Modern Adaption In Obituary Rossetti’s Poem
When I am dead, my friends,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no flowers on my bed
nor shady cypress-tree
See that my ashes be strown out,
in the sea, disperse and wet,
And if thou wilst, remember
And if thou wilst, forget.
farewel text adapted from classic poem by Cristina Rossetti published as an obituary in Dutch newspaper 16 march 2024, anonymously. Rossetti’s name was missing!
Original version by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
When I am dead, my dearest
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.
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.
Sketch of mister sketchy nicknamed the philosopher. A person who meets difficulties and complex matters with calmness and composure.
Nice that Rossetti’s poem, a pearl of the antique world resonates in the modern time – incorrect not to mention the name of Rossetti? as a public domain work Rossetti’s poem is free for anyone to use adapt or rewrite without worry about copyright laws, due to its age.
The text has universal quality, it’s alright to adapt it in whatever creative way, but sure it still is more respectful to credit her as the original author nevertheless it’s not a crime not a rape but cheap and tasteless. The original authorship should have been acknowledged respect for the creator especially if the adaptation is being published publicly.
Rossetti was in her early years already a natural, gifted with creative power, focussed on inner feelings and the delight of nature. A great talent. Ze developed a belletristic approach to the art of poetry which she will always be remembered by. She wrote in her famous poem Remember (which was published in her 1862 collection) the unforgettable line: Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand.