Losing a baby through stillbirth, miscarriage, or infant loss is one of life’s most profound sorrows. During this incredibly difficult time, many families find comfort in meaningful words that honour their precious child’s memory and help express feelings that seem impossible to put into words.
This comprehensive collection of poems and quotes has been carefully organised to help you find the perfect words for your baby’s memorial, whether you’re looking for a brief headstone inscription, a reading for a memorial service, or simply words that bring comfort during your grief journey.
How to Use This Collection
Take your time exploring these poems. There’s no rush to make decisions about children’s headstones or memorials – many families wait a year or more. When you’re ready, our team can help you choose the perfect wording for your memorial.
Short Poems and Quotes for Headstone Inscriptions
Perfect for cremation headstones and brief memorial inscriptions
Brief Memorial Quotes
“A moment in our arms…a lifetime in our hearts.”
“Each new life… No matter how fragile or brief… Forever changes the world.”
“Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.”
“Most people only dream of angels, I held one in my arms”
“An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby’s birth, then whispered as she shut the book… ‘too beautiful for Earth'”
Short Verses
Helen Keller Quote “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”
From The Prophet by Khalil Gibran “When you are sorrowful look again into your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
A.A. Milne, from Winnie-The-Pooh “Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his bear will always be playing.”
Love Never Ends – Corinthians 13:7-8 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”
Angel-Themed Poems
An Angel Never Dies
Author Unknown
Don’t let them say I wasn’t born, That something stopped my heart I felt each tender squeeze you gave, I’ve loved you from the start.
Although my body you can’t hold, It doesn’t mean I’m gone, This world was worthy, not of me, God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul, What you are forced to face. You have my word, I’ll fill your arms, Someday we will embrace.
You’ll hear that it was “meant to be, God doesn’t make mistakes,” But that won’t soften your worst blow, Or make your heart not ache.
I’m watching over all you do, Another child you’ll bear, Believe me when I say to you, That I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you, When you will hold my hand, Stroke my face and kiss my lips, And then you’ll understand.
Although I’ve never breathed your air, Or gazed into your eyes That doesn’t mean I never “was” An angel never dies.
Little Angels
Author Unknown
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above, We mortals sometimes question the wisdom of His love. For no heartache compares with the death of one small child Who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold, So He picks a rosebud before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view. Believing this is difficult still somehow we must try, The saddest word mankind knows will always be “Goodbye.”
So when a little child departs, we who are left behind Must realize God loves children, Angels are hard to find.
Listen…Can You Hear It?
Author Unknown
Listen…can you hear it? A heavenly choir sings. Another little angel Just got her set of wings. There’s joy and there is shouting As she steps through heaven’s gate. They all lined up to greet her. All the angels celebrate.
Her eyes are shining brightly And a smile lights her face, As she receives her halo And takes her special place. She’s the smallest little angel With the biggest kind of love. She’s wiser than an owl And more peaceful than a dove.
And though there’s joy in heaven, There is sorrow down below. broken hearts are crying Since they had to let her go. So she watches them from heaven But she knows the time will come, They will join their precious daughter When their work on earth is done
Messages from Baby to Parents
Comforting poems written from the baby’s perspective
I’ll Be There
Author Unknown
Daddy, please don’t look so sad, Mama please don’t cry. Cause I am in the arms of Jesus And He sings me lullabies.
Please, try not to question God, Don’t think He is unkind. Don’t think He sent me to you, And then He changed his mind.
You see, I am a special child, And I’m needed up above. I’m the special gift you gave Him, The product of your love.
I’ll always be there with you And watch the sky at night. Find the brightest star that’s gleaming, That’s my halo’s brilliant light.
You’ll see me in the morning frost, That mists your window pane. That’s me in the summer showers, I’ll be dancing in the rain.
When you feel a little breeze, From a gentle wind that blows. That’s me I’ll be there, Planting a kiss on your nose.
When you see a child playing, And your heart feels a little tug. That’s me I’ll be there, Giving your heart a hug.
So daddy, please don’t look so sad, Mama don’t you cry. I’m in the arms of Jesus, And He sings me lullabies
From your little angel.
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 rain, refreshing the earth, I am the laughter, I am the mirth. I am the bird, up in the sky, I am the cloud, that’s drifting by. I am the thoughts, inside your head, While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.
Precious Little One
Author Unknown
I’m just a precious little one who Didn’t make it there. I went straight to be with Jesus, But I’m waiting for you here.
Many dwelling here where I live Waited years to enter in. Struggled through a world of sorrow, A world marred with pain and sin.
Thank you for the life you gave me, It was brief but don’t complain. I have all Heaven’s Glory, Suffered none of earth’s great pain.
Thank you for the name you gave me. I’d have loved to bring it fame. But if I’d lingered in earth’s shadows, I would have suffered just the same.
So sweet family – don’t you sorrow. Wipe those tears and chase the gloom. I went straight to Jesus’ arms From my loving Mother’s womb.
Footprints and Traces Poems
Meaningful for remembering a brief but significant presence
These Are My Footprints
Author Unknown
These are my footprints, so perfect and so small. These tiny footprints, never touched the ground at all. Not one tiny footprint, for now I have my wings. These tiny footprints were meant for other things.
You will hear my tiny footprints, in the patter of the rain. Gentle drops like angels tears, of joy and not from pain. You will see my tiny footprints, in each butterflies’ lazy dance. I’ll let you know I’m with you, if you give me just a chance.
You will see my tiny footprints, in the rustle of the leaves. I will whisper names into the wind, and call each one that grieves. Most of all, these tiny footprints, are found in mummy’s heart, ’cause even though I’m gone now, we’ll never truly part.”
Little Footprints
Dorothy Ferguson
How very softly you tiptoed into my world. Almost silently you stayed, but what an imprint your footsteps have left upon my heart
A heart of gold stopped beating My baby girl’s eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the best.
God knew she had to leave us, but she did not go alone. For part of us went with her, the day He took her home.
To some she is forgotten, to others…just the past, but to us who loved and lost her memories will always last.
Fingerprints
Tom Krause
Your fingerprints are on my heart. Fingerprints that teach me about caring. Fingerprints that teach me about love. Fingerprints that teach me about courage. Fingerprints that teach me about hope. Fingerprints that bring me closer to my loved ones. Fingerprints that bring me closer to myself.
In the time I cared for you my whole life changed — never to be the same again All this from tiny fingerprints that touch my heart. You will live in my heart forever – never to be forgotten. I will always love you. You are my child.
Nature and Spiritual Comfort Poems
Butterfly
Author Unknown
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world: but then it flies again. And though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it.
Look for Me in Rainbows
Music and lyrics: Conn Bernard
Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye; Look for me in rainbows, way up in the sky. In the morning sunrise when all the world is new, Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.
Time for me to leave you, I won’t say goodbye; Look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky. In the evening sunset, when all the world is through, Just look for me and love me, and I’ll be close to you.
It won’t be forever, the day will come and then My loving arms will hold you, when we meet again.
Time for us to part now, we won’t say goodbye; Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky. Every waking moment, and all your whole life through Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.
Just wish me to be near you, And I’ll be there with you.
Think of Me
Author Unknown
When you’re feeling sad or a little blue, Look around and you’ll see I’m here with you
I’m the bird who soars so high above I’m the one who filled your heart with love
I Did Not Die
Author Unknown
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.
Parental Love and Grief Poems
We Only Wanted You
Author Unknown
They say memories are golden Well maybe that is true. We never wanted memories, We only wanted you.
A million times we needed you, A million times we have cried. If love alone could have saved you, You would have never died.
In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still. In our heart you hold a special place, That none will ever fill.
It broke our heart to lose you, But you did not go alone. For all our love went with you The day God called you home.
A Million Times
Author Unknown
You never said I’m leaving You never said good-bye You were gone before I knew it And only God knew why
A million times we’ve needed you, A million times we’ve cried. If love alone could’ve 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, No one else will ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone. Part of us went with you, The day God took you home
Love in Every Tear
Author Unknown
O precious, tiny, sweet little one You will always be to me. So perfect, pure, and innocent Just as you were meant to be.
We dreamed of you and of your life And all that it would be. We waited and longed for you to come. And join our family.
We never had the chance to play, To laugh, to rock, to wiggle. We long to hold you, touch you now And listen to you giggle.
I’ll always be your mother, He’ll always be your dad. You will always be our child, The child that we had.
But now you’re gone…but yet you’re here We’ll sense you everywhere. You are our sorrow and our joy, There’s love in every tear.
Just know our love goes deep and strong We’ll forget you never The child we had, but never had And yet will have forever!
The Cord
Author Unknown
We are connected, my child and I, by an invisible cord not seen by the eye. It’s not like the cord that connects us at birth this cord can’t be seen by any on earth.
This cord does it’s work right from the start it binds us together attached to my heart I know that it’s there though no one can see the invisible cord from my child to me.
The strength of this cord it’s hard to describe it can’t be destroyed it can’t be denied. It’s stronger than any cord man could create it withstands the test, can hold any weight
And though you are gone, though you’re not here with me the cord is still there but no one can see It pulls at my heart, I am bruised…I am sore but this cord is my lifeline as never before.
I’m thankful that my heart connects us this way a mother and child, death can’t take it away!!
Longer Poems for Readings and Reflection
Family Chain
Ron Tranmer
We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken And nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one The chain will link again.
A Child of Mine
Edgar Guest
I’ll lend you for a little while A child of mine God said For you to love while he lives And mourn for when he’s dead
It may be six or seven years Or twenty two or three But will you ’til I call him back Take care of him for Me
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you And should his stay be brief You’ll always have his memories As a solace for your grief
I cannot promise he will stay As all from earth return But there are lessons taught down there That I want this child to learn
I’ve looked this whole world over In my search for teachers true And from the throngs that crowd life’s lane I have chosen you
Now will you give him all your love Nor think labour vain Nor hate Me when I come to take This lent child back again?
I fancied that I heard them say Dear Lord Thy Will be done For all the joys Thy child will bring The risk of grief we’ll run
We’ll shelter him with ternderness We’ll love him while we may And just for having loved him Forever grateful stay
But should the angels come for him Much sooner than we planned We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try, to understand
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
Author Unknown
If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again
No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why
Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know
But know we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store
Since you’ll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you’ll always stay
Classical and Literary Selections
How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 – 1861
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.
For the Fallen
Laurence Binyon
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
From Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.
Poems for Specific Types of Loss
Silent Child
Kelly Lancor
My silent child Our precious baby, Close to my heart I’ll keep you with me.
An important job God has for you, There is love to give, And work to do.
He needs an angel Strong but small, To shine light on many And give love to all.
Before you go I give you this, Half my heart And one last kiss.
We’ll miss you dearly That we know, But by God you were chosen, So to heaven, you must go.
Angel Of My Tears
Author Unknown
How do you love a person Who never got to be? Or try to envision a face You never got to see?
How do you mourn the death of one Who never got to live? When there’s nothing to feel good about And nothing to forgive?
I love you, my little baby, My companion of the night. Wandering through my lonely hours, Beautiful and bright.
What does it mean to die before You ever were born? To live the lovely night of life And never see the dawn?
Ah! My little baby, You lived like anyone! Life’s a burst of joy and pain And then, like yours, it’s done.
I love you, my little baby, Just as if you’d lived for years. No more, no less, I think of you, The angel of my tears.
Taking Your Time with Decisions
There’s no pressure to rush into memorial decisions. Many families find it helpful to wait at least a year before choosing memorial inscriptions or commissioning a headstone. This allows time for the initial intensity of grief to settle and for the right words to emerge naturally.
Additional Support Resources
If you’re supporting someone through baby loss, you might find our guides helpful:
Understanding Grief
As one thoughtful reflection states: “Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith; it is the price of love.”
Your baby’s life, however brief, has left an indelible mark on this world through the love you carry. These poems and words are here to help you express that love and find comfort in your darkest moments.
Remember, the mention of your child’s name may bring tears to your eyes, but it brings music to your ears. Don’t hesitate to speak their name, share their memory, and honour their place in your family.
Ready to Create a Memorial?
When you’re ready to begin the memorial process, our experienced team is here to guide you with compassion and care. We understand this journey and feel honoured to help create something beautiful in your baby’s memory.
Contact our memorial specialists for personal guidance on creating a lasting tribute to your precious child. We’re here to listen, support, and help you choose the perfect words to honour their memory.