When Can a Funeral Poem Be Shared?
Funeral poems can be included at several points during a service. You may read the poem near the beginning to introduce a theme of remembrance and include it between speeches or pieces of music, or it may be shared toward the end.
You can also print a short poem or selected lines from a poem in the funeral program and include it on a memorial card, print it next to photographs, or share it at the gathering afterward.
How to Choose the Right Funeral Poem
When looking for the right funeral poem, focus on who the person was rather than searching immediately for a famous funeral reading option.
To find a poem that truly fits, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a Funeral Poem That Matches Their Personality
Think about your loved one’s character, beliefs, interests, and relationships. If your loved one spent a lot of time exploring the outdoors, a poem about nature or changing seasons might be best.
If people remembered them for their sense of humor, a lighthearted reading would be ideal.
- Choose a Funeral Poem That’s Appropriate for the Setting
A religious poem can be a better fit for a religious service. A secular ceremony often centers on memory, family, or legacy. So poems that touch on those themes are more appropriate.
- Keep Length in Mind and Read the Funeral Poem Aloud
Look for a poem that lasts one to two minutes so that it doesn’t take up too much time during the funeral. Practice reading it aloud beforehand to make sure it flows well when spoken.
To learn more about planning funeral services, read our blog on How to Prepare a Funeral.
Classic Funeral Poems
Classic funeral poems contain universal messages on love and legacy that still resonate today. A few classic options to consider include:
“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Clare Harner
This widely loved piece frames passing away as a peaceful transformation into the natural world. Its imagery brings comfort during the immediate heartache of loss.
“Death Is Nothing at All” by Henry Scott Holland
Written with a warm, reassuring perspective, this poem suggests that passing away is merely a temporary separation. It encourages us to remember our loved one with the same lightness and warmth as always.
“Remember” by Christina Rossetti
This Victorian sonnet is both about the desire to be remembered and a selfless wish for loved ones to heal. It gives family and friends permission to find peace and move past the pain.
Funeral Poems About Nature
Nature is a common theme in funeral poems because seasons, landscapes, plants, and changing environments symbolize continuity and change. Some interesting choices are:
“Aedh Laments the Loss of Love” by W.B. Yeats
This poem speaks to the lingering heartache that remains long after a loved one is gone. Its reflection on nature offers a romantic, wistful space for those processing sadness.
“Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
In this poem, the sea and a final voyage are the central metaphor. It may be the perfect poem to honor someone who had a connection with sailing, traveling, or the coast.
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost
This short poem considers temporality through images of plants and changing seasons. Because it’s so short, it can work well as a standalone reading or as part of a longer tribute.
Religious and Spiritual Funeral Readings
For families with strong faith, religious or spiritual readings can bring a sense of peace during a service. Some options include:
“Ecclesiastes 3:1–8” (From the Bible)
This passage frames human life as a series of natural, necessary cycles. Its reflection on the timing of joy, sorrow, and passing reminds us that grief, like every other season, has its place.
“Psalm 90” (From the Torah and Hebrew Bible)
This profound passage contrasts the fragile nature of human existence alongside the permanence of the Divine. It’s meant to help us realize just how short life is so we can use our limited time to develop wisdom.
“Surah Al-Fajr (89:27–30)” (From the Quran)
This passage directly addresses the tranquility that the soul experiences at the end of its mortal journey. It also reframes loss as a homecoming.
“Pabbatopama Sutta” (The Simile of the Mountains, from the Pali Canon)
This striking Buddhist discourse uses the powerful image of giant stone mountains rolling in from all directions to speak on the nature of aging and mortality. It encourages us to see life as it truly is.
Funeral Poems About Legacy and Lives Touched
Some poems focus less on farewell and more on how a person can continue to be remembered. Some options for these types of poems are the following:
“Epitaph on My Own Friend” by Robert Burns
This poem offers a concise description of friendship, honesty, and character. It may be particularly appropriate when the person being remembered was known for loyalty or strong friendships.
“What Is Success?” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
This piece transmits the beauty of a life richly lived. Its celebration of kindness and legacy makes it an appropriate poem to honor the impact that your loved one had on others.
“A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This inspiring piece reminds us that life is meant to be lived purposefully. It focuses on noble action and on leaving footprints in the sands of time.
“When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be” by John Keats
This poem captures the pain of a life ending before its true potential is realized. It speaks about love and unfulfilled dreams.
Funeral Poems About Grief
Grief is overwhelming, but the right words offer validation during a painful time. Here are a few poems to choose from:
“Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden
This heartbreaking poem is a desperate wish to stop time and pause the world. It speaks directly to the overwhelming shock we experience when a loved one passes.
“On the Death of Anne Brontë” by Charlotte Brontë
This poem is a quiet, devastating reflection on the pain of losing a sibling, someone who shared your childhood, your secrets, and your dreams, and the silence felt after.
“If I Should Die” by Emily Dickinson
This delicate poem reflects on how the world continues after a loved one passes. It lets us envision the morning sun rising and sweet flowers blooming as usual, framing mortality with a calm grace.
Funeral Poems With a Lighthearted Tone
Funeral poems do not always have to be solemn. A lighter tone may fit wonderfully for a celebration of life, especially when it reflects the person’s character and humor. Some examples of lighthearted poems are:
“She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
This lyrical poem describes the external radiance in someone who’s been loved. It reflects goodness and light, making it a sweet choice to honor a pure and joyful soul.
“On Aging” by Maya Angelou
This spirited, resilient poem embraces unwavering selfhood. It’s a fierce defense of individuality and a wonderful tribute for a loved one who lived on their own terms.
“Condolence” by Dorothy Parker
This poem contrasts obligatory expressions of sympathy with the genuine comfort found among those who truly knew the person. It’s a witty, honest look at what intimacy really means.
Can You Write Your Own Funeral Poem?
Yes, you can write your own funeral poem instead of choosing a published poem. Actually, writing your own can feel more personal, and it doesn’t need to follow traditional poetic rules.
When you start to write your poem:
- Think about your loved one’s personality. Focus on a particular habit, phrase, place, routine, object, song, or activity that is associated with your loved one. Specific descriptions can transmit more emotion than general descriptions.
- Follow a simple structure. For example, each section might begin with “I remember,” “You always,” or “We’ll remember.” Another option is to organize the poem around three or four memories from different periods of the person’s life.
- Write from the heart. A straightforward free verse can be easier to write and easier to read during a service. You also don’t have to rhyme. Instead, try to create a poem that accurately represents your loved one.
Choosing Funeral Readings That Best Honor Your Loved One
There are quite a few established funeral poems, but popularity doesn’t necessarily make a poem the right choice. A poem that’s less known can sometimes reflect someone’s character or interests in a better way than a traditional reading.
Start with the person, then consider the tone, theme, and setting of the service. Whether you select a classic reading, a spiritual passage, or a poem of your own, the best choice is simply one that feels authentic to who they were.
