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Funeral Poems - Poems to Say Goodbye
By Patrick Delroony
Reading poems at funerals and memorial services is
becoming increasingly common. There are many famous
poems that can be used as a reference for those who find
themselves in the position of needing to speak publicly
during a time of great sorrow.
Many people fear public speaking even under the best
circumstances. When someone is called upon to speak
publicly during a time of soul-wrenching grief, the task
is even more difficult. Relying on a reading of famous
poetry can not only serve as a fitting tribute to a
beloved family member, but can also help a speaker to
find the right words to convey a moving and
inspirational message at a difficult time.
One beautiful poem that is well suited for a funeral or
memorial service is "Miss Me - But Let Me Go" by Edgar
Albert Guest. This poem is written from the perspective
of the deceased, and is to be read as if the deceased is
addressing the mourners.
This poem conveys the message that the deceased has the
very human desire to be loved, valued, and missed after
death. However, he or she is not so selfish as to wish
that loved ones who are left behind have their lives
crippled by sorrow.
The deceased requests a brief period of mourning, but
ultimately encourages peaceful acceptance of death as a
natural part of life that we will all experience. Death
is presented as a necessary step in our journey to
everlasting happiness. This poem is perfect for an
assembly of people who gather briefly to attend a
service to honor a loved one, knowing that normal
routines of life must resume at the conclusion of the
service.
The poem concludes with words of advice for the mourners
who must now go their separate ways. The deceased tells
the assembly that in the future, if their hearts are
afflicted because of a sense of loss, they are to seek
the company of mutual friends. They are instructed to
honor the memory of their beloved by channelling their
sorrowful energy into doing good deeds. It is a
beautiful, deeply moving masterpiece.
Another wonderful poem to honor a deceased loved one is
"Because He Lived" by Edgar Albert Guest. This short
poem is only sixteen lines long, and conveys the message
that a small corner of the world is a better place
because of the life of the deceased.
This poem refers to how the deceased brought a smile to
the face of a child, tended a flower bed that was
enjoyed by his neighbors, and offered a kind and
generous gesture to a person in need. His kindness
inspired others to live better lives.
It is immediately obvious that the deceased is not a
famous person who did extraordinary things, but an
average person who generously shared simple gestures of
kindness and joy. This poem is appropriate to honor the
many people who lived quietly and anonymously, but who
demonstrated goodness and decency throughout their
lives.
Both of these poems are masterpieces that are
appropriate for funerals. The best poem for a funeral,
however, is one that the speaker feels comfortable
reading in public during a time of sorrow.
Since funerals are typically held just a few days after
death, there is usually very little time for
preparation. Those who would like to have a handy
reference can visit http://www.usfreeads.com/2218593-cls.html
for a collection of 250 poems, readings, and quotes that
is certain to have the right comforting, inspirational
messages for funerals, sympathy cards, and words of
condolences. |
