let me know what you all think of it, since I am not really a poet. I am open to critique and criticism. I've shared it with a few friends, but the problem is that the original poem is not well known here in the US. I know it is much more common in the UK; so, that's why I'm sharing here. Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a light in Heaven’s glow.1
I am a soul made white as snow.2
I have been gathered as harvest grain.3
I am secure from grief and pain.4
No more a pilgrim; no more to roam,5
I am a lamb brought safely home.6
I sing praise in my Savior’s sight.7
Here in a Land where there is no night.8
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die. Original words attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye Tune composed by Geoff Stephens: www.donotstandatmygrave.com Footnotes1 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43).
2 Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
3 In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:30).
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).
5 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).
6 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11).
7 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Revelation 5:9).
8 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). |
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Post by grant on Jun 7, 2008 15:46:21 GMT
Hi Sonata58 I love your poem! A few well chosen lines can say an awful lot. I also love Hayley's version on her new album but if I were to say that it's one of my favourite tracks, I would be 'off topic' so I won't say it!  More on that album in the proper place later  Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Caitlin on Jun 7, 2008 20:10:10 GMT
Did you know that this poem is likely derived from a Native American prayer? Or at least incredibly similar to it. My Grandmother worked very closely and was a good friend of the chief of the Potawatomi tribe and had this prayer read at her funeral as well as printed on the cards for the order of the mass. As soon as I can find it I'll post the prayer.  <3 Caitlin |
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Post by martindn on Jun 7, 2008 22:05:47 GMT
Or How about
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain
I am a thousand winds,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am diamond glint on snow
A thousand winds that blow
This is part of the lyric from Track 6 on "Hayley sings Japanese songs". This song is credited as "Additional Lyrics by Hayley Westenra."
I think this is what Grant is referring to. It would be interesting to know which parts came from the Japanese, and which parts were added by Hayley.
It's a gorgeous song BTW
Martin
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Post by Caitlin on Jun 7, 2008 22:57:20 GMT
Native American Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep -
I am with you still - 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 think of me as gone -
I am with you still - in each new dawn.
<3 Caitlin
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Post by grant on Jun 7, 2008 23:03:55 GMT
Hi Caitlin
Thank you for posting the words to the original prayer. It's always good to know where things originate.
It sounds quite beautiful by the way.
Love
Grant
xx
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Post by comet on Jun 8, 2008 11:36:01 GMT
Hi Folks,
Listen to the wind which seems to have a similar theme of one who is gone but is still present.
It all seems similar or reminiscent of these prayers.
I Like the Native American one a lot too......
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Post by fusilier23 on Jun 8, 2008 14:49:13 GMT
Not bad, for a first time out, though it could use some editing to make the rhymes flow better and some seem less contrived.
maybe:
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
Safe in the light of Heaven’s glow.
I am a saint robed white as snow.
I have been gathered as harvest grain.
No more will I know grief nor pain.
No more a wand'rer, no more I roam,
I am a lamb brought safely home.
I sing God's praise in my Savior’s sight.
Where there is neither day nor night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
I can't think of a way to make the line about harvest grain sound better off the top of my head.
Maybe I'll just stick to "The Holy City"
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Post by sonata58 on Jun 9, 2008 12:43:38 GMT
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Post by gerrit on Jun 9, 2008 21:14:02 GMT
When I first heard the original poem sung by Katherine Jenkins, I was touched by its poignant words and equally memorable tune. As Katherine herself said, it is a song of hope. However, being a Christian, I was a bit disappointed by the analogies in the original; it sounded very mystic and reflected a belief in reincarnation. I thought that there must be a Christian version of this poem. Finding none, I decided to come up with my own. As a Christian, who believes in an immortal soul and the Resurrection, I can have hope, knowing what lies after death. Though our bodies may lie in the grave, our soul is much alive, enjoying conscious fellowship with Christ. For believers, death should not be a time of weeping but of rejoicing in the fullness of life in Jesus’ presence. (Sorry, if I sound a bit "preachy"; I'm just trying to share my thoughts that prompted me to make this reworking). I kept the same pattern as the original, making analogies to something in nature, but with a Biblical message. I even kept some of the same rhymes and words as the original. Each line is my paraphrase of a Scripture verse. Let me know what you all think of it, since I am not really a poet. I am open to critique and criticism. I've shared it with a few friends, but the problem is that the original poem is not well known here in the US. I know it is much more common in the UK; so, that's why I'm sharing here. Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a light in Heaven’s glow.1
I am a soul made white as snow.2
I have been gathered as harvest grain.3
I am secure from grief and pain.4
No more a pilgrim; no more to roam,5
I am a lamb brought safely home.6
I sing praise in my Savior’s sight.7
Here in a Land where there is no night.8
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die. Original words attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye Tune composed by Geoff Stephens: www.donotstandatmygrave.com Footnotes1 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43).
2 Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
3 In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:30).
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).
5 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).
6 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11).
7 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Revelation 5:9).
8 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). Hi sonata58, I am a committed Christian myself. Don't committed Christians believe in some form of reincarnation, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting  ? I believe the version sung by Katherine is perfectly acceptable to a committed Christian - and moreover, it has to be one of my all time favourite songs by Katherine. I am thinking of leaving instructions of having this song played when it is my turn I don't want to start a deep religious debate here. I think the words of the song are open to various interpretations. I know one thing for sure - when I am in my grave (that is, my body), I myself won't be there, because my actual self doesn't die. Interpreted that way, the original song is spot on ... Gerrit |
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Post by martindn on Jun 9, 2008 22:34:43 GMT
Hi Gerrit,
Yes, as a christian myself that's how I have always interpreted that song. And as Comet mentioned, its theme is very similar to "Listen to the Wind" in the form that Hayley sings. But the meaning of both songs is similar I think.
Martin
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Post by sonata58 on Jun 9, 2008 23:43:19 GMT
Hello Gerrit and Martin,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I agree with you that though our bodies lie in the grave, we are not really there - our soul still lives. (I probably didn't state that very clearly in my original post). I would be hesitant to call it a "reincarnation", because I don't believe that we return to this earth in the form of a wind, snow, sunlight, rain, stars,etc. (I guess I may be reading into the original lyrics a bit too much). Most certainly, our memory lives on, and are loved ones can remember us whenever they feel the wind, see the sunlight, watch the stars, etc. When our loved ones grieve at our deaths, they can be comforted to know that we are alive and glorified in Heaven.
I suppose my deep Christian background made me want to rework the poem to put that Biblical message in there. I apologize if you feel that I have ruined this classic piece of literature; I know that it is dearly loved in the UK.
I hope I made sense. Thanks again for your insight.
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Post by graemek on Jun 10, 2008 1:53:18 GMT
Hi All, I must admit I love it when Believers get triggered off to share their very firmly & unforgettably rooted faith. Oddly we spend much of our lives having to be "shut up" which is always an upsetting thing. However, Jesus himself was only vocally around for 3 years before He was finally (as was supposed) "shut up" so we have to accept at least partially similar treatment. So Bravo Guys.....I will now shut up. Thank you Sonata for your mention of Elisabeth Fry....note the verse below. Graeme  |
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