Popular Funeral Poems
Whether religious or non-religious, funeral poems can be a very powerful and moving sentiment, especially if read by a friend or family member.
There are of course hundreds of poems to choose from, you may have your own favourite, or wish to write something new, or have something especially new written, but if inspiration is alluding to you, here we have a suitable selection of the most popular funeral poems to help you get started.
I hope the below funeral poems will bring some inspiration to your eulogy. Its a hard task coming up with the perfect words to say goodbye to a much-loved friend or family member, but making sure the poem rings true with the departed will ensure your message is from the heart.
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Funny Funeral Poems
Uplifting and positive funeral poems can be a great help to bring a joyful feel to a sad day
To a man
To a man who liked a whiskey,
Okay, so maybe two,
A man who made all others laugh,
Quite why, he had no clue.
To a man who liked his garden,
Treading mud into the house,
A man who could be raucous,
Or as quiet as a mouse.
Dad memories
Do you remember when you used to sing,
Dear lord that sound was an awful thing.
You tried to help with my math test,
Even though you werent the best
Or when you danced on my wedding day,
Nobody knew quite what to say.
The stories there are many more,
But dad that’s why I do adore.
Always, my friend
Always known to have a laugh,
Shame you didn’t always bath.
Always late to any party,
Though your excuses they were hearty.
Always last up to the bar,
As if the walk was way too far.
Always last offering to drive,
As if no point to be alive.
Always last to give a smile,
It often took the longest while.
But always first to fight our corner,
Though we’d try our best to warn ya’.
My Best Friend
My best friend has gone away,
And all we wanted, one more day,
To say the things we had to say,
Like it’s your round, or you can pay!
My best friend was like no other,
Like a winy, pesky little brother,
And at times just like my protective mother,
But one who always gave me cover.
My Funny Friend
Although you jokes were not that funny,
And you seldom spent your money,
Last to the bar and first to leave,
That you’re gone’s hard to believe.
We’re not saying that you were mean,
But your wallet, seldom seen,
You’d complain and mutter on,
And yet we’re sad that you are gone.
The Way Your were, Grandad
That phrase you used when you were mad,
“Even his mum can’t love that lad!”
The way you smoke a pipe was cool,
When I tried myself, you said “you fool”.
The way you got every first round,
But told me I couldn’t borrow a pound.
The way you had your fav’ pub chair,
And heaven help others who sat there.
The way you swore when you lost a bet,
And cursed your friend’s “best tip yet”.
Funny Grandad Poem
The last words that you spoke to me,
Was “just how great you hoped it’d be”,
“If you could rest for eternity”,
“Without having to get up to pee”.
You were such a quiet man,
You said of words “I’m not a fan”,
“Speak with actions, act with grace”,
So I think I’d better shut my face.
Life Advice Grandad
We went fishing once,
But not again,
Because you blamed me
for the rain.
We went drinking
at the pub one day,
You revealed the secrets
to life “your way”.
Put others first,
But be aware,
Some will use you
but try not to care.
Just do right,
And not do wrong,
Try to help folk
to get along.
Whiskey Grandad
You liked a sip of whiskey,
Okay you liked a few,
You liked to use the odd choice word,
And turn the air quite blue.
You liked a game of darts or cards,
Have a bet on horses too,
But we wouldn’t change a single thing,
Dear grandad, we love you.
Grumpy grandad
Grand-daughter of the Painted Nails
As if they had been dipped in gore
I’d like to set you lugging pails
And make you scrub the kitchen floor
I’m old and crotchety of course
And on this point my patience fails
I’d sue my old girl for divorce
If she showed up with painted nails
Short Funeral Poems
A star
We’ll look up at the sky each night,
And see your star shining so bright,
We’ll hold you in our hearts forever,
And forget you dad, no chance, not ever.
Goodbye dad, long may you rest
A true hero, top man, and the best.
My Dad, Gone but not forgotten
Gone but not forgotten,
Live’s cruel and sometimes rotten,
But then we will remind,
Of a man who’s love was kind.
A man both gentle and strong hearted,
Though sadly now has departed,
You meant the world and more,
And forever we’ll adore.
It’s hard to find the words to say,
But dad, we’ll miss you every day.
short dad poem
It’s not fair you had to go,
Quite where to, we’ll never know,
But in our hearts we’ll hold you dear,
As if you were still with us here.
So many
So many years you lived the life,
So many things you’ve seen,
So many smiles that you created,
No you’re gone, so very mean.
So many friends that loved you,
So many to recall,
So many who will honour you,
Thought so special, by us all.
So now your time is over,
So does that mean that all is done,
No, as now we’ll honour you,
Our Nan, Our number one.
Thank you Nan
Gone but not forgotten,
One day here, now sadly passed.
Dear Nan you really lived a life,
Right to the very last.
Sadly no more hugging,
No more chats and no more tea,
But you gave me such a wondrous gift,
Encouraged me to just to be me.
For that I’m ever grateful,
Always your biggest fan,
To the woman who just made me smile,
I say thank you dearest Nan.
Here is to you, Nan
Here’s to love and happiness,
Here’s to being kind,
Here’s to hope and all nice things,
Here’s to life as we may find.
Here’s to thoughts and memories,
Here’s to plans of what we’ll do,
Here’s to the best of all of us
oh Nan dear Here’s to you.
Even Angel Need Their Sleep
To the best Nan in the universe,
The kindest there’s ever been,
All the love and all the joy you gave,
At levels never seen.
Even angels need their sleep,
And now’s the time to rest,
We hope your dreams are happy Nan,
Our number one, simply the best.
Goodnight Nan, sleep tight and hold your smile,
You’re one of God’s true angels, but we’ve known that all the while.
Time has passed by
Times has passed by,
We’re missing you so,
Each tear that we cry,
Why did you go?
Our favourite, a true friend,
A hero so kind,
Our Nan ‘til the end,
Always on our mind.
A Short Poem for My Nan
When I was young and little,
You were always there,
To hold my hand and make me smile,
To let me know you care.
But now as I’ve grown older,
You of course grew older too,
And sadly now you’ve past away,
I don’t know just what we’ll do.
To my Best Friend
To my best friend,
A soul mate, brother,
One tI vouched for,
Like no other,
One I’d fight for,
Right to the end,
That’s why I guess,
You’re my best friend.
To my best friend,
I know you’re gone,
But I’m sure our friendship,
Can live on,
Comforting Funeral Poems
Sad Funeral Poems
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
She Is Gone Poem (He Is Gone)
She Is Gone (He Is Gone)
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Poem Author: David Harkins
Non Religious Funeral Poems
you taught me how
You never believed there was a God,
You thought the concept was just odd,
You didn’t mind for those that did,
But you’d decided as a kid.
You always put all others first,
Even though you felt much worse,
It was just the way you were,
That other people you’d prefer.
You helped me out with many things,
You had a hand in everything,
But yet you taught me to stand strong,
And always choose right over wrong.
I know you re near Dad
Now you’re gone, I’d like to know,
Exactly where it is you go,
I realise that you’re not here,
But somehow I still feel you near.
For religion, you never cared,
Yet I wonder if you at times felt scared,
You’ve sadly passed and gone away,
It’s all been so sad since that day.
We missed you and wished you were well,
That you were here, stories to tell,
That you were there to hug and hold,
But time passed, you just got old.
A toast to my nan
I raise a toast to my dear Nan,
Sadly no longer here,
A person who only knew good,
Who always brought such cheer.
As a lady and a family girl,
She always made us proud,
Like a star that shines in darkest skies,
She would stand out in the crowd.
A hero and a friend to all,
She truly was a queen,
The sadness that’s she gone away,
In so many can be seen.
What I miss most
Let’s remember our Nan,
Well I called her mum,
She was full of the joys,
Always smiling, such fun.
She was loving and kind,
Always giving and sharing,
And although she suffered,
She remained always caring.
I miss those great hugs,
As do we all,
Or the smell of the flowers,
She kept in the hall.
Theres a gap in my heart
There’s a gap in my heart that’s growing,
There’s a hole in my life so wide,
You’re gone now and just knowing
that, well Nan the tears I’ve cried.
There’s a space in my life that hollow,
A broken heart that will not mend,
Though I must not sit and wallow,
It’s hard not to, at the end.
So many
So many years you lived the life,
So many things you’ve seen,
So many smiles that you created,
No you’re gone, so very mean.
So many friends that loved you,
So many to recall,
So many who will honour you,
Thought so special, by us all.
So now your time is over,
So does that mean that all is done,
No, as now we’ll honour you,
Our Nan, Our number one.
Thank you Nan
Gone but not forgotten,
One day here, now sadly passed.
Dear Nan you really lived a life,
Right to the very last.
Sadly no more hugging,
No more chats and no more tea,
But you gave me such a wondrous gift,
Encouraged me to just to be me.
For that I’m ever grateful,
Always your biggest fan,
To the woman who just made me smile,
I say thank you dearest Nan.
Here is to you, Nan
Here’s to love and happiness,
Here’s to being kind,
Here’s to hope and all nice things,
Here’s to life as we may find.
Here’s to thoughts and memories,
Here’s to plans of what we’ll do,
Here’s to the best of all of us
oh Nan dear Here’s to you.
My Puzzle
Like a puzzle one piece down,
It’s so weird that you are not around.
Like a bar with just one drink,
All this time to stop and think.
All the stories we could tell,
From adventures, to time spent in hell.
Gone Away
Gone away,
Lost to me,
Here no more,
The cost to me.
Short goodbyes,
Long memories,
Broken hearts,
They’ll never ease.
Fun times done,
Dark times arrive,
Just a struggle,
To survive.
Mum Funeral Poems
What I miss most
Let’s remember our Nan,
Well I called her mum,
She was full of the joys,
Always smiling, such fun.
She was loving and kind,
Always giving and sharing,
And although she suffered,
She remained always caring.
I miss those great hugs,
As do we all,
Or the smell of the flowers,
She kept in the hall.
I am
I am the wind in the trees
And the song of bird
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious after the storm
I am morning dew
And freshly-fallen snow
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play
I am a gentle touch
a worm embrace
Open you heart to know, I am not gone
Reach deep into your soul, You will find me
I am here
Have no fear, I am with you
Always
We had a Wonderful Mother
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 thats the way it will always be
What is a mum
A weaner & musher, a milky tooth brusher
A rocker & feeder, a storytime reader
A fairy cake baker & fancy dress maker
A wiper & washer & bad habit squasher
A dirty sheet changer, a room rearranger
A keen stain remover, a wielder of hoover
A peeler & cooker, appointment booker
A loyal defender & Christmas card sender
A Grandmother and Mum
You were simply everything,
Grandmother, daughter, mum,
Instrumental in our lives,
In what we have become.
It’s difficult to see the void,
Where once you will have stood,
But the gift of love that you gave us,
Filled our hearts with only good.
You Were There
You were there when we took our first steps,
And went unsteadily across the floor.
You pushed and prodded: encouraged and guided,
Until our steps took us out the door…
You worry now “Are they ok?”
Is there more you could have done?
As we walk the paths of our unknown
You wonder”Where have my children gone?”
Goodbye Mom
To the tune of “Nearer my God to Thee”
Did we try and set her spirit free
Tears streamed down my face
As they covered hers with white lace
Then came the nailing down of the coffin
I would no longer watch Mother’s frame stiffen
Gently the casket was lowered into the ground
While the mourners stood solemnly around
The priest then signaled to us
To shovel some mud into the grave
“You have to truly bury the dead”
All Is Well Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Child And Mother Poem
O mother-my-love, if you’ll give me your hand,
And go where I ask you to wander,
I will lead you away to a beautiful land,-
The Dreamland that’s waiting out yonder.
We’ll walk in a sweet posie-garden out there,
Where moonlight and starlight are streaming,
And the flowers and the birds are filling the air
With the fragrance and music of dreaming.
Weep Not For Me Poem
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life
Dad Funeral Poems
To a man
To a man who liked a whiskey,
Okay, so maybe two,
A man who made all others laugh,
Quite why, he had no clue.
To a man who liked his garden,
Treading mud into the house,
A man who could be raucous,
Or as quiet as a mouse.
Dad memories
Do you remember when you used to sing,
Dear lord that sound was an awful thing.
You tried to help with my math test,
Even though you werent the best
Or when you danced on my wedding day,
Nobody knew quite what to say.
The stories there are many more,
But dad that’s why I do adore.
A star
We’ll look up at the sky each night,
And see your star shining so bright,
We’ll hold you in our hearts forever,
And forget you dad, no chance, not ever.
Goodbye dad, long may you rest
A true hero, top man, and the best.
My Dad, Gone but not forgotten
Gone but not forgotten,
Live’s cruel and sometimes rotten,
But then we will remind,
Of a man who’s love was kind.
A man both gentle and strong hearted,
Though sadly now has departed,
You meant the world and more,
And forever we’ll adore.
It’s hard to find the words to say,
But dad, we’ll miss you every day.
short dad poem
It’s not fair you had to go,
Quite where to, we’ll never know,
But in our hearts we’ll hold you dear,
As if you were still with us here.
I miss you Dad
Dad I miss you, can you hear,
At times I know, I feel you near,
The moments when I feel your heart,
Despite the fact we are apart.
Dad I know that you were good,
Did everything that a dad should,
And then went on to do some more,
My dad, the man I still adore.
When I was young you held my hand
When I was young you held my hand,
Helped me learn to understand,
Listened when I needed you,
My hero, you know it’s true.
At times I’m sure I did things wrong,
But you could not stay mad for long,
You’d sit me down and help me learn
to show caring, love, concern.
you taught me how
You never believed there was a God,
You thought the concept was just odd,
You didn’t mind for those that did,
But you’d decided as a kid.
You always put all others first,
Even though you felt much worse,
It was just the way you were,
That other people you’d prefer.
You helped me out with many things,
You had a hand in everything,
But yet you taught me to stand strong,
And always choose right over wrong.
I know you re near Dad
Now you’re gone, I’d like to know,
Exactly where it is you go,
I realise that you’re not here,
But somehow I still feel you near.
For religion, you never cared,
Yet I wonder if you at times felt scared,
You’ve sadly passed and gone away,
It’s all been so sad since that day.
We missed you and wished you were well,
That you were here, stories to tell,
That you were there to hug and hold,
But time passed, you just got old.
Last orders
How can one man do so much,
To do such good to all they touch,
To make our lives so full of joy,
The gift you had from a young boy.
Treats for those needing a smile,
Warmth for those unloved awhile,
Help, assistance you gave it all,
Our guardian angel, at our call.
But luckily we realised quickly,
Long before you became sickly,
How much joy you brought to others,
Sisters, mothers, sons, dads and brothers.
Sister Funeral Poems
Brother Funeral Poems
The loss of a brother
Dear brother how I miss you,
Let me tell you how I’ve been,
How my world has changed since you left,
How I’ve struggled, why it’s mean.
You were always a true hero,
Though I seldom ever said,
But I hope you knew just how I felt,
Maybe read thoughts from my head.
Of course we argued quite a lot,
That’s just what brothers do,
But we’d always stick together
Like we’d been both coated & stuck with glue.
Dear Brother
Dear brother
I write these words to tell you exactly how I’ve been
For now that you have gone away, of course you haven’t seen.
Dear brother
I have tried my best to carry on alone,
But things, they are much harder now, that you’re no longer home.
Dear brother
How I’ve missed you so, though it hasn’t been that long,
But everything I try to do, well it seems as if it’s wrong.
Dear brother
Why did you leave, far too early from this place,
It was hard enough when you were here, the problems we did face.
Letter to my brother who passed away
I miss you my dear brother,
You have sadly gone to fast,
A friend and, like a guardian
You stood by me to the last.
If I could just change places,
Please know I really would,
It’s not fair that you’re no longer here,
When all you ever did was good.
I Miss
I miss you
I miss the loud music coming from your room
I miss the warmth of knowing You’re just a call away
I miss the way we fought and played
I miss seeing your big bright smile
I miss getting kicked out of your room
I miss seeing you here and there
I miss cooking you breakfast lunch and dinner
I miss hearing you come in at night
I miss making you wear your seat belt
I miss holding your hand to pray
Happy the Man
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
Be fair or foul or rain or shine
The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.
Not Heaven itself upon the past has power,
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.
All Is Well Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
God Saw You Getting Tired poem
God saw you getting tired,When a cure was not to be.So He wrapped his arms around you,and whispered, “Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,So He gave you rest.God’s garden must be beautiful,He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping,So peaceful and free from painI could not wish you backTo suffer that again
Sleep, My Brother Poem
I wish you sweet sleep, my brother dear.
Although there’s so much that you’ve left bare
I hate that you had to endure such pain
On my mind, your saddened eyes have left a stain.
I want to know what crossed your mind
Unspoken words you’ve left behind
Undone things we’ll never do
No sharing thoughts you never knew.
A peace has fallen upon your head
A taste of sorrow we have been fed
It really is like a hole in our lives
One swiftly dug but carved out by knives.
But I have hope that those sleeping will rise
The Bible says that God will open their eyes.
No suffering, sickness, yes not even pain,
Those who did good, eternal life they’ll gain.
My Beloved Brother Poem
From day one all we did was fight.
Now all I do is fight back my tears.
I wanted to do everything you did,
because I wanted to be just like you.
Now I sit here wondering what to do,
because there’s no one to replace you.
I never did tell you all the things I felt,
like how much I really did love you.
I wish we could go back and start over again.
I don’t want to be alone. I need my brother.
I need my best friend.
When you think of me
while you’re up in heaven,
think of how much you meant to me.
Fallen Limb Poem
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.
Best Friend Funeral Poems
My Puzzle
Like a puzzle one piece down,
It’s so weird that you are not around.
Like a bar with just one drink,
All this time to stop and think.
All the stories we could tell,
From adventures, to time spent in hell.
Gone Away
Gone away,
Lost to me,
Here no more,
The cost to me.
Short goodbyes,
Long memories,
Broken hearts,
They’ll never ease.
Fun times done,
Dark times arrive,
Just a struggle,
To survive.
Always, my friend
Always known to have a laugh,
Shame you didn’t always bath.
Always late to any party,
Though your excuses they were hearty.
Always last up to the bar,
As if the walk was way too far.
Always last offering to drive,
As if no point to be alive.
Always last to give a smile,
It often took the longest while.
But always first to fight our corner,
Though we’d try our best to warn ya’.
My Best Friend
My best friend has gone away,
And all we wanted, one more day,
To say the things we had to say,
Like it’s your round, or you can pay!
My best friend was like no other,
Like a winy, pesky little brother,
And at times just like my protective mother,
But one who always gave me cover.
My Funny Friend
Although you jokes were not that funny,
And you seldom spent your money,
Last to the bar and first to leave,
That you’re gone’s hard to believe.
We’re not saying that you were mean,
But your wallet, seldom seen,
You’d complain and mutter on,
And yet we’re sad that you are gone.
To my Best Friend
To my best friend,
A soul mate, brother,
One tI vouched for,
Like no other,
One I’d fight for,
Right to the end,
That’s why I guess,
You’re my best friend.
To my best friend,
I know you’re gone,
But I’m sure our friendship,
Can live on,
How can I describe
How can I describe you,
To those who may not know,
How can I do justice,
To the truth as it was so.
How can I always honour,
Your love and memory,
How can I make them understand,
Just what you meant to me.
A Tribe to My Friend
Sadly I must say goodbye,
For now it is the end,
I’ve lost my one true soul mate,
My guardian, my best friend.
Always stood beside me,
Always at my call,
I’ve had lots of friends in my life,
but you wereby far, the best of them all.
Happy the Man
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
Be fair or foul or rain or shine
The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.
Not Heaven itself upon the past has power,
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.
All Is Well Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep
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.
(by Mary Frye)
Success Poem
Success
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons
and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest critics
and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give of one’s self;
to leave the world a little better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
to know that even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived –
this is to have succeeded.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Let Me Go Poem
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 the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
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 fear 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.
(by christina rossetti)
Funeral Blues
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crêpe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
(W H Auden)
Gods Garden Poem
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone…
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
(by D. W. MCCONWAY)
Afterglow Poem by Carol Merkel
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.
(by Carol Merkel)
Remember me Poem
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 planned:
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.
(by Christina Rossetti)
Come On, Come Back Poem
Left by the ebbing tide of battle
On the field of Austerlitz
The girl soldier Vaudevue sits
Her fingers tap the ground, she is alone
At midnight in the moonlight she is sitting alone on a round flat stone.
Graded by the Memel Conference first
Of all human exterminators
M L 5
Has left her just alive
Only her memory is dead for evermore.
She fears and cries, Ah me, why am I here?
Sitting alone on a round flat stone on a hummock there.
Rising, staggering, over the ground she goes
Over the seeming miles of rutted meadow
To the margin of a lake
The sand beneath her feet
Is cold and damp and firm to the waves’ beat.
Quickly – as a child, an idiot, as one without memory –
She strips her uniform off, strips, stands and lunges
Into the icy waters of the adorable lake.
On the surface of the water lies
A ribbon of white moonlight
The waters on either side of the moony track
Are black as her mind,
Her mind is as secret from her
As the water on which she swims,
As secret as profound as ominous.
Weeping bitterly for her ominous mind, her plight,
Up the river of white moonlight she swims
Until a treacherous undercurrent
Seizing her in an icy amorous embrace
Dives with her, swiftly severing
The waters which close above her head.
An enemy sentinel
Finding the abandoned clothes
Waits for the swimmer’s return
(‘Come on, come back’)
Waiting, whiling away the hour
Whittling a shepherd’s pipe from the hollow reeds.
In the chill light of dawn
Ring out the pipe’s wild notes
‘Come on, come back.’
Vaudevue
In the swift and subtle current’s close embrace
Sleeps on, stirs not, hears not the familiar tune
Favourite of all the troops of all the armies
Favourite of Vaudevue
For she had sung it too
Marching to Austerlitz,
‘Come on, come back’.
(by Stevie Smith)
Death is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
(Canon Henry Scott-Holland)
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)
Our memories build a special bridge
Our memories build a special bridge
When loved ones have to part
To help us feel were with them still
And soothe a grieving heart
They span the years and warm our lives
Preserving ties that bind
Our memories build a special bridge
And bring us peace of mind
(Emily Mathews)
You’ve just walked on ahead of me
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.
If I should die 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.
(Joyce Grenfell)
If I should die
If I should die and
Leave you here awhile
Be not like others sore undone,
Who keep long vigils
By the silent dust and weep.
For my sake turn again
To life and smile
Nerving thy heart
And trembling hand to do
Something to comfort
Other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear
Unfinished Tasks of mine,
And I, perchance
May therein comfort you.
(Mary Lee Hall)
At every turning of my life
At every turning of my life
I came across
Good friends,
Friends who stood by me
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell
My friends
I smile and
Bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears
For I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad
Do think of me
For that’s what I’ll like.
When you live in the hearts
Of those you love
Remember then
You never die.
(Rabindranath Tagore)
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
(author unknown)
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:
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.
(Christina Rossetti)
Man in the Arena
It is not the critic that counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who at best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.
(Theodore Roosevelt)
A Reflection on an Autumn Day
I took up a handful of grain and let it slip flowing through my fingers, and I said to myself
This is what it is all about. There is no longer any room for pretence. At harvest time the essence is revealed – the straw and chaff are set aside, they have done their job. The grain alone matters – sacks of pure gold.
So it is when a person dies the essence of that person is revealed. At the moment of death a person’s character stands out happy for the person who has forged it well over the years. Then it will not be the great achievement that will matter, nor, how much money or possessions a person has amassed. These like the straw and the chaff, will be left behind. It is what he has made of himself that will matter. Death can take away from us what we have, but it cannot rob us of who we are.
author unknown
Irish Blessing
May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
author unknown
Tis only we who grieve
Tis only we who grieve
They do not leave
They are not gone
They look upon us still
They walk among the valleys now
They stride upon the hill
Their smile is in the summer sky
Their grace is in the breeze
Their memories whisper in the grass
Their calm is in the trees
Their light is in the winter snow
Their tears are in the rain
Their merriment runs in the brook
Their laughter in the lane
Their gentleness is in the flowers
They sigh in autumn leaves
They do not leave
They are not gone
Tis only we who grieve
author unknown
If only we could see the splendour of the land
If only we could see the splendour of the land
To which our loved ones are called from you and me
We’d understand
If only we could hear the welcome they receive
From old familiar voices all so dear
We would not grieve
If only we could know the reason why they went
We’d smile and wipe away the tears that flow
And wait content.
(Anon)
Funeral Poems for Family Members
Popular Funeral Poems for saying goodbye to your Mother
Below are a selection of inspiring poems about death of a mother
Popular poetry for saying goodbye to your Grandmother
I have listed below some popular funeral poems for a nan
Popular funeral poems for saying goodbye to your Father
We have listed below a few poems suitable for a fathers funeral
Popular poems for saying goodbye to your Grandad
Short Funeral Poems
Keeping a eulogy poem short and sweet can sometimes be the best route, especially if you haven’t much experience of talking in front of a group of people. Below are some lovely short poems for for a funeral
Funny Funeral Poems
Bringing a bit of happiness at a sad time, such as a funeral, will no doubt be the wish of the deceased, so we hope the below poems bring some inspiration.
Non Religious Funeral Poems
Not all poems, like funerals, need to be religious. The below might help you come up with some unique words to share at a funeral.
Funeral Poems For a Burial
Into the darkness and warmth of the earth
Into the darkness and warmth of the earth
We lay you down
Into the sadness and smiles of our memories
We lay you down
Into the cycle of living and dying and rising again
We lay you down
May you rest in peace, in fulfilment, in loving
May you run straight home in God’s embrace
(Ruth Burgess)
Funeral Poems For a Cremation
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
We let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
We let you go
Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the star maker
We let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home
(Ruth Burgess)
What is a Funeral Poem?
Alternatively, there are many contemporary poems and verse that would be suitable for a funeral or memorial. Some modern poets even specialise in Funeral Poems – “Saying Goodbye” is a book of original funeral poems by Paul Honeyborne – find it at www.funeral-poetry.co.uk.
Create Your Own Funeral Poem
Read expert advice for writing your own funeral poem or visit the below service to get some professional help.