When I am dead, my dearest, Sing no sad songs for me; Plant thou no roses at my head, Nor shady cypress tree: Be the green grass above me With showers and dewdrops wet; And if thou wilt, remember, And if thou wilt, forget.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asks that after death, no mournful rituals be performed, but rather natural grass and rain be allowed, and leaves it to others to remember or forget.
- In plain terms
- After I die, let nature be my memorial and let people choose to remember or forget.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept death without demanding elaborate mourning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you want to be remembered?
- Is mourning necessary for closure?
Another view
Some may find comfort in traditional rites, which this request denies.
More from Christina Rossetti
The birthday of my life Is come, my love is come to me.
Permalink to quote #3 Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land.
Permalink to quote #5 My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a water'd shoot; My heart is like an apple-tree Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit.
Permalink to quote #2
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