A selection of Poems, these are not my poems, if the author is known they are listed
If I had a voice today
If I had a voice today, I’d say,
Dear ones, please don’t cry,
Still love me but don’t grieve me.
It’s easy if you try.
Don’t think of all that I won’t see,
Just think of what I’ve seen.
Think not of places I won’t go,
But remember where I’ve been.
I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried,
I’ve worked hard, that’s for sure.
I’ve done my best, I’m satisfied,
I couldn’t ask more.
I know not what becomes of me,
Not what’s beyond today.
If I had a choice, I’d use my voice,
But alas I’ve gone away.
You have memories of me to enjoy,
Smile, laugh, be tough.
You have loved me and enriched my life,
I was happy, that’s enough!
***
If Tomorrow starts without me – David Romano
If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all that we shared, And all the fun we had. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right there, in your heart.
***
His Journey’s Just begun – Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away,
His journeys just begun.
Life holds so many facets,
This earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears.
In a place of warmth and comfort,
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing,
That we could know today.
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of him as living,
In the hearts of those he touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much.
***
Her Journey’s Just Begun by Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of her as gone away,
Her journeys just begun.
Life holds so many facets,
This earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
From the sorrows and the tears.
In a place of warmth and comfort,
Where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing,
That we could know today.
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of her as living,
In the hearts of those she touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost
And she was loved so much.
***
She is Gone – David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone, Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want,
smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
***
He is Gone– David Harkins
You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone, Or you can cherish him memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
***
Remember Me
Don’t remember me with sadness, Don’t remember me with tears, Remember all the laughter, We’ve shared throughout the years. Now I am contented That my life it was worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. When you are walking down the street And you’ve got me on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps Only half a step behind. So please don’t be unhappy Just because I’m out of sight, Remember that I’m with you Each morning, noon and night.
***
Remember Me with Smiles
Remember me with smiles not tears, For all the joy through all the years. Recall the closeness that was ours, A love as "sweet" as fragrant flowers. Don't dwell on thoughts that cause you pain, We'll see each other once again. I am at peace...try to believe, It was my time...I had to leave. But "what a view", I have from here, I see your face, I feel you near, I follow you throughout the day, You're not alone along the way. And when time calls you...you will be , Right by my side...right here with me. Till then, I'll wait by heaven's door, We'll be united...evermore!
***
Feel no Guilt in Laughter (He)
Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that he’s not here to share. You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to. He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here, And fills you with the feeling that he is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart And he will live forever, locked safe within your heart.
***
Feel no Guilt in Laughter (She)
Feel no guilt in laughter, she’d know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that she’s not here to share. You cannot grieve forever; she would not want you to. She’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here, And fills you with the feeling that she is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart And she will live forever, locked safe within your heart.
***
All is Well – Henry Scott Holland
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away to the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was, there is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, Just around the corner. All is well.
***
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
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 glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning 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 weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. (Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!)
Mary Elizabeth Frye
***
When I’m Gone – Mrs Lyman Hancock
When I come to the end of my journey And I travel my last weary mile Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken Remember some good I have done Forget that I ever had heartache And remember I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered And sometimes fell by the way Remember I have fought some hard battles And won, ere the close of the day
Then forget to grieve for my going I would not have you sad for a day But in summer just gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay
And come in the shade of evening When the sun paints the sky in the west Stand for a few moments beside me And remember only my best.
***
Songbird – Unknown
Every songbird has its own unique song And yours is my favourite. Would my first steps be as hasty if not for its tempo? Would my spirits be as high if not for its key? Your song walked with me as I grew up Like an underscore, lifting me. And I have always listened, and I always will. For no matter how quiet your tune gets, As the years go on and time passes, Even if it fades out to a gentle hum, The echo of your melody will continue to guide me And shape me into the woman that I will become. So, although you aren’t here to sing it, The beat of your song will continue in our hearts. Its steady rhythm will keep us on track. And now every time I hear a songbird’s song, I will think of you, and I will sing back.
***
I Do Not Think My Song Will End – Johnny Hathcock
I do not think my song will end While flowers, grass and trees Abound with birds and butterflies For I am one with these. And I believe my voice will sound Upon the whispering wind So long as even one remains Among those I call “friend.” I shall remain in hearts and minds Of loved ones that I knew, And in the rocks and hills and streams Because I love those, too. So long as love and hope and dreams Abide in earth and sky, Weep not for me, though I be gone. I shall not really die.
***
I am Free
By Shannon Lee Moseley
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To Laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks undone, must stay that way.
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my times seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wants me now, he set me free.
