Funeral Poems

All Is Well – Henry Scott Holland
Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room,
I am I, and you are you,
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still,
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the same easy way which you always did,
Put no difference into your tone;
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect, without the shadow of a ghost on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity, Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am just waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well.

Death Is Nothing At All
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, we still are.
Please, call me by my old familiar name.
Speak of me in the same easy way you always did.
Laugh, as we always laughed, at the little jokes we shared together.
Think of me and smile.
Let my name be the household name it always was,
Spoken without the shadow of a host in it.
Life means all it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
Death is inevitable, so why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, – for an interval very near.
Nothing is past or lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before, Only better and happier.
Together forever. All is well.
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, we still Please, call me by my old familiar name.
Speak of me in the same easy way you always did.
Laugh, as we always laughed, at the little jokes we shared together.
Think of me and smile.
Let my name be the household name it always was,
Spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it.
Life means all it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
Death is inevitable, so why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, – for an interval very near.
Nothing is past or lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before,
Only better and happier.
Together forever.
All is well.
Death is nothing at all.

Farewell My Friends – Gitanjali Ghei
It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life, I have no regrets whatsoever, save the pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care, and the heavy with sleep ever moist eyes, the smile in spite of a lump in the throat and the strings pulling at the heart and soul,
The strong arms that held me up when my own strength let me down, each morsel that I was fed with was full of love.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends, friends who stood by me, even when the time raced me by.
Farewell farewell my friends, I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears, for I need them not, all I need is your smile, If you feel sad, do think of me, for that’s what I’ll like, when you live in the hearts of those you love, remember then…… you never die.
The girl who conquered death

She Is Gone- David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

They Are Not Dead – Unknown
A Popular Funeral Reading
They are not dead,
Who leave us this great heritage of remembering joy.
They still live in our hearts,
In the happiness we knew, in the dreams we shared.
They still breathe,
In the lingering fragrance,windblown, from their favourite flowers. They still smile in the moonlight’s silver,
And laugh in the sunlight’s sparking gold.
They still speak in the echoes of the words we’ve heard them say again and again.
They still move,
In the rhythm of waving grasses, in the dance of the tossing branches.
They are not dead;
Their memory is warm in our hearts, comfort in our sorrow.
They are not apart from us, but part of us,
For love is eternal,
And those we love shall be with us throughout all eternity.

To My Sister… – By Allison Chambers Coxsey
I’m blessed to call you sister,
I also call you friend;
You’ve loved me unconditionally, And stood through thick and thin. You’ve shared my joys and sorrows, My laughter and my tears.
You’ve been my inspiration, As we grew up through the years. When we were little children
We laughed and played together; Then growing up you stood by me, Through good and stormy weather.
There’s something God has given us,
That’s more than family;
He’s placed a love for you, my Sister, Deep down in the heart of me.

The Final Flight – Unknown Author
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Miss Me But Let Me Go – Unknown Author
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 we once shared, Miss me, but let me go.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone;
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

Weep Not For Me – Unknown Author
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet fight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death But celebrate my life

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep By 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.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die.

After Glow – Unknown Author
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done

Poem of Life By an Unknown Author
Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay… Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord.

She is Gone – By David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Sleep, My Sister By T. Hutchinson

I wish you sweet sleep, my sister dear.
Although there’s so much that you’ve left bare
I hate that you had to endure such pain
On my mind, your saddened eyes have left a stain.
I want to know what crossed your mind
Unspoken words you’ve left behind Undone things we’ll never do No sharing thoughts you never knew.
A peace has fallen upon your head
A taste of sorrow we have been fed
It really is like a hole in our lives
One swiftly dug but carved out by knives.
But I have hope that those sleeping will rise The Bible says that God will open their eyes. No suffering, sickness, yes not even pain, Those who did good, eternal life they’ll gain. So… sleep on my sister, sleep tight For now with you the sky is night.
But after night will come daybreak
Therefore I will wait hoping to see you awake.

In Our Minds – Unknown Author
We stand motionless, consumed in grief. Sorrow has arrived, with smiles thief. We’re gathered here, to mourn and cry. Our questions pointing, at the clear blue sky. Why did you go, why did you leave, Life without you, is so hard to conceive. Our hearts are damaged, and scarred severely. We shall miss you, much more than dearly. For having you in our lives, we’ve all been blessed. But now the time has arrived, for you to rest.
We promise to cherish, our memories of you. You shall live in our minds, and all that we do.

Broken Chain –  Ron Tranmer
We little knew that morning God was to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you The day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

Her Journey’s Just Begun By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of her as gone away her journey’s just begun life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.

Dear Sister in Heaven – Unknown Author
I sit here and ponder how very much I’d like to talk with you today, there are so many things that we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you, and each time I think of you, I know you’ll miss me too.
An angel came and took you by the hand, and said your place was ready in heaven, far above… and you had to leave behind, all those you dearly loved. You had so much to live for, you had so much to do… It still seems impossible that God was taking you.
And though your life on earth is past, in Heaven it starts anew.
You’ll live for all eternity, just as God has promised you. And though you’ve walked through Heaven’s gate,
we’re never far apart, for every time I think of you you’re right here, deep within my heart.

A Life Well Lived
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 we’ll treasure

God Took Her to His Loving Home
God saw her getting tired, a cure was not to be.
He wrapped her in his loving arms and whispered ‘Come with me.’ She suffered much in silence, her spirit did not bend.
She faced her pain with courage, until the very end. She tried so hard to stay with us but her fight was not in vain, God took her to His loving home and freed her from the pain.

Goodbye
Goodbye my family my life is past
I loved you all to the very last
Weep not for me but courage take
Love each other for my sake
For those you love don’t go away
They walk beside you every day

I Heard Your Voice In The Wind Today – Unknown
I heard your voice in the wind today
and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me
as I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace
and my spirit soared high. I saw your eyes in the window pane
as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell
it quietly said your name.
I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died…but you are not gone
you will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines…
the wind blows…
the rain falls…
You will live on inside of me forever
for that is all my heart knows.

In our Hearts
We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday. And days before that too.
We think of you in silence We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart

She is Gone – David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

This Heritage

He is not dead, he who leaves us this great heritage of remembered joy.
He still lives in our hearts, in the happiness we knew, in the dreams we shared.
He still breathes in the lingering fragrance, windblown, from his favourite flowers.
He still smiles in the moonlight’s silver and laughs in the sunlight’s gold.
He still speaks in the echoes of words we’ve heard him say again and again.
He still moves, in the rhythm of waving grasses and in the dance of the tossing branches.
He is not dead. His memory is warm in our hearts, comfort in our sorrow.
He is not apart from us, but is a part of us.
For love is eternal and those we love shall be with us throughout all eternity.

When I come to the End of my Road
When I come to the end of my 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 too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love/friendship 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 of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me, but let me go

When I’m Gone
When I come to the end of my journey
And travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can , that I ever frowned And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done,
Forget that I ever had a heartache
And remember I’ve had lots of fun.
Forget that Iv’e Stumbled and blundered And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, Ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going.
I would not have you sad for a day. But in summer jus gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay.
And Come in the evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west,
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best

Where do they go to?  – Kev F
Where do they go to, the people who leave?
Are they around us, in the cool evening breeze?
Do they still hear us, and watch us each day? I’d like you to think of them with us that way. Where do they go to, when no longer here?
I think that they stay with us, calming our fear
Loving us always, holding our hands
Walking beside us, on grass or on sand. Where do they go to, well it’s my belief
They watch us and help us to cope with our grief
They comfort and stay with us, through each of our days
Guiding us always through life’s mortal maze.