23 April was the first anniversary of my Dad’s passing. I found these words among his papers – neatly copied in his own handwriting. You might have read them before, I know I have, but they brought a special feeling to me when I read them – maybe, he meant me to see this.
“Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of 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 that 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 an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
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 round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!”
-Henry Scott Holland
Linking to Esha and Natasha for #WordlessWednesday
Is it already a year ?
Isn’t it strange that you should find these words on your Dad’s death anniversary? Perhaps he is in the next room….
I had never heard of a Hindu graveyard . But obviously they do exist. As far as I know only Lingayats bury their dead . Hindus normally bury still borns or infants ( I think ) .
“Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?” how true!
Perfect meaning of death!
Interesting take on death. It certainly makes it easier to bear. I’m so sorry you lost your father Corinne. 🙁
Dear Cory,
Those are such profound words.
Can’t believe its been a year. Sending you so much love and light. He continues to shine his light upon you. Hugs
It’s not by chance that you found it in your Dad’s papers. He probably knew, much before anyone did.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece. It is reassuring and evokes a certain amount of placidness to my being.
Will share with my Father too. Will help ease his pain to a great extent. Thank you so very much.
Have a lovely week and absolutely delighted to have you link up with us in our new season of #WW.
And what is a Hindu graveyard, Cory?
Thank you for sharing this profoundly beautiful poem, Corinne. Your dad probably wanted you to read this after he was gone to ease your pain and remind you that he is still around in spirit! How beautiful that our parents wish to comfort us even after they have left us! Your post left me moved beyond words today, Corinne!
Thank you for linking up with us this week. Wishing you a Happy Thursday and a fabulous rest of the week. 🙂
Death anniversaries are hard. It’s been 8 years since my dad left us this April 3rd. I have read this piece you shared before. Nothing changes but everything changes with death. I realize that I haven’t come to terms with my dad’s death yet. Hugs, Corinne. ❤️
What a lovely post. You know, Uncle wanted you to find it. And you did.
Hugs and love. I hadn’t read that poem before so I am glad I had a chance to read. It’s profound and I am going to note it down..
I have never read this poem before and I read it twice now. I felt a sense of comfort in death through these words, an alternative perspective into it. Losing a loved one to death is unimaginable to me. I hope the words of the poem eased you, Corinne.