Poems
When planning a funeral service, there are many things to consider. One of which is choosing a funeral poem, which can be a difficult decision.
Poems are typically read at funerals and are often included in eulogies. They can help you to voice your feelings and express your emotions during a hard time.
A funeral poem can set the tone and be incredibly moving, so you need to consider who will be at the funeral and how they will feel in the moment.
Poems can evoke a range of emotions and responses and cause us to reflect. Depending on the poem you pick, they can bring comfort, be uplifting, funny or sad.
To help you pick the right funeral poem, we have collated a selection of poems and verses which are commonly read at funeral services.
If you wish to hold the audience’s attention throughout the reading, or are concerned that some may find it upsetting, or if the person reading the poem is not a confident reader, you may want to opt for a short poem or just a verse from a longer poem.
If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
You’ll feel it from the heavens,
And it will heal the scars.
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.
I have run and leaped with the rain,
I have taken the wind to my breast.
My cheek like a drowsy child
to the face of the earth I have pressed.
Because I have loved life,
I shall have no sorrow to die.
It is important to remember that funeral poems do not have to be sad or emotional. You can celebrate the life of your loved one with an uplifting or humorous poem.
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is Hell
But life goes on,
So sing as well.
Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now,
I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host.
Just talk amongst yourself my friends,
And share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you.
Don’t worry about mourning me,
I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.
To pay tribute to a parent that has passed, you may want to choose a funeral poem written specifically for a mother or father.
Mother, Anon
We had a wonderful mother,
One who never really grew old;
Her smile was made of sunshine,
And her heart was solid gold;
Her eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in her cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful mother,
And that’ s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
She’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
She will like what she sees.
To My Father, Georgia Harkness
A giant pine, magnificent and old
Stood staunch against the sky and all around
Shed beauty, grace and power.
Within its fold birds safely reared their young.
The velvet ground beneath was gentle,
and the cooling shade gave cheer to passers by.
Its towering arms a landmark stood, erect and unafraid,
As if to say, “Fear naught from life’s alarms”.
It fell one day.
Where it had dauntless stood was loneliness and void.
But men who passed paid tribute – and said,
“To know this life was good,
It left it’s mark on me. Its work stands fast”.
And so it lives. Such life no bonds can hold –
This giant pine, magnificent and old.
The loss of a child is devastating. There are many heartfelt funeral poems written for children, to honour them and help you express your grief.
Upon A Child That Died, Robert Herrick
Here she lies, a pretty bud,
Lately made of flesh and blood:
Who as soon fell fast asleep
As her little eyes did peep.
Give her strewing’s, but not stir
The earth that lightly covers her.
The mention of my child’s name
May bring tears to my eyes,
But it never fails to bring
Music to my ears.
Let me hear the beautiful music of his name
It soothes my broken heart
And sings to my soul.
If you are struggling to find a poem that you feel is right, you may consider writing your own. This can aid the healing process and allow you to express yourself and grieve.
Start by deciding on a theme for the poem, such as love, life, or loss, and what message you wish to communicate through your words. Then, just start jotting something down, and go with the flow.
Poems do not need to rhyme or have a certain rhythm or structure. However, you may want to use rhyming couplets, where the last word of two lines in a row rhyme with each other.
Writing and reading your own poem is very personal and special and can be very touching. It will certainly be memorable and touch everyone in attendance.
For further advice and guidance on picking the right poem for the funeral of a loved one, speak with your funeral directors.
Dating back to the early 1920s, Craven Funeral Directors is an experienced family-run business which offers a wide range of award-winning funeral pre-payment plans. Find out more about our funeral plans here or talk to a member of our team on 0151 228 3900.
