Stained Glass, Eulogy and Wedding Plans

1    A beautiful sunny day today gave us a new shadow, this time of  our little replica of a funny little wren from a stained glass window in York Minster. It dates from the 15th Century and can be found in the Zouche Chapel.

2    Yesterday’s WordPress writing prompt invited the writing of one’s own eulogy. That reminded me of  something I used to work on with my 13 year old pupils as the last chapter of their autobiography.  I invited them to write a pastiche of the following poem, ‘Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep’  changing the items to reflect their own personality.  There were so many amazing and moving poems from them.  My pastiche follows the original.   You may like to write your own and put it as a comment. I’d really love to read yours.

‘Do Not Stand’ by Mary 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 sun 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 circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die

.‘Do not Stand’ by MBT

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am primroses in the sun,

I am the waves that run and run,

I am seagulls on the wing,

I am in choruses that sing.

When you awaken in the dead of night

I am in stars that bring you light

Of peace and love and life and hope.

I am the bubbles in your soap.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

3    In my role as a Humanist celebrant, I met with a lovely couple today and we began to plan their Wedding Ceremony for the end of May. It’s such a delightful, happy job to have!