Choosing a poem for your loved ones funeral can feel a bit overwhelming, there are so many to choose from and you can find yourself going down a rabbit hole of reading poem after poem and not knowing which to choose.
Here are some of my funeral poem suggestions.
1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" – Mary Elizabeth Frye
A comforting poem that reassures loved ones that the departed is still present in spirit.
2. "Remember Me" – Margaret Mead
A gentle reminder to cherish the memories of the deceased with joy rather than sorrow.
3. "When I Am Gone" – Mosiah Lyman Hancock
Encourages loved ones to live fully and continue on without grief.
4. "Death is Nothing at All" – Henry Scott Holland
A hopeful message about the continuity of love beyond death.
5. "Gone From My Sight (The Ship)" – Henry Van Dyke
A beautiful metaphor comparing death to a ship sailing over the horizon, not gone but simply unseen.
6. "If I Should Go" – Joyce Grenfell
A lighthearted yet touching poem urging loved ones to remember the good times and keep smiling.
7. "Miss Me, But Let Me Go" – Edgar Albert Guest
Encourages acceptance and peace after loss.
8. "Afterglow" – Helen Lowrie Marshall
Encourages celebrating a life well-lived rather than mourning the loss.
9. "She is Gone (He is Gone)" – David Harkins
A modern, reflective poem that acknowledges grief while encouraging moving forward with love.
10. "The Dash" – Linda Ellis
A powerful poem emphasising the importance of how one lives between their birth and death dates.
These are just a few suggestions, but if you don't feel having a poem or reading is right for your loved one, then you don't have to include one.
If you'd like to talk to me about conducting a service for your loved one, then please get in touch.
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