Popular Funeral Poems
Poems can bring comfort during this upsetting time; honouring the life of a loved one and bringing a personalised touch to their funeral. There are many pieces of poetry available that pay a fitting tribute to someone close to you, so choosing the right one can often feel overwhelming.
When families come to us for help with planning a funeral, we often ask them some questions to help them choose a suitable funeral poem. Hopefully, this guide will help bring you a step closer to feeling like you’re giving the send off that somebody deserves.
How to choose a funeral poem
Each life is unique, and families want to choose a poem that really honours the person they lost. When thinking about funeral poems, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does it honour their final wishes?
- Do the words fit their life and personality?
- Would they have enjoyed the poem?
- Does it remind you of their passion, hobby, or the happiness they brought to others?
- Will it enhance the service?
- Should you choose a religious or secular poem?
Beautiful poems to say goodbye
There are many traditional funeral poems to choose from, as well as more modern poems and songs that suit someone that was young and dynamic. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most popular poems to say farewell, with a verse to display the essence of each poem.
1. She is Gone – David Harkins
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.
2. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye
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.
3. Remember Me – Margaret Mead
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.
4. Death is Nothing At All – Henry Scott Holland
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
5. Don’t Cry For Me – Author Unknown
Don’t cry for me now I have died, for I’m still here I’m by your side,
My body’s gone but my soul is here, please don’t shed another tear,
I am still here, I’m all around, only my body lies in the ground.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost that nips your toes.
I am the sun, bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.
I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.
Contact Fry Bros
Fry Bros offers personalised funeral services in Maitland, and our family has the experience to help you create a beautiful farewell. Just call us on 0249336155 and we’ll endeavour to make the process as stress-free as possible for you.