Personal Funeral Poems For Dad
If you’re struggling to find the right words to express how you feel over the loss of a family member, funeral poetry might be a great place to start. The best poets describe how many of us feel in stunning and concise ways, allowing us to understand that we are not alone in our loss or sorrow and that there are people who have felt or experienced the same things as we have.
When choosing funeral poetry for a lost father, consider what he meant to you and what a loving father signifies.
If you have been given the honour to speak at the funeral, a poem might form a major part of your Fathers Eulogy. Use your words to describe exactly what he meant to you, so that your speech is as authentic as possible.
They are someone who genuinely loves and supports their kids, spouse, and whole home, and who plays a major role in molding the lives of the children they nurture.
Below, we look at some of the finest funeral poems for a father and discuss why they are so popular with readers and mourners alike.
- The 10 Most popular Poems for a Lost Father
- 1. Father – By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- 2. My Father – By Anita Guindon
- 3. He is Gone – By David Harkins
- 4. Goodbye To My Dad by Debra Marie Stratton-VanBuskirk
- 5. Memories of Dad – Author Unknown
- 6. If by Rudyard Kipling
- 7. As We Look Back – By an Unknown Author
- 8. Daddy’s Girl – by Jazmyn M. Winder
- 9. Come With Me – By Rhonda Braswell
- 10. Death Is Nothing At All – Canon Henry Scott-Holland
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.
The 10 Most popular Poems for a Lost Father
1. Father – By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Even after our fathers have passed away, we keep them in our hearts and minds. Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s poem addresses that idea in an elegant, romantic manner. Even if we are lucky enough to still have excellent dads in our lives right now or can treasure the experiences we’ve saved in our hearts, there is something in this beautiful poetry that virtually everyone can relate to.
“He never made a fortune or a noise
In the world where men are seeking after fame;
But he had a healthy brood of girls and boys
Who loved the very ground on which he trod.
They thought him just a little short of God;
Oh, you should have heard the way they said his name –
‘Father.’
There seemed to be a loving little prayer
In their voices, even when they called him ‘Dad.’
Though the man was never heard of anywhere,
As a hero, yet somehow understood
He was doing well his part and making good;
And you knew it, by the way his children had
Of saying ‘Father.’
He gave them neither eminence nor wealth,
But he gave them blood untainted with a vice,
And opulence of undiluted health.
He was honest and unpurchasable and kind;
He was clean in heart, body, and in mind.
So he made them heirs to riches without a price –
This father.
He never preached or scolded; and the rod –
Well, he used it as a turning pole in play.
But he showed the tender sympathy of God.
To his children in their troubles, and their joys.
He was always chum and comrade with his boys,
And his daughters – oh, you ought to hear them say
‘Father.’
Now I think of all achievements ‘tis the least
To perpetuate the species; it is done
By the insect and the serpent, and the beast.
But the man who keeps his body, and his thought,
Worth bestowing on an offspring love-begot,
Then the highest earthly glory he was won,
When in pride a grown-up daughter or a son
Says ‘That’s Father.’
2. My Father – By Anita Guindon
This is a biographical poem and it is incredibly personal to the author. However, it explores the idea of a father figure being a role model to their children, regardless of the life they lived or their accomplishments. It’s a charming insight into the life of a working-class father, and how he paved the way for his children to follow in his footsteps.
“He was a jolly little man full of fun and laughter,
He played jokes on his fellow men
And to him, it did not matter.
The education he had not,
But what he learned he never forgot.
He wrote what he knew all about cancer
so that someday, there will be an answer.
He joined the Canadian Medical Corps.
And served in the Second World War.
He risked his life, to save others,
This man, that I call my Father.
Seein’ my Father in me is the title of a song
Which I can relate to as I do see my Father in me.
I have a French accent just like my Father,
I love walking, just like my Father,
I love being with people, just like my father.
But most of all, is my love for children, like my Father.”
3. He is Gone – By David Harkins
David Harkins’ poem was publicly recited aloud at the Queen Mother’s funeral. It invites the reader to reflect on their good fortune in having met the deceased and to concentrate on treasuring the wonderful memories that will last. While this may appear challenging while loss is fresh, over time, this method can bring insight that calms and comforts.
“You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love 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 him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.”
4. Goodbye To My Dad by Debra Marie Stratton-VanBuskirk
This poem is full of hope and optimism, while simultaneously taking a poignant look at how it truly feels to lose a parent. Stratton-VanBuskirk uses personal anecdotes to remind the reader that they are not alone in their sorrow or experiences and that they will be reunited with their fa
“Goodbye Dad, I had to say
A few months ago on a cold winter day
I’ll remember the good times and try not to be sad
But saying goodbye still hurts so bad
I miss you more than I can express
My love for you will never grow less
I keep trying to imagine how I will go on
I realize tomorrow is another dawn
I know you’re in heaven above
Looking down on us with all your love
Only to whisper in our ear
Remember that I’ll never stop loving you dear
I’ll always remember the good times we had
Remember the man, my wonderful Dad
I’ll remember you each and every day
And if I need to talk to you, I’ll just sit down and pray
One day we’ll be together again
To talk about all the places we have been
Until the time I’ll always treasure
Having you for a Dad was such a great pleasure.”
5. Memories of Dad – Author Unknown
Although the author of this poem is unknown, they do a fantastic job of describing the idea of silent grief and how often mourning families will try to hide their sorrow. It reminds the reader that even if you struggle to outwardly convey your feelings and grief, your lost loved ones still know how much you care and can feel how much you ache on the inside.
“We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly; in death, we love you still.
There will always be a heartache, and often a silent tear.
But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.
If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,
We’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.”
6. If by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling takes a rational approach in his work, knowing that existence is full of twists and turns, and that triumph in some areas can lead to problems in others, or that loss might lead to an even better beginning. He is certain that if we stay faithful to ourselves and have a good-natured disposition, we will be capable of making the most of any circumstance and thriving in life. It isn’t about being flawless — hence, according to Kipling, a perfectionist’s attitude to life doesn’t really lead to victory and joy; rather, it’s about having strength and courage and adapting to changing circumstances.
“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except for the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”
7. As We Look Back – By an Unknown Author
Although the author of this poem is unknown, it’s a great verse to pay tribute to a lost loved one, particularly a father figure. The author is full of gratitude in this poem and is thanking their lost loved ones for everything they did for them and everything they taught them.
“As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all, you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles, and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.”
8. Daddy’s Girl – by Jazmyn M. Winder
This poem discusses a young girl’s feelings towards her father on the day of her wedding. Whether he’s still around or not, a girl’s father is an important figure to remember, particularly on a wedding day. The author wrote this poem when she was just sixteen years old, and it has brought comfort to many grieving families since.
“I sit here and daydream of
my future and how it seems
I can picture my wedding day
my dad walking me down the aisle
To meet my fate
I look over at him and see a single
Tear
he thinks he’s losing his baby
His biggest fear
but I love him more than ever on this
Day
so I look at him and blow a kiss
His way
He has been there for every single
day of my life
He has been the provider through all
the struggle and strive
I would be lost if he hadn’t shown me
the way
I don’t know that I would have made it
from day to day
I am so very lucky for all he has
done
Out of all dads, he is the very best one”
9. Come With Me – By Rhonda Braswell
This poem is a touching representation of how difficult it can be to move on after the loss of a loved one. This poem is suitable for Christians, and it includes references to God. While it is not specifically about fathers, it’s very fitting for any funeral service.
“God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So He put His arms around you
And whispered ‘Come with Me.’
With tearful eyes
We watched you suffer
And saw you fade away,
Although we loved you dearly
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard-working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best.
It’s lonesome here without you,
We miss you more each day,
Life doesn’t seem the same
Since you’ve gone away.
When days are sad and lonely
And everything goes wrong,
We seem to hear you whisper
‘Cheer up and carry on.’
Each time we see your picture,
You seem to smile and say
‘Don’t cry, I’m in God’s keeping
We’ll meet again someday.’
You never said ‘I’m leaving,
You never said goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knew why.
A million times we needed you,
A million times we cried,
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.”
In life, we loved you dearly,
In death, we love you still,
In our hearts, you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.”
10. Death Is Nothing At All – Canon Henry Scott-Holland
This poem is recounted by a narrator who has died and is seeking to console people he has left behind. The verse finishes with the narrator telling his reader that whenever the time arrives, he will be ready for her/him on the other side, where they would be with Jesus. Everybody will be happy and at peace as a result.
“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!”