Author Archives: Kelly Larsen (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

“Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's poem offers a peaceful look at death

I’ve been looking a lot at writers’ views on death itself lately, but not as much at what happens after death. Emily Dickinson offers her take on the afterlife in “Because I could not stop for Death,” arguably her most … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Jamaican Tradition of Nine Nights

A glimpse at this interesting funeral rite

Similar to the concept of a wake, in Jamaica (and other parts of the Caribbean), there is a funerary tradition known as the “Nine Nights,” or “Nine-Night,” in which the family and friends of a person who has died gather … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

“Meditation XVII” by John Donne

John Donne helps us see that we are all connected, even in death

You have probably heard the famous phrase “No man is an island,” whether in a classroom, or being quoted by one of your more pretentious friends. But you might be less familiar with the piece of writing this expression originates from: … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

“Peace, My Heart” by Rabindranath Tagore

Looking at the optimism of Rabindranath Tagore's "Peace, My Heart"

Back in September, I wrote a post on a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. In my weekly searches for literature on the subject of death, his name repeatedly comes up. I’ve tried to abstain from writing about him again to ensure … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

“Remember” by Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo's poem shows how looking back can guide us through the future

Joy Harjo is unique in that, not only is she an excellent writer, but she is a musician and a performer as well. That’s probably why her poems, including “Remember,” are so lyrical and seem to trip off the tongue. … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

What is Green Cremation? An Interview with George Frankel

The CEO of Eternal Reefs talks conservation memorialization and shares his wisdom

George Frankel has served as CEO of Eternal Reefs, Inc. since 2000, and has recently been appointed to the Green Burial Council Advisory Board. All photos courtesy of Eternal Reefs’s website. Kelly: For those who may not be familiar, what exactly … Continue reading

Posted in Professional Advice | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment