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Should You Write Your Own Poem to Read
at a Funeral?
By Thomas Alan Lampsen
Should you write your own poem to read at a funeral or
should you rely on professionally-authored verse? There
are strong arguments in favor of "homegrown" poems and
equally valid reasons to utilize expert poetry. The best
answer to the question may not involve choosing one over
the other at all.
If you feel as though you can add something of meaning
to a memorial ceremony by delivering your own funeral
poetry, you may want to do just that. Admittedly, unless
you're highly trained as a writer, your poem will
probably not be "perfect". It may actually be clunky,
maudlin, cliche-riddled and altogether inferior. It
will, however, have heart. It will be yours and it will
convey your feelings. That has value--both to you and to
those assembled for the funeral. It will be an emotional
truth in a setting too often dominated by false
sentiment.
If you do decide to use your own poem at a funeral you
may want to supplement it with the use of a classic
funeral poem or some other well-regarded verse. A good
memorial poem by a trained artists will convey ideas and
concepts with a certain elegance and grace that most
(and I say "most" because there are undoubtedly many
fine poets "waiting to happen" out there)
written-for-the occasion poems won't rival.
So, the best solution for those who feel the urge to
write their own poem to read at a funeral is not to
abandon the idea of self-expression. Instead, he or she
can use the poem while also using a classic uplifting
funeral poem.
There's no reason to ever make a funeral impersonal. The
inclusion of your own words may uniquely contribute to a
meaningful memorial. So will the use of some of the
truly great poetry that has been written by the very
best--material that comes directly from the soul and
that communicates strongly to it.
Thomas Alan Lampsen maintains Funeral Poems and
Eulogies, where you can find wonderful funeral poems and
more assistance.
You can find the right words. Visit Thomas' website for
free funeral poems and resources to help you create a
perfect memorial. |
