Introduction to Funeral Poems
In times of mourning, finding solace in words can provide immense comfort. Funeral poems, with their profound ability to encapsulate emotions, can be added to your funeral program as poignant tributes to your loved one during their memorial service. Join us as we explore the timeless beauty and significance of funeral poetry, and discover 10 of the most popular funeral poems that resonate deeply with the human spirit.
Why Funeral Poems Matter
Funeral poems are deeply meaningful expressions that help us navigate the journey of grief. They hold a special place in our hearts because they can beautifully express the mix of emotions we feel when we experience loss, love, and remembrance.
These poems provide a way for us to share our deepest emotions and pay tribute to the lives of our loved ones. They offer comfort by reminding us that we're not alone in our sadness and by helping us cherish the memories we hold dear. Through the power of poetry, we find solace in our shared grief and unity in celebrating the lives of those we've lost.
Selecting the Perfect Funeral Poem
Choosing the perfect funeral poem is a deeply personal task that requires careful thought and reflection. It's important to consider the personality, beliefs, and passions of the departed, as well as the feelings you want to express. Whether you prefer classic or contemporary poetry, there are many options available to suit different preferences and occasions. Each poem should serve as a heartfelt tribute, capturing the essence of the person and their impact on our lives.
In the end, the goal is to find a poem that resonates with you and honors the memory of your loved one in a meaningful way.
Top 10 Funeral Poems
Here’s our selection of 10 of the most popular religious and non religious funeral poems to pay tribute to your loved one during their memorial or funeral service:
1. Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Helen Lowrie Marshall
2. Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there.
I did not die.
Mary Elizabeth Frye
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3. Footprints In The Sand
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
4. If I Should Go Tomorrow
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.
Author unknown
5. Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
Christina Rossetti
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6. Remember Me
To the living, I am gone,
To the sorrowful, I will never return,
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot speak, but I can listen.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore gazing at a beautiful sea,
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity,
Remember me.
Remember me in your heart:
Your thoughts, and your memories,
Of the times we loved,
The times we cried,
The times we fought,
The times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.
Margaret Mead
7. There Is No Night Without A Dawning
There is no night without a dawning
No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day
Helen Steiner Rice
8. To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.
Author unknown
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9. We Remember Him (We Remember Her)
When we are weary and in need of strength,
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember him.
When we have a joy we crave to share
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
When we have achievements that are based on his
We remember him.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember him.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember him.
At the rising of the sun and at its setting,
We remember him.
As long as we live, he too will live
For he is now a part of us,
As we remember him.
Adapted from the Yizkor Service
10. You’ve Just Walked On Ahead Of Me
And I’ve got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try and cope the best I can
But I’m missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me
Don’t worry I’ll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.
Joyce Grenfell
How to Incorporate Funeral Poems into the Service
Integrating funeral poems into memorial services can add a deeply personal and meaningful touch to the proceedings. Consider incorporating selected poems into eulogies, memorial readings, or printed materials distributed to attendees. Encourage family members and friends to share their favorite poems and memories, creating a poignant tribute that celebrates the life and legacy of the departed.
Resources for Finding More Funeral Poems
For those seeking additional funeral poems and inspiration, numerous resources are available online and in print. Explore poetry collections, memorial websites, and online databases to discover a wealth of verses that speak to the heart and soul. Remember that the most meaningful funeral poems are those that resonate deeply with your own emotions and experiences, offering comfort and solace in times of grief.
In conclusion, funeral poems offer a timeless and poignant way to honor the memory of loved ones and find solace in times of loss. By selecting the perfect poem and incorporating it into memorial services, we can celebrate the lives of those we hold dear and find comfort in the enduring power of love and remembrance.
