Death Is Nothing At All

By Henry Scott-Holland

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!

 

 


23 thoughts on “Death Is Nothing At All

  1. Alok Singhal – Piscataway, NJ, USA – The credit for starting this blog goes to my wife, Saru Singhal (www.sarusinghal.com), who inspired me to connect with the world through this amazing medium! I plan to write mostly on my Travels and also on Humor (check 'Categories' filter on blog); other posts include Personal Experiences, Lessons in Life, and Health Issues. There are some speeches too (mostly Humorous) from my association with Toastmasters, which i absolutely love. I also write Sponsored Posts for various Brands. I am lucky to have credibility from fellow bloggers and that reflects in 'Blogger Awards' link; additional Testimonials are in the form of Wins in a few blogging Contests, which one can see in 'Contest Wins' :) I am loving all of it and hope you enjoy too. Welcome here :)
    Alok Singhal says:

    Very intense feeling! I feel pain and happiness in this!

  2. silentlyheardonce – I am a pace behind but right on time. I am the illusionist that wee the future ahead. I think, I feel, I believe therefore I write. I will let you ride upon my tender wings and allow you to explore the heights and depths of my mentality. If you get lost I will find you and bring you back. After all I am just like you unique and one of a kind. Thoughts my thoughts your thoughts who would have thought our thoughts would have met on a thought. 02/15/13
    silentlyheardonce says:

    Words of devoted love. Beautiful.

  3. Shivangi – Minneapolis, US – Welcome friend, I am grateful for your presence here. Adivir, my blog site is an outcome of many forces - creation, emotion and observation. There are stories of innocence, tales of nostalgia, flashes of spirituality, snippets of thoughts with a healthy dose of entertainment. Once upon a time, I was a journalist but now I am a storyteller. So walk around this space, pick your story, comment what you think and do visit again. And as you go, accept blessings and good luck for you as gifts from my side :). P.S - If you have kids, feel free to download these ebooks - https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-princess-with-brown-teeth/id1146112226 https://books.apple.com/us/book/who-ate-the-moon/id1206671343
    Shivangi says:

    You can send this to spirit poetry contest… Outstanding post!

  4. laughtermedicineforthesoul – I'm a woman in my early fifties, and writiñg is my passion. I also eñjoy cooking and sewiñg. I love my creator and all his angels who are alway watching over me. NO, I'M NOT LYING. But, with all the hell in my life, I thought I could benefit from a humor blog. So, here I am. I'm originally from Haiti - Have children - Divorce - All that jazz. I'm still waiting for the fairytale deal. By the way, I also enjoy comedy or drama movie while sipping a glass of dry red wine. I think children are hilarious; yes, they make me laugh my heart out. I had hoped to finally earn my degree in Paralegal studies, I don't know how that will end; will keep you posted. How do I spend my spare time? Apart from my writing hobby, I love to paint. Yes, I am an artist as well. Sometimes I just take my canvas, after I washi- washa some paint, next thing I hear "Wow, this is beautiful!!!" Yes, I'm great at faking the realm of creativity. Then, if you were to ask me the message conveyed, I would have answered: "How do I know? I paint it didn't I? Now take a wild guess!" Hey! Make sure you visit my Artist Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Nadege-Moise-Artist-Page-1680366408883380/?fref=ts I also have an Etsy shop so check out some of my French Lace fashion and vintage items. https://www.etsy.com/shop/LimperatriceDuJour Thank you, Nadège Moïse
    laughtermedicineforthesoul says:

    Again I just stopped by to revive my soul with all the soothing soundtrack from my favorite movies. OMG! Romeo And Juliet??? The Notebook???… You can tell I’m a romance freak. By the way your website just inspired me to go back to my piano lessons; definitely a must before I die. thanks for visiting my blog as well.

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      I am out of words…Your compliments touched me and I had to learn by reading your blog…I appreciate it

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      Thank you so much, I very much appreciate it.

  5. mopana – Hi! I’m Monica, citizen of the World. Like: writing, music, taekwondo, painting, drawing, traveling, shopping, taking photos, parties, reading, psychology and more :) Hate: liars, hypocrites, waiting, not patiently, blah … blah … blah
    mopana says:

    Beautiful and sad poem.
    Dying is easy. Living is hard. It was said by someone smarter than me. 🙂

  6. Erika – The purpose of my blog is to inspire and shine a light on the beauty and power of the wonderful being inside your body. You came into this world to share what only you can give. Remember who you really are, conquer the world the way you always wanted to, and become the blessing to us all that you were meant to be.
    Erika Kind says:

    Very, very beautiful, Mihran! What else is death but the birth to conscious immortality?

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      Thank you so much Erika, I appreciate your kind words and I agree with your last sentence.

      1. Erika – The purpose of my blog is to inspire and shine a light on the beauty and power of the wonderful being inside your body. You came into this world to share what only you can give. Remember who you really are, conquer the world the way you always wanted to, and become the blessing to us all that you were meant to be.
        Erika Kind says:

        I already created a meme with that sentence… lol

  7. Oh my heart. I was just telling another about he death of my father many years ago and then I am here, reading your beautiful words, listening to your exquisite composition. No coincidence Mino! You have lifted my spirits. xx Hugs xx

  8. BroadBlogs – I have a Ph.D. from UCLA in sociology (emphasis: gender, social psych). I currently teach sociology and women's studies at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA. I have also lectured at San Jose State. And I have blogged for Feminispire, Ms. Magazine, The Good Men Project and Daily Kos. Also been picked up by The Alternet.
    BroadBlogs says:

    Beautiful. And comforting.

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words, means a lot to me…

  9. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
    mihrank says:

    wow – I am touched -just beautiful

  10. dvaal – I am a mother of 16 children and grandchildren. Some of them are by blood and the rest by heart. I was a foster mom for a few years and the children I cared for during that time have mostly stayed with me through the years. I love to write, read, dance, paint, and play with my animals. I enjoy dressage riding and just being in the barn. My words are my gift, as they allow you to know me as I really am. Thanks for joining me on this ride of life!
    dvaal says:

    You had me from the first line -after losing Peyton -life has been different. At 5 years old -what could I hold onto, from saying “good-bye.” Now, I’ve watch many children die from the same, plus other horrible diseases. Each time -I ache! They are not mine -but my heart bleeds a little more, as each leaves this world.

    If only we could freely talk with them, and know that they hear. Whisper words of gentleness they could hold onto. If only…
    http://www.fiddledeedeebooks.wordpress.com

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      wow – I am touched by your words – They are so powerful and true. You made me filled with tears while reading your words…WOW

      Thank you so much;

      1. dvaal – I am a mother of 16 children and grandchildren. Some of them are by blood and the rest by heart. I was a foster mom for a few years and the children I cared for during that time have mostly stayed with me through the years. I love to write, read, dance, paint, and play with my animals. I enjoy dressage riding and just being in the barn. My words are my gift, as they allow you to know me as I really am. Thanks for joining me on this ride of life!
        dvaal says:

        Thank you for such a sweet complement. I only write what I feel! So, you are welcome.

      2. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
        mihrank says:

        You write from your heart and touched me…

    1. mihrankalaydjianblog – San Diego, CA – Mihran Kalaydjian On a personal note, I love the outdoors, comedy, bbq, reading and traveling. I worked in the beer industry in college so I love talking about good beer. I used to be a competitive runner so (like all runners) if you make the mistake of asking me, I'll tell you about my entire career and PRs. I also spent my youth working in restaurants, so if you've done the same, we can swap stories. The five items I can't live without: Everything, infinity, wanton boredom, limitless limits, change. Mihran Kalaydjian, A proven ability to articulate a company's brand culture as well as key strategic initiatives and delivery of desired results. Outstanding leadership, communications and project management skills. A committed individual with strong organizational skills that believes leading by example is key to building a strong team to achieve high guest satisfaction results and cost control measures. Mihran Kalaydjian provides visionary leadership and management oversight of the sales, marketing and revenue strategies for Classic Hotels and Resorts. Mihran Kalaydjian suggest: Your energy should be focused on finding a solution, quickly and effectively. I am at my best when I have a tight deadline, but every aspect of the project is planned, organized and working in excellence.
      mihrank says:

      Thank you for your words, I am touched.

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