Popular Funeral Poems and Verses

When you're faced with selecting a poem for a funeral service, you'll discover there's much more to reflect upon than simply finding verses that sound appropriate. From Mary Elizabeth Frye's comforting words in "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" to W.H. Auden's raw emotion in "Funeral Blues," each poem carries its own power to touch hearts and honour memories in unique ways.

Whether you're seeking traditional elegance, contemporary wisdom, or even gentle humour, the right funeral poem can transform a farewell into a meaningful tribute that captures the essence of your loved one. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse world of funeral poetry to help you find the perfect verses for your memorial service.

A note on copyright: older poems below, including Tennyson, Rossetti and Dylan Thomas, are now in the public domain and reproduced here in full. More recent poems are still owned by their author or estate, so we've kept those to a short excerpt with a link to read the whole poem at its proper source.

Why Funeral Poems Matter in Memorial Services

Funeral poems and verses serve as powerful tools for expressing grief, celebrating life, and providing comfort during one of life's most difficult moments. These carefully chosen words can:

• Offer universal themes that resonate with diverse audiences
• Articulate feelings that are difficult to express
• Provide solace and healing to mourners
• Celebrate the unique character of the deceased
• Create memorable moments of reflection during the service

Traditional Funeral Poems

While coping with loss, traditional funeral poems offer timeless wisdom and solace to those grieving. You'll find these carefully crafted verses speak directly to the heart, addressing universal themes of love, remembrance, and the enduring impact of those who have passed.

Most Popular Traditional Funeral Poems

The following classic verses have provided comfort to countless families:

1. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep - Mary Elizabeth Frye
2. God's Garden - Melissa Shreve
3. The Lord's My Shepherd - Psalm 23
4. She Is Gone - David Harkins
5. Death Is Nothing at All - Henry Scott Holland
6. Remember - Christina Rossetti
7. Life's Journey - Timothy Coote
8. Safely Home - Unknown
9. Crossing the Bar - Alfred Lord Tennyson
10. The Fallen Limb - Unknown

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep - Mary Elizabeth Frye

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. …

This poem is still in copyright. It's usually credited to Mary Elizabeth Frye, though the same words were published a year earlier, in 1934, under the title ‘Immortality’ by the poet Clare Harner, and who actually wrote it first is genuinely disputed. Either way, read it in full via the link above rather than here.

God's Garden - Melissa Shreve

God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

The Lord's My Shepherd - Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

She Is Gone (He Is Gone) - David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Death Is Nothing at All - Henry Scott Holland

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which 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 that we 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 an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.

All is well.
Nothing is hurt; 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!

Remember - Christina Rossetti

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 plann'd:
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.

Life's Journey - Timothy Coote

There is a train at the station
With a seat reserved just for me
I’m excited about its destination
As I’ve heard it sets you free …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Safely Home - Unknown

I am home in heaven, dear ones;
All's so happy, all so bright!
There's perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief are over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the Valley of the Shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me
On that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idle stand;
Do your work while life remaineth —
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of the meeting!
Oh, the joy to see you come!

Crossing the Bar - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

The Fallen Limb - Unknown

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.”

Short Funeral Poems

Short funeral poems pack profound emotion and meaning into just a few carefully chosen lines. Their brevity makes them particularly effective during memorial services, where they can touch hearts without overwhelming those who are grieving.

Benefits of Short Funeral Verses

• Suitable for multiple readings throughout the service
• Easier to read during emotional moments
• Perfect for eulogies or standalone readings
• Less overwhelming for grieving audience members

1. A Life Well Lived - Unknown
2. Remember Me - Margaret Mead
3. Let Me Go - Christina Rossetti
4. Afterglow - Helen Lowrie Marshall
5. Gone From My Sight - Henry Van Dyke
6. Life - Mother Teresa
7. Away - James Whitcomb Riley
8. Peace - Sara Teasdale
9. Because I could not stop for death - Emily Dickinson
10. Celebrate My Life - Donna Nimmo

A Life Well Lived - Unknown

A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure

Remember Me - Margaret Mead

To the living, I am gone,
To the sorrowful, I will never return,
To the angry, I was cheated, …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Let Me Go - Christina Rossetti

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 to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.

Afterglow - Helen Lowrie Marshall

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. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Gone From My Sight - Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

Life - Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Away - James Whitcomb Riley

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead - . He is just away!

With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land,

And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there.

And you - O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return - ,

Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here;

And loyal still, as he gave the blows
Of his warrior-strength to his country's foes- .

Mild and gentle, as he was brave- ,
When the sweetest love of his life he gave

To simple things - : Where the violets grew
Blue as the eyes they were likened to,

The touches of his hands have strayed
As reverently as his lips have prayed:

When the little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was dear to him as the mocking-bird;

And he pitied as much as a man in pain
A writhing honey-bee wet with rain - .

Think of him still as the same, I say:
He is not dead - he is just away!

Peace - Sara Teasdale

Peace flows into me
As the tide to the pool by the shore;
It is mine forevermore,
It ebbs not back like the sea.

I am the pool of blue
That worships the vivid sky;
My hopes were heaven-high,
They are all fulfilled in you.

I am the pool of gold
When sunset burns and dies, —
You are my deepening skies,
Give me your stars to hold.

Because I could not stop for death - Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove, He knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For His civility.

We passed the school, where children strove
At recess, in the ring;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

Or rather, He passed us;
The dews grew quivering and chill,
For only gossamer my gown,
My tippet only tulle.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.

Since then 'tis centuries, but yet
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were towards eternity.

Celebrate My Life - Donna Nimmo

Don't mourn for me when i've expired
Simply think of it as a life retired
Remember the good times we shared
Celebrate my life and know i cared …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Happy and Funny Funeral Poems

Although grief often calls for solemn reflection, happy and funny funeral poems offer an invigorating way to celebrate your loved one's vibrant spirit and joyful moments. You'll find that incorporating humour into memorial services can help attendees process their grief while remembering the lighter side of your loved one's personality.

When to Choose Uplifting Funeral Poems

Consider lighthearted verses when:

• The deceased specifically requested a less sombre service
• The deceased had a great sense of humour
• The family prefers a celebration of life approach
• You want to balance emotional moments with joy

1. A Long Cup of Tea - Michael Ashby
2. Pardon Me for Not Getting Up - Kelly Roper
3. Gone Fishing - Dalmar Pepper
4. Last Will and Testament - Max Scratchmann
5. Into the Sunset - Samuel Hall Young
6. I Didn't Go To Church Today - Ogden Nash

A Long Cup of Tea - Michael Ashby

Death is too negative for me
So I'll be popping off for a long cup of tea
Do splash out on two bags in the pot
And for my god's sake keep the water hot …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Pardon Me for Not Getting Up - Kelly Roper

Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now,
I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Gone Fishing - Dalmar Pepper

I've finished life's chores assigned to me,
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I've been invited to the fishin' hole. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Last Will and Testament - Max Scratchmann

I suppose, one day, I will be dead and go to meet my maker,
So have this note set in my hand, there for the undertaker,
Don’t dress me in a shroud of white or rouge my cheeks all red,
It is not right, to look a fright, e’en though you’re stone cold dead. …

This poem is still in copyright. Search for it by title and poet's name to read it in full.

Into the Sunset - Samuel Hall Young

Let me die, working.
Still tackling plans unfinished, tasks undone!
Clean to its end, swift may my race be run.
No laggard steps, no faltering, no shirking;
Let me die, working!

Let me die, thinking.
Let me fare forth still with an open mind,
Fresh secrets to unfold, new truths to find,
My soul undimmed, alert, no question blinking;
Let me die, thinking!

Let me die, laughing.
No sighing o'er past sins; they are forgiven.
Spilled on this earth are all the joys of heaven;
Let me die, laughing!

I Didn't Go To Church Today - Ogden Nash

I didn't go to church today,
I trust the Lord to understand.
The surf was swirling blue and white,
The children swirling on the sand. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Famous Funeral Poems

Throughout literary history, certain funeral poems have gained widespread recognition for their profound ability to articulate grief and healing. These timeless works have resonated with generations of mourners, offering comfort and expressing sentiments that many find difficult to articulate.

Among the most celebrated funeral poems, you'll find pieces that address different aspects of loss and remembrance some examples of which are below:

1. If I Should Go - Joyce Grenfell
2. Funeral Blues - W.H. Auden
3. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night - Dylan Thomas
4. She Walks in Beauty - Lord Byron
5. Sonnet 73 - William Shakespeare
6. Nothing Gold Can Stay - Robert Frost
7. When I Am Dead, My Dearest - Christina Rossetti
8. The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost
9. If - Rudyard Kipling

If I Should Go - Joyce Grenfell

If I should go 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 …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Funeral Blues - W.H. Auden

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. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night - Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

She Walks in Beauty - Lord Byron

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

Sonnet 73 - William Shakespeare

That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see'st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire,
Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by.
This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

Nothing Gold Can Stay - Robert Frost

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

When I Am Dead, My Dearest - Christina Rossetti

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 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.

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

If - Rudyard Kipling

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 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!

Non-Religious and Humanist Poems

For those seeking secular expressions of remembrance, non-religious and humanist funeral poems provide meaningful ways to honour loved ones without traditional spiritual references. These poems focus on universal themes that resonate with people of all beliefs, emphasising how love lasts beyond physical presence through cherished memories and lasting impacts.

Benefits of Secular Funeral Poetry

• Celebrate human connections and memories
• Inclusive for diverse beliefs and backgrounds
• Focus on universal human experiences
• Emphasise natural imagery and life's beauty

Popular Non-Religious Funeral Poems

1. The Dash - Linda Ellis
2. When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - David Romano
3. The Summer Day - Mary Oliver
4. The Peace of Wild Things - Wendell Berry
5. Wild Geese - Mary Oliver

The Dash - Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend. …

This poem is still in copyright, and its author actively enforces that. Read it in full via the official link above.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me, …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

The Summer Day - Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear? …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

The Peace of Wild Things - Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Wild Geese - Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Unusual Funeral Poetry

Moving beyond traditional expressions of grief, unusual funeral poetry opens up fresh perspectives on remembrance and loss. These contemporary works offer alternatives to conventional readings, incorporating modern language and themes that resonate with diverse audiences.

Examples of Unusual Funeral Poems

1. Dirge Without Music - Edna St. Vincent Millay
2. The Ship of Death - D.H. Lawrence
3. The Laughing Heart - Charles Bukowski
4. Epitaph - Merrit Malloy
5. Thanatopsis - William Cullen Bryant
6. The Vacuum - Howard Nemerov

Dirge Without Music - Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely.  Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go; but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains,—but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,—
They are gone.  They are gone to feed the roses.  Elegant and curled
Is the blossom.  Fragrant is the blossom.  I know.  But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know.  But I do not approve.  And I am not resigned.

The Ship of Death - D.H. Lawrence

1. Now it is autumn and the falling fruit
and the long journey towards oblivion.

The apples falling like great drops of dew
to bruise themselves an exit from themselves.

And it is time to go, to bid farewell to one's own self,
and find an exit from the fallen self.

2. Have you built your ship of death, O have you?
O build your ship of death, for you will need it.

The grim frost is at hand, when the apples will fall
thick, almost thundrous, on the hardened earth.

And death is on the air like a smell of ashes!
Ah! can't you smell it?

And in the bruised body, the frightened soul
finds itself shrinking, wincing from the cold
that blows upon it through the orifices.

3. And can a man his own quietus make
with a bare bodkin?

With daggers, bodkins, bullets, man can make
a bruise or break of exit for his life;
but is that a quietus, O tell me, is it quietus?

Surely not so! for how could murder, even self-murder
ever a quietus make?

4. O let us talk of quiet that we know,
that we can know, the deep and lovely quiet
of a strong heart at peace!

How can we this, our own quietus, make?

5. Build then the ship of death, for you must take
the longest journey, to oblivion.

And die the death, the long and painful death
that lies between the old self and the new.

Already our bodies are fallen, bruised, badly bruised,
already our souls are oozing through the exit
of the cruel bruise.

Already the dark and endless ocean of the end
is washing in through the breaches of our wounds,
already the flood is upon us.

Oh build your ship of death, your little ark
and furnish it with food, with little cakes, and wine
for the dark flight down oblivion.

6. Piecemeal the body dies, and the timid soul
has her footing washed away, as the dark flood rises.

We are dying, we are dying, we are all of us dying
and nothing will stay the death-flood rising within us
and soon it will rise on the world, on the outside world.

We are dying, we are dying, piecemeal our bodies are dying
and our strength leaves us,
and our soul cowers naked in the dark rain over the flood,
cowering in the last branches of the tree of our life.

7. We are dying, we are dying, so all we can do
is now to be willing to die, and to build the ship of death
to carry the soul on the longest journey.

A little ship, with oars and food
and little dishes, and all accoutrements
fitting and ready for the departing soul.

Now launch the small ship, now as the body dies
and life departs, launch out, the fragile soul
in the fragile ship of courage, the ark of faith
with its store of food and little cooking pans
and change of clothes,
upon the flood's black waste
upon the waters of the end
upon the sea of death, where still we sail darkly,
for we cannot steer, and have no port.

There is no port, there is nowhere to go
only the deepening blackness darkening
still blacker upon the soundless, ungurgling flood
darkness at one with darkness, up and down
and sideways utterly dark, so there is no direction any more
and the little ship is there; yet she is gone.
She is not seen, for there is nothing to see her by.
She is gone! gone! and yet
somewhere she is there.
Nowhere!

8. And everything is gone, the body is gone
completely under, gone, entirely gone.
The upper darkness is heavy as the lower,
between them the little ship is gone
she is gone.

It is the end, it is oblivion.

9. And yet out of eternity a thread
separates itself on the blackness,
a horizontal thread
that fumes a little with pallor upon the dark.

Is it illusion? or does the pallor fume
A little higher?
Ah wait, wait, for there's the dawn
the cruel dawn of coming back to life
out of oblivion.

Wait, wait, the little ship
drifting, beneath the deathly ashy grey
of a flood-dawn.

Wait, wait! even so, a flush of yellow
and strangely, O chilled wan soul, a flush of rose.

A flush of rose, and the whole thing starts again.

10. The flood subsides, and the body, like a worn sea-shell
emerges strange and lovely.
And the little ship wings home, faltering and lapsing
on the pink flood,
and the frail soul steps out, into the house again
filling the heart with peace.

Swings the heart renewed with peace
even of oblivion.

Oh build your ship of death. Oh build it!
For you will need it.
For the voyage of oblivion awaits you.

The Laughing Heart - Charles Bukowski

your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Epitaph - Merrit Malloy

When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die. …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

Thanatopsis - William Cullen Bryant

To him who in the love of Nature holds   
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks   
A various language; for his gayer hours   
She has a voice of gladness, and a smile   
And eloquence of beauty, and she glides   
Into his darker musings, with a mild   
And healing sympathy, that steals away   
Their sharpness, ere he is aware.  When thoughts   
Of the last bitter hour come like a blight   
Over thy spirit, and sad images   
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall,   
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,   
Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart;—   
Go forth, under the open sky, and list   
To Nature’s teachings, while from all around— 
Earth and her waters, and the depths of air— 
Comes a still voice— Yet a few days, and thee   
The all-beholding sun shall see no more   
In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground,   
Where thy pale form was laid, with many tears,   
Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist   
Thy image.   Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim   
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again, 
And, lost each human trace, surrendering up   
Thine individual being, shalt thou go   
To mix for ever with the elements,   
To be a brother to the insensible rock   
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain   
Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak   
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould.  
 
Yet not to thine eternal resting-place   
Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish   
Couch more magnificent.  Thou shalt lie down   
With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings,   
The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good,   
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,   
All in one mighty sepulchre.   The hills   
Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun,—the vales   
Stretching in pensive quietness between;   
The venerable woods—rivers that move   
In majesty, and the complaining brooks   
That make the meadows green; and, poured round all,   
Old Ocean’s gray and melancholy waste,—   
Are but the solemn decorations all   
Of the great tomb of man. The golden sun,   
The planets, all the infinite host of heaven,   
Are shining on the sad abodes of death,   
Through the still lapse of ages. All that tread   
The globe are but a handful to the tribes   
That slumber in its bosom.—Take the wings   
Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness,   
Or lose thyself in the continuous woods   
Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound,   
Save his own dashings—yet the dead are there:   
And millions in those solitudes, since first   
The flight of years began, have laid them down   
In their last sleep—the dead reign there alone. 
So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw   
In silence from the living, and no friend   
Take note of thy departure? All that breathe   
Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh 
When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care   
Plod on, and each one as before will chase   
His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave   
Their mirth and their employments, and shall come 
And make their bed with thee. As the long train   
Of ages glide away, the sons of men,   
The youth in life’s green spring, and he who goes   
In the full strength of years, matron and maid,   
The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man—   
Shall one by one be gathered to thy side,   
By those, who in their turn shall follow them.   
 
So live, that when thy summons comes to join   
The innumerable caravan, which moves   
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take   
His chamber in the silent halls of death,   
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,   
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed   
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,   
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch   
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

The Vacuum - Howard Nemerov

The house is so quiet now
The vacuum cleaner sulks in the corner closet,
Its bag limp as a stopped lung, its mouth
Grinning into the floor, maybe at my …

This poem is still in copyright. Read it in full via the link above.

How to Choose the Right Poem

Selecting the right funeral poem starts with considering both the personality of your loved one and the people who will be attending the service. You'll want to ensure the poem's tone aligns with the overall atmosphere of the service, whether it's a celebration of life or a more traditional memorial. If you're also gathering words for a headstone, our collection of memorial quotes covers shorter lines suited to an inscription.

Consider the Deceased's Character

The heart of choosing a meaningful funeral poem lies in understanding the unique spirit and character of your loved one. When selecting verses that capture their personality, you'll want to reflect on their defining traits, passions, and the values they held dear.

Key considerations include:

• Their outlook on life and approach to challenges
• Personal interests and hobbies
• Communication style and personality
• Spiritual or philosophical beliefs
• Favourite literature or poetry

Consider Your Audience

When choosing a funeral poem, it's essential to reflect on who'll be present at the service and how they might receive the message. Your audience may include family members, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances of varying ages and backgrounds, each processing their grief differently.

Audience considerations:

• Age range of attendees (consider children present)
• Cultural and religious diversity
• Relationship to the deceased
• Emotional state of primary mourners
• Service format and timing constraints

Match the Tone of the Service

Creating harmony between your chosen poem and the service's tone helps establish a meaningful connection with mourners. Consider whether the ceremony will be more celebratory of life or traditionally solemn, then choose poetry that reflects this sentiment.

Tone matching guidelines:

• Uplifting ceremonies: Select poems highlighting joyful memories
• Traditional services: Choose verses offering comfort through dignified expressions
• Intimate gatherings: Incorporate personal touches and shared experiences
• Celebration of life: Focus on achievements and positive impact

Length and Delivery Considerations

Beyond matching the tone of the service, practical considerations shape how your chosen poem will resonate with mourners. When selecting a funeral poem, you'll want to keep the length manageable, typically aiming for a reading time of one to three minutes.

Practical considerations:

• Reading time (1-3 minutes recommended)
• Complexity of language and rhythm
• Emotional intensity and reader's ability to maintain composure
• Multiple poems throughout the service
• Backup reader availability

Tips for Reading Funeral Poetry Effectively

Reading a funeral poem requires thoughtful preparation and emotional composure, so you'll want to practise several times before the service to build confidence in your delivery.

Preparation Advice

Essential preparation steps:

• Practice multiple times in a quiet space
• Record yourself to evaluate pace and clarity
• Mark natural pausing points in the text
• Choose appropriate timing within the service
• Prepare emotionally for the reading

Emotional Management During Reading

While thorough preparation sets a strong foundation, managing your emotions during the actual reading presents its own set of challenges. You can maintain composure by practising deep breathing techniques and allowing yourself natural pauses between stanzas.

Emotional management tips:

• Focus on the message rather than personal grief
• Allow natural pauses for emotional moments
• Have a backup reader available if needed
• Practice deep breathing techniques
• Accept that showing emotion is natural and appropriate

Delivery Techniques for Maximum Impact

To deliver funeral poetry with grace and impact, mastering essential presentation techniques will enhance your tribute to the departed.

Key delivery elements:

• Maintain appropriate eye contact with the audience
• Use deliberate pauses to emphasise significant phrases
• Speak at a measured pace ensuring every word is heard
• Incorporate subtle variations in tone and volume
• Take deep breaths if becoming overwhelmed

Timing Suggestions for Funeral Readings

The perfect moment to read funeral poetry often emerges during natural transitions in the service. You'll want to identify key pivotal points, such as after the eulogy or during the memorial portion, when attendees are most receptive to reflective moments.

Optimal timing for poetry readings:

• After the eulogy for reflection
• During memorial tributes for remembrance
• Before final prayers for comfort
• Between musical selections for variety
• At the graveside for intimate moments

Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Poems

What poem is most commonly read at funerals?

"Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye is one of the most frequently chosen funeral poems. Its comforting message that the deceased lives on through nature's beauty resonates with people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

How long should a funeral poem be?

Most funeral poems should take 1-3 minutes to read aloud. This length allows for meaningful reflection without overwhelming grieving attendees or disrupting the service flow.

Can I modify a funeral poem to be more personal?

Yes, many families adapt funeral verses by changing pronouns, adding personal details, or selecting specific stanzas that best reflect their loved one. However, be mindful of copyright considerations for published works.

Should I choose a religious or non-religious funeral poem?

The choice depends on the deceased's beliefs, family preferences, and the audience attending the service. Non-religious funeral poems focus on universal themes of love and memory, while religious verses provide comfort through faith and spiritual beliefs.

What if I become too emotional to finish reading the poem?

It's perfectly acceptable to show emotion while reading funeral poetry. Consider having a backup reader prepared, or choose a shorter poem if you're concerned about maintaining composure. Remember that genuine emotion often enhances the poem's impact.

Are funny funeral poems appropriate?

Humorous funeral poems can be very appropriate, especially if they reflect the deceased's personality or if the family prefers a celebration of life approach. Consider your audience and the overall tone of the service when making this choice.

How do I choose between multiple beautiful poems?

Consider the deceased's character, the service's tone, and practical factors like length and readability. You might also incorporate multiple short poems throughout the service or ask different family members to read various selections.

Creating a Meaningful Memorial with Poetry

When you're choosing a funeral poem, remember that it's a deeply personal decision that should reflect both the deceased and your relationship. You'll find endless options, from traditional verses to contemporary expressions, that can capture your feelings and honour your loved one's memory.

Whether you select a famous piece or discover a lesser-known gem, the right poem will resonate with mourners and create a meaningful tribute that celebrates a life well-lived. The power of poetry lies in its ability to express what the heart feels but cannot easily articulate, providing comfort and connection during life's most difficult moments.

When the time comes to create a lasting memorial for your loved one, consider how meaningful poetry can be incorporated into their permanent tribute. The right words, whether spoken at the service or engraved in stone, become a lasting testament to a life that mattered and a love that endures beyond physical presence. Haven Memorials makes headstones and memorials for families across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire; you can browse our memorial range or talk to us about a chosen verse when you are ready.