I do not stand

I do not stand at your grave and weep, there is no crying there.

Instead, you’ll find that I could cry, almost anywhere.

I know you are the stars above,

And the roots tucked down below.

But even though I know this, my heart is filled with woe.

I think of birds in circled flight,

Diamond glints on snow.

I watch soft stars that shine at night,

You are them; I know.

As I stand and begin to weep

I remember what you said,

You told me not to stand and cry because you are not dead.