Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it. Along with the comments so far. Especially,
he said he'd like it read at his funeral
To which, I responded, "As do I!"
Yet as I read it aloud, I couldn't help but agree with @holoz0r's sense of awkwardness. So I asked Google for something similar. And on the second attempt I found "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"...
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 stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Not as poignant. But definitely an easier read.
Oh that poem is very common at funerals, and you can see why... It's very accessible. So beautiful! It really resonates for a lot of people and it's how I feel closer to my late father too - he is present in the world around me. Again, this is a poem about legacy. Thanks for reminding me of it.
The Hardy one is quite complex @keithtaylor , a bit of a harder read for people I guess. There's some really, really clever things in there, but it's probably easier if you know a little about poetry and Hardy himself and maybe even the English landscape. Plus, the language is old fashioned... written early than 'Do not stand at my grave and weep'...
I adore the image of the bells ringing and stop starting in the wind and fog - an incredible image which made me visualize the scene and hear the sounds. It's the kind of thing you have to read a few times but I guess I love a poem that makes me work a little! And I love a clever poem.
I'm glad you enjoyed it though, even if you found it awkward!
Also thanks for the tip .. so kind!