FUNERAL RITE

We have for a while lost one who is dear to us, And we all feel the loss. But

it is only for a time, and we will lose our sorrow.

There is a reason for being here, and a reason for going. The Other Side, the

Places Beyond, Are warm, pleasing and beautiful with all ills gone, and youth

There is a reason for leaving, when the purpose of this life is done.

We must all journey beyond to pause, to rest, and to wait for those who are

loved, In a place far from the cares of this world, with happiness and

strength renewed. For dying is only a mode of forgetting, a way of rest, a

way of returning to the Eter nal Source, however we may see It.

It is said in ancient lore "Arrayed in some new fleshly disguise, Another

mother gives birth.

With sturdier limbs and brighter brain, The old soul takes the road again".

TO BE READ BY A LOVED ONE.

You came and touched so many hearts In so many different ways.

You gave so much, and asked very little in return.

There is an emptiness as if a part of me is missing, But I am sure with time

you will show me how to be whole again.

I know you are safe now, and nothing can harm you.

Remember, although we're apart, We will always be together.

Life and death are one, as the river and the sea are one. For what is it to

die but to stand naked in the wind, And to melt in the sun?

What is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from it's restless

tides That it may rise, and expand, and seek it's Gods unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence, Shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountaintop, Then shall you begin to climb.

And when the Earth has claimed your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

******

(This was read as the coffin is taken from the room.]

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 sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle Autumn's rain.

When you wake in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die.

To be born again, all must die

This is the Wheel of life.

BLESSED BE.