Choosing a funeral poem

Poems have always been popular at funerals and are often included in the eulogy. They’re a way to express your grief, honour a loved one and say the words you aren’t quite able to find yourself. 

“When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention I will know it’s you reminding me to appreciate the simple things in life. When the sun is shining through my window awakens me, I feel the warmth of your love.” – Your Spirit, Tram-Tiara T.Von Reichenbach

Why do people have poetry at a funeral?

A poem can help you connect to someone that you’ve lost, that’s one of the most wonderful things about them. Poetry helps capture the essence of someone, describes relationships, helps you remember special moments and supports you as you grieve. 

How to choose a funeral poem 

If your loved one hasn’t specified what poem they would like, an anthology is a good place to start. One of the best ways to choose is to hold that person close in your heart and pick which one speaks to you the most. 

If you are still unsure, we have listed a few below that may speak to you. 

Tips on giving the poetry reading 

To help you prepare for the reading, you should practice at home. You don’t need to memorise the reading, but try reading it aloud so you get used to the sound and flow of the words. 

Try and sound as natural as possible. You don’t need to put on different voices, just be yourself, make sure to take deep breaths and speak at a steady pace. 

Here are some suggestions for funeral poems:

Life Goes On – Joyce Grenfell

If I should go before the rest of you,     

Break not a flower

Nor inscribe a stone

Nor when I am gone

Speak in a Sunday voice

Be the usual selves

That I have known 

Weep if you must

Parting is hell

But life goes on 

So, sing as well 

She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain – Christy Ann Martine

She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain 

She’s in the air you breath

With every breath you take. 

She sings a song of hope and cheer, 

There’s no more pain, no more fear. 

You’ll see her in the clouds above, 

Hear her whisper words of love,

You’ll be together before long, 

Until then, listen for her song.

In Memoriam – William Morecomb 

For a second you were flying 

Like you always wanted to 

Now you’ll fly forever

In the skies of azure blue 

We’ll see your smile in every ray 

Of sunshine after rain 

And hear the echo of your laughter 

Over all the pain 

The world’s a little quieter now 

The colours have lost their hue 

The birds are singing softly

And our hearts are missing you 

Each time we see a little cloud

Or a rainbow soaring high 

We’ll think of you and gently 

Wipe a tear from our eye.

When tomorrow starts without me – David Romano 

When tomorrow starts without me, 

And I’m not there to see,

If the sun should rise

And find your eyes

All filled with tears for me

I know how much you love me 

As much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me, 

I know you’ll miss me too

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me, 

I’m right here, in your heart.

Music – Percy Bysshe Shelley

Music, when soft voices die,

Vibrates in the memory – 

Odours, when sweet violets sicken, 

Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead, 

Are heaped for the beloved’s bed

And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,

Love itself shall slumber on.

Intimations of immortality – William Wordsworth

What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now forever taken from my sight,

Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind.

A song of living – Amelia Josephine Burr

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.

Warm Summer Sun – Mark Twain

Warm summer sun,

Shine kindly here,

Warm southern wind,

Blow softly here.

Green sod above,

Lie light, lie light.

Good night, dear heart,

Good night, good night.

Remember – Christina Rossetti

Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you plann’d:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.