for today's word: 'peace' - Hacheston church and churchyard
I feel that churches and churchyards, whatever one's beliefs or disbeliefs, are places of tranquillity. I associate them with this little piece of verse, which you may know as it has passed into popular culture since it was written in 1932:
"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 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 stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
Mary Elizabeth Frye (Baltimore) 1932
Mary Frye wrote this verse to console a young German Jewish woman, Margaret Schwarzkopf, who was staying with her. Margaret had been warned not to return home to see her sick mother because of increasing anti-Semitic unrest. When her mother died, the young woman told Frye that she never had the chance to “stand by my mother’s grave and shed a tear”.
Frye found herself composing a piece of verse. Later, she said that the words “just came to her” and expressed what she felt about life and death.
I agree - I am not religious, but love visiting old churches and cemeteries - they do seem to be tranquil and peaceful. The architecture of old churches can be fascinating, and so much history! Love performing in cathedrals as the acoustics are amazing!
Nice capture --and I love that verse --but tend to associate it to when I loose dear ones & especially when visiting the grave yard up in Wales where my parents & husband were buried !
I'm not religious too although I love churches and graveyards. So long as you try to be kind and help people, I believe that is all that matters. Lovely composition of this peaceful place. I like how you have presented the pics
Terry, I think that only time can make anyone who is bereaved feel better in any way at all. I can understand that it is a really hard situation that you are all in but if this helps just a little bit I'm glad. Thank you for taking the time to be in touch with me.
Are you a singer or a musician Sarah?
thanks Gerry. Hope you and Anne are both well.
Yes, I understand, Beryl, and for me it 's associated with my sister's funeral.
Terry, I think that only time can make anyone who is bereaved feel better in any way at all. I can understand that it is a really hard situation that you are all in but if this helps just a little bit I'm glad. Thank you for taking the time to be in touch with me.