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Sample Funeral Poems

Sample Funeral Poems

Sample Funeral Poems
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Into The Freedom

Into The Freedom

00:32
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I'm There Inside Your Heart (Poem)

I'm There Inside Your Heart (Poem)

00:48
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Afterglow (Poem)

Afterglow (Poem)

00:38
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My Journey (Poem)

My Journey (Poem)

00:42
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Four Candles:

 

The first candle represents our grief.
The pain of losing you is intense.
It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.

 

This second candle represents our courage.
To confront our sorrow,
To comfort each other,
To change our lives.

 

This third candle we light in your memory.
For the times we laughed,
For the times we cried,
For the times we were angry with each other,
For the silly things you did,
And for the caring and joy you gave us always.

 

This fourth candle we light for our love.
We light this candle that you will always shine.
As we enter this grieving period and share this night of remembrance
with our family and friends.
We cherish the special place in our hearts
that will always be reserved for you.

 

We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us.
We love you forever,  and we will always remember you.

Always: 

 

We think about you always, 
we talk about you still, 
you have never been forgotten, 
and you never will. 


We hold you close within our hearts, 
and there you will remain, 
to walk with us throughout our lives 
until we meet again.

Fallen Limb:

 

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.

 

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

 

Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.

Afterglow: (Helen Lowrie Marchall)

 

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow 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.

Look for me in Rainbows: (Conn Bernard)

 

Time for me to go now, I won't say goodbye;
Look for me in rainbows, way up in the sky.
In the morning sunrise when all the world is new,
Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

 

Time for me to leave you, I won't say goodbye;
Look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky.
In the evening sunset, when all the world is through,
Just look for me and love me, and I'll be close to you.

 

It won't be forever, the day will come and then
My loving arms will hold you, when we meet again.

 

Time for us to part now, we won't say goodbye;
Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.
Every waking moment, and all your whole life through
Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

 

Just wish me to be near you,
And I'll be there with you.

I’m There Inside Your Heart:

 

Right now I’m in a different place,
and though we seem apart,
I’m closer than I ever was,
I’m there inside your heart.

 

I’m with you when you greet each day,
and while the sun shines bright,
I’m there to share the sunsets, too
I’m with you every night.

 

I’m with you when the times are good,
to share a laugh or two.
And if a tear should start to fall,
I’ll still be there for you.

 

And when that day arrives,
that we no longer are apart,
I’ll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.

You’ve Just Walked On Ahead of Me:

 

You’ve just walked on ahead of me,

and I’ve got to understand.
you must release the ones you love,
and let go of their hand.


I try and cope the best I can,
but I’m missing you so much,
if I could only see you,
and once more feel your touch.


Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me,
don’t worry I’ll be fine,
but now and then I swear I feel,
your hand slip into mine. 

We Must Say Goodbye:

 

There comes a time for all of us when we must say goodbye, but memories of those we love, live on and never die. 

 

There comes a time for all of us when we must say goodbye,

but faith and hope and love and trust can never, ever die. 

 

Although the curtain falls at last, is that a cause to grieve? 

The future is fairer than the past if only we believe.  So, when the master finally calls, let us say that life is still more fair, although the curtain falls.

Love Lives On:

 

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade, because a loved one’s gone.


Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory they’ll live on in the heart.

If I Should Go Tomorrow:

 

If I should go tomorrow,
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don't you ever cry.


The love that's deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
Just think of me with a smile,
And it will heal the scars.

I Heard Your Voice:

 

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 windowpane as I watched the falling rain.  It seemed as each raindrop fell it quietly said your name.

Because I Love You So:

 

Time will not dim the face I love,
The voice I heard each day,
The many things you did for me,
In your own special way.


All my life I’ll miss you,
As the years come and go,
But in my heart I’ll keep you,
Because I love you so.

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 and 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 will treasure.

Winnie the Pooh: (A. A. Milne)

 

If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart... I’ll always be with you.

If We Could Bring You Back Again:

 

If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
we’d express all our unspoken love;
we’d have countless things to say.

 

If we could bring you back again,
we’d say we treasured you,
and that your presence in our lives
meant more than we ever knew.

 

If we could bring you back again,
to tell you what we should,
you’d know how much we miss you now,
and if we could, we would.

Think of Me:

 

When you're feeling sad or a little blue, 
Look around and you'll see I'm here with you

I'm the bird who soars so high above
I'm the one who filled your heart with love

A Silent Tear: (Gaynor Liewellyn) 

 

Just close your eyes and you will see, all the memories that you have of me. Just sit and relax and you will find, I’m really still there inside your mind.
 

Don’t cry for me now I’m gone, for I am in the land of song.
There is no pain, there is no fear, so dry away that silent tear.


Don’t think of me in the dark and cold, for here I am, no longer old.
I’m in that place that’s filled with love, known to you all, as “UP ABOVE”.

The Day You Left:

 

With tears we saw you suffer,
As we watched you fade away,
Our hearts were almost broken,
As you fought so hard to stay.

 

We knew you had to leave us,
But you never went alone,
For part of us went with you
The day you left your home.

No Night Without: (Helen Steiner Rice) 

 

There is no night without a dawning, 

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.

Don't Think Of Him As Gone Away: (Ellen Brenneman)

 

Don't think of him as gone away,
His Journey's just begun.
Life holds so many facets, 
This earth is only one.

 

Just think of him as resting, 
From the sorrows and the tears,
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years.

 

Thinking how he must be wishing 
That we could know today, 
How nothing but our sorrows
Can really pass away.

 

And think of him as living 
In the hearts of those he touched,
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much.

Think of Me Then: (Asa James)

 

On a day of rain when you sit indoors by the fire with a book, as I loved to do, and the storm wind roars, think of me then.

 

As you walk by the shore when the sun is high and the sea is blue, as I loved to do, and the seagulls cry, think of me then. 

 

When you’re skimming stones in the fading light choosing them smooth, as I loved to do, and they skip out of sight, think of me then. 

 

When you sit in the garden in summer keep watch with the night, as I loved to do, go to sleep, dream of me then.

Remember Me:

 

To the living, I am gone. 

To the sorrowful, I will never return. 

To the angry, I was cheated. 

But to the happy, I am at peace. 

And to the faithful, I have never left 

 

I cannot speak, but I can listen. 

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. 

 

So as you stand upon the shore gazing at the beautiful sea, remember me. As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty, remember me.

 

Remember me in your hearts, in your thoughts, and the memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, the battles we fought and the times we laughed.

For if you always think of me, I will have never gone.

Don’t Cry For Me:

 

Don't cry for me now I have died, 

for I'm still here I'm by your side.


My body's gone but my soul is here, 

please don't shed another tear,
 

I am still here I'm all around.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost, that nips your toes.


I am the sun, bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.


I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
I am the laughter, I am the mirth.


I am the bird, up in the sky,
I am the cloud, that's drifting by.


I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I'm still there, I can't be dead.

In Remembrance: (Christine Currah)

 

You gave me life, to live as I please,
You gave me love and support to follow my dreams.

 

Your beauty lives forever deep in my soul,
The memory of your love fills my heart
and I am never alone.

The Book: (Paul Meadows)

 

Go to that place we loved, our secret place.

Close your eyes and you’ll see my face.

 

Play that tune, the tune we loved to hear.

Close your eyes and you’ll see me clear.

 

Walk on a beach or climb to the top of a hill.

Close your eyes and you’ll see me still.

 

Take a sip of wine, of dark red wine.

Close your eyes and you’ll see me fine.

 

At night go out and look at the brightest star.

Close your eyes and you’ll see me far.

 

On a day when the sky is blue and cold and clear,

Close your eyes and you’ll see me near.

 

Take down a book that would have been my choice.

Open the book, close your eyes and you’ll hear my voice.

The Legacy: (Sarah-Jane Brook)

 

The song of the wind in the tree

The hand and heave of the sea

The cry of a bird on the wing

This is my legacy.

 

The sun on a frosting dew

The rain when it comes on cue

The greening and the shining

I leave all this to you.

Death Is Nothing At All: (Henry Scott Holland)

 

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 still are. 

Call me by my old familiar name, 

speak to me in the easy way that you always used. 

 

Put no difference in 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 ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. 

 

Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. 

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? 

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner.  All is well.

Book of Memory:

 

A page in the book of memory silently turns today,

We remember you in silence and make no outward show

and what it's meant to lose you no one will ever know.

She/He’s Gone: 

 

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.

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep: (Mary 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’s 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.

Remember Me When I Am Gone Away: (Christina Rossetti)

 

Remember me when I am gone away, 

gone far away into the silent land; 

When you can no more hold me by the hand, 

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. 

 

Remember me when no more day by day 

you tell me of our future that you planned: 

Only remember me, 

you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. 

 

Yet if you should forget me for a while 

and afterwards remember, do not grieve: 

For if the darkness and corruption leave 

a vestige of the thoughts that once I had, 

better by far you should forget and smile 

than that you should remember and be sad. 

Life Goes On: (Joyce Grenfell)

 

If I should go before the rest of you, 

break not a flower nor inscribe a stone, 

nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice, 

but be the usual selves that I have known. 

 

Weep if you must, 

parting is hell, 

but life goes on, 

so sing, sing as well. 

Living Each Day: (Lisa Kitson)

 

Now I am gone, now I am lost to you, 

Find me again just as you used to do: 

 

In the house – when you go from room to room,

you’ll find the bits and pieces that I’ve left behind. 

 

In the street – of course… I’ve stopped to window-shop; 

You carry on, my love, I’ll catch you up. 

 

At night – as darkness slowly fills the sky: 

I’m late; don’t fret; I’ll be there by and by. 

 

At morning – when the sky is still blue-black, 

I had to go out early: I’ll be back. 

 

In sunshine – as you peer into the glare – 

A shape that seems to be both light and air.

 

In rain – as you look out and people pass – 

One leaves a reflection printed on the glass.

 

In the garden – when you doze away the hours,

I pass with a smile on my face, and my arms full of flowers. 

To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me:

 

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.

 

I gave you my love, and you can only guess,
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I travelled on alone.

 

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

 

I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.

 

Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.

 

And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.

To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me:

 

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.

 

I gave you my love, and you can only guess,
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I travelled on alone.

 

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

 

I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.

 

Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.

 

And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?:

 

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

No Longer Mourn For Me When I Am Dead: (William Shakespeare)

 

No longer mourn for me when I am dead 

Than you shall hear the surly sullen bell 

Give warning to the world that I am fled 

From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell: 

 

Nay, if you read this line, remember not 

The hand that writ it, for I love you so 

That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot, 

 

If thinking on me then should make you woe. 

 

O if (I say) you look upon this verse, 

When I, perhaps, compounded am with clay, 

Do not so much as my poor name rehearse, 

But let your love even with my life decay; 

Lest the wise world should look into your moan, 

And mock you with me after I am gone.

My Everything: (Lady Heguri)

 

He was my North, my South, my East and my West…

A thousand years you said as our hearts melted.

I look at the hand you held, and the ache is hard to bear.

I Wish You Enough:

 

I wish you enough sun to keep your outlook bright. 

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun. 

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit strong. 

I wish you enough pain to make life's joy seem precious. 

I wish you enough luck to satisfy your needs. 

I wish you enough loss to appreciate what you keep. 

I wish you enough hellos to help you through the final goodbye. 

My family and friends, I wish you enough!

A Song Of Living: (Amelia Josephine Burr)

 

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 cheeks 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 gave a share of my soul to the world, when and where my course is run. 
I know that another shall finish the task I surely must leave undone. 
I know that no flower, nor 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. 

Rest: (Alan Curtis)

 

The memories and love I leave behind are yours to keep.

I have found my rest; I have turned my face to the sun, and now I sleep.

Celebrate:

 

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night,
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight

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 now all is 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.

The Friend: (Alice Kavounas)

 

In a circle of friends, the one who dies first 
Is the friend you will never forget: 
This is the death that unhinges you 
From the trappings of everyday life 
And makes you – suddenly – absurdly grateful 
For each new breath – beginning with this one. 

 

This is the death that could break you apart 
In every way possible; that persuades you – 
In memory of that friend – to turn away 
From whatever refuses to speak to your heart 
From whatever threatens to numb your soul 
From whatever it is that revels in death. 

 

Yet this, too, is the friend you need by your side. 
Listen. Together they urge you: Live your life. 

Last Journey: (Timothy Coote)

 

There is a train at the station,
with a seat reserved just for me.
I’m excited about its destination,
as I’ve heard it sets you free.

 

The trials and tribulations,
the pain and stress we breathe,
don’t exist were I am going,
only happiness I believe.

 

I hope that you will be there,
to wish me on my way,
It’s not a journey you can join in,
It’s not your time today.

 

There’ll be many destinations,
some are happy, some are sad,
each one a brief reminder,
of the great times that we’ve had.

 

Many friends I know are waiting,
who took an earlier train,
to greet and reassure me,
that nothing has really changed.

 

We’ll take the time together,
to catch up on the past,
to build a new beginning,
one that will always last.

 

One day you’ll take your journey,
on the train just like me,
and I promise that I’ll be there,
at the station and you will see.

 

That Life is just a journey,
enriched by those you meet,
no one can take that from you,
it’s always yours to keep’.

 

But now as no seat is vacant,
you will have to muddle through,
make sure you fulfil your ambitions,
as you know I’ll be watching you.

 

And if there’s an occasion,
to mention who you knew,
speak kindly of that person,
as one day it will be you.

 

Now I can’t except this ending,
and as it’s time for me to leave,
please make haste to the reception,
to enjoy my drinks…. they’re free!

Traditional Gaelic Blessing:

 

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Miss Me But Let Me Go: (Christina Rossetti)

 

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 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 at heart, 

go the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do, 

miss me, but let me go. 

 

When I am dead my dearest, 

sing no sad songs for me, 

Plant no roses at my head, 

nor shady cypress tree. 

 

Be the green grass above me, 

with showers and dewdrops wet, 

and if thou wilt remember
and if thou wilt, forget. 

 

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not fear the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale, 

sing on as if in pain; 

 

And dreaming through the twilight, 

that doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget. 

Farewell My Friends: (Rabindranath Tagore)

 

It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever, save the pain I leave behind. 

 

Farewell, my friends, I smile and bid you goodbye.
Now 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 would like. 

When you live in the hearts of those you love, 

Remember then, you never die. 

Turn Again To Life: (Mary Lee Hall)

 

If I should die and leave you here awhile,

be not like others sore undone,

who keep long vigils by the silent dust and weep.

 

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.

All Things Pass: (Lao-Tzu)

 

All things pass,
A sunrise does not last all morning.

A cloudburst does not last all day.
Nor a sunset all night.
All things pass
What always changes?

Earth...sky...thunder...
mountain...water...
wind...fire...lake...

These change,
and if these do not last…
Do man's visions last?
Do man's illusions last?

Take things as they come, 

As all things pass.

Your Spirit: (Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach)

 

I know that no matter what you will always be with me.
When life separates us I’ll know it is only your soul saying goodbye to your body but your spirit will be with me always.


When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch, I will know it is you singing to me.


When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely, I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.


When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention, I will know it is you reminding me, to appreciate the simple things in life.


When the sun shining through my window awakens me, I will feel the warmth of your love.


When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill, I will hear your words of wisdom and will remember what you taught me so well’ That without rain trees cannot grow, without rain flowers cannot bloom and without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.


When I look out to the sea, I will think of your endless love for your family.
No matter where I am, your spirit will be beside me, for I know that no matter what, you will always be with me.

When I Died: (Jo Shapcott)

 

I’m coming back on All Saints’ Day for your olives,

old peanuts, dodgy sherry and dirty dancing. 

I’ll cross-dress at last pirouette and flash, act pissed. 

You’ll have to look for me hard: search for my bones in the crowd. 

Or lay a pint and a pie on my grave to tempt me out and a trail of marigolds back to the flat, where you’ll leave the door ajar and the cushions plumped in my old armchair. 

The Wheel: (Susan Stocker)

 

Time is a wheel: 

The day that we met is still there:
Everything changes but nothing is lost: 

All that we shared, all that we ever loved, belongs to us still:
 

Time is a wheel:

Whatever has ended is just about to begin,
All that we feel, all that we ever felt, will come back again.

 

Time is a wheel:
The sound of your laughter, the rain in your hair,
Your hand in mine, your knock at the door, your step on the stair -
All are still there.


Because time is a wheel and death will come round,
As birth will come round, 

as love will come round, 

as peace will come round, 

as joy will come round, 

as life will come round, 

because time is a wheel.


Bringing back even yet, All that we ever shared , and the day that we met.

If Death is Kind: (Sara Teasdale)

 

Perhaps if Death is kind, and there can be returning, 

we will come back to earth some fragrant night, 

and take these lanes to find the sea, 

and bending breathe the same honeysuckle, low and white. 

 

We will come down at night to these resounding beaches 

and the long gentle thunder of the sea, 

Here for a single hour in the wide starlight we shall be happy, 

for the dead are free. 

Echo: (Christina Rossetti)

 

Come to me in the silence of the night;

Come in the speaking silence of a dream;

Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright

As sunlight on a stream;

Come back in tears,

O memory, hope, love of finished years.

 

Oh dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet,

Whose wakening should have been in Paradise,

Where souls brim-full of love abide and meet;

Where thirsting longing eyes,

Watch the slow door,

That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

 

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live,

My very life again tho’ cold in death:

Come back to me in dreams, that I may give,

Pulse for pulse, breath for breath:

Speak low, lean low,

As long ago, my love, how long ago.

To Those I Love: (Isla Paschal Richardson)

 

If I should ever leave you whom I love,

to go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
of me as if I were beside you there,
(I’d come… I’d come, could I but find a way!

But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
and when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let the thought of me be sad…
For I am loving you just as I always have…
You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still to do…
So many things to say to you…
Remember that I did not fear…
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face…
We cannot see Beyond… But this I know;
I loved you so…
‘Twas heaven here with you!

Never More Will the Wind: (Hilda Doolittle)

 

Never more will the wind cherish you again, never more will the rain.
 
Never more shall we find you bright in the snow and wind.
The snow is melted, the snow is gone and you are flown:
 
Like a bird out of our hand, like a light out of our heart, You are gone.

Never More Will the Wind: (Hilda Doolittle)

 

Never more will the wind cherish you again, never more will the rain.
 
Never more shall we find you bright in the snow and wind.
The snow is melted, the snow is gone and you are flown:
 
Like a bird out of our hand, like a light out of our heart, You are gone.

I Miss You:  AF Harold 

 

I miss you, like the puddle misses the snowman it was,

I miss you, like the butterfly misses the caterpillar,

like the frog misses the tadpole, 

like the Penguin misses the warm egg.

 

I miss you, like my desk misses the tree it was before it was my desk, 

I missed you, like the oak tree misses the acorn it grew from, 

like the silence misses the song,

like the book misses the blank page.

 

I miss you, like the surprise misses, still being a surprise,

like the sailor misses the land,

like the astronaut misses the earth,

like the grown-up misses being the child, 

like the arrow misses the bow it's shot from, 

I miss you like,

 

I miss you.

The Dash: (Linda Ellis)

 

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.

 

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

 

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

 

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

 

So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

 

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

 

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

 

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?

Funeral Blues: (W H Auden)

 

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, 

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, 

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum. 

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. 

 

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crêpe bows round the white necks of the public doves, 

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

 

He was my North, my South, my East and West, 

My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. 

 

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; 

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; 

For nothing now can ever come to any good.

The Train: 

 

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. 

 

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life.

 

However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. 

 

Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum. Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. 

 

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. 

 

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

 

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. 

 

So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. 

 

It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

Miss You at Christmas: 

 

Every day without you

Since you had to go,

Is like summer without sunshine

And Christmas without snow.

 

I wish that I could talk to you

There’s so much I would say,

Life has changed so very much

Since you went away.

 

I miss the bond between us

And I miss your kind support.

You’re in my mind and in my heart

And every Christmas thought.

 

I’ll always feel you close to me

And though you’re far from sight.

I’ll search for you among the stars

That shine on Christmas night.

Missing You At Christmas:

"Don't think of me, enjoy yourself",
I know that's what you'd say,
But I've missed you more than ever,
Since the day you went away.

I hear familiar carols,
Then look back at the years.
When we shared such happy moments,
And I can't hold back the tears.

For I'd give the world this Christmas,
To spend one more hour with you,
Exchanging special gifts and hugs,
Just the way we used to do.

But all that I can give you,
Is the promise that you'll be,
In my heart and mind this Christmas,
and for all Eternity.

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