Funeral Poems

The inclusion of meaningful readings or poems in a funeral service adds that personal touch.

Some of the world’s greatest poets have written down their thoughts and feelings on the loss of a loved one, which may help you understand your own emotions.

Here is a list of some of my favourite funeral poems, perfect for a memorial or a funeral service.

1. A Song of Living by Amelia Josephine Barr

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.

I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.

My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end.

I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend.

I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.

I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell.

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

I give a share of my soul to the world where my course is run.

I know that another shall finish the task I must leave undone.

I know that no flower, no flint was in vain on the path I trod.

As one looks on a face through a window, through life I have looked on God.

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

2. As Long As Hearts Remember

As long as hearts remember

As long as hearts still care

We do not part with those we love

They're with us everywhere.

3. From The Excursion by William Wordsworth

And when the stream that overflows has passed,

A consciousness remains upon the silent shore of memory;

Images and precious thoughts that shall not be

And cannot be destroyed.

4. Irish Blessing

May the roads rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rains fall soft upon fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

5. Love Shines Through

Like a shadow in the moonlight

Like the whisper of the seas

Like the echoes of a melody

Just beyond our reach

In the shadow of our sorrow

Past the whisper of goodbye

Love shines through eternity

A heartbeat from our eye

6. Memories

Life can never stay the same

No matter how we try

Our hands can never stop

The clock of life from ticking by

But love remains, unchanging

In the care of sorrowing hearts

For as the love of life is stilled

The love of memory starts.

7. Our Memories Build A Special Bridge by Emily Mathews

When loved ones have to part

To help us feel were with them still

And soothe a grieving heart

They span the years and warm our lives

Preserving ties that bind

Our memories build a special bridge

And bring us peace of mind.

8. The Star

A light went out on Earth for me

The day we said goodbye

And on that day a star was born,

The brightest in the sky

Reaching through the darkness

With its rays of purest white

Lighting up the Heavens

As it once lit up my life

With beams of love to heal

The broken heart you left behind

Where always in my memory

Your lovely star will shine

9. There Is No Night Without A Dawning by Helen Steiner Rice

No winter without a spring

And beyond the dark horizon

Our hearts will once more sing…

For those who leave us for a while

Have only gone away

Out of a restless, care worn world

Into a brighter day

10. Turn Again To Life by Mary Lee Hall

If I should die and leave you here a while,

Be not like others sore undone,

Who keep long vigil by the silent dust.

For my sake turn again to life and smile,

Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do

Something to comfort other hearts than thine.

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine

And I perchance may therein comfort you.