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When I Am Dead, My Dearest

Author: Christina Rossetti

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

When I Am Dead, My Dearest Poem Verses

When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget..
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember
And haply may forget.

Audio Recording

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Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

The poem is a message from someone who has passed away to their beloved, instructing them not to mourn or grieve after their death. They ask that no sad songs be sung, and that no flowers or trees be planted at their grave. They explain that they will not be able to see, feel or hear anything, and therefore won't know whether they are being remembered or not. They suggest that their beloved may remember them, or they may forget. The poem is about accepting the inevitability of death and asking loved ones to move on and not be burdened by grief.

The Structure of Poem

The poem has a simple structure, consisting of three stanzas, each comprising four lines. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming, as do the second and fourth lines. The poem is written in a mournful tone, expressing the desire for the loved one not to be mourned excessively after death. The speaker encourages their loved one to remember or forget them as they wish. The imagery of rain, nightingales, and twilight contribute to the melancholic mood of the poem.

Best Quote from When I Am Dead, My Dearest Poem

This is a quote from the poem When I Am Dead, My Dearest by Christina Rossetti

"When I am dead, my dearest, Sing no sad songs for me; Plant thou no roses at my head, Nor shady cypress tree..."

This quote from the poem "When I am Dead, my Dearest" by Christina Rossetti expresses the speaker's desire for their loved one to not mourn them in a traditional way after they pass away. It's a beautiful sentiment that acknowledges the inevitability of death while also emphasizing the importance of cherishing life and memories.