Funeral Speech (Eulogy) Poems

Funeral Speech (Eulogy) Poems

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My Mum died a few days ago and I have to give a speech her funeral. Are there any poems or quotes that you think may be appropriate?

Amy

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I am so sorry to hear the sad sad news about your Mum.

This is a really nice blessing that was used at my Aunt Molly’s funeral

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

– Traditional gaelic blessing

It was also written in the back of one of my leaving cards by my old boss.

Presentation Doctor

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We have put together an article on the main Presentation Magazine site How to structure a Funeral Speech which many people have found very useful

I have also come across this Old Indian Prayer that seems quite suitable

Should your blanket be torn,
May your breezes blow warm,
May your pleasure be what you find.
May the burdens you bear
Like your bounty-be shared
May you leave something good behind

May the sky and the land
Rise to your command
May your senses come like the night.
Live in peace with the Earth
As in death-As in birth
May you prosper, and have a good life.

Amy

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Here is another nice line

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…”
Irving Berlin

Tim

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This is a very powerful poem W H Auden
From The Twelve Songs

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a a juicy bone,
Silance 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 crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policeman 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 though that love would last for ever : I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now : put out ever 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.

It is a very emotional one so I am not sure how well it could be used, but should probably be done with care.

Amy

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A nice one if the deceased has come from Scotland is the poem “My heart is in the highlands” by Robert Burns.

I can imagine that this would go down very well at a funeral of someone who was brought up in Scotland and has moved away.

My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer –
A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe;
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.

Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North
The birth place of Valour, the country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.

Farewell to the mountains high cover’d with snow;
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below;
Farewell to the forrests and wild-hanging woods;
Farwell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.

My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer
Chasing the wild deer, and following the roe;
My heart’s in the Highlands, whereever I go.

Amy

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This is a lovely poem that I was sent by a dear friend when I was grieving for the death of my brother. I am not sure how well it would work at a funeral, but it certainly is a lovely poem

It is called “Do not stand by my grave and weep” and was written by Mary Frye in 1932.

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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 glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)

Tim

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This is another one that may work

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped 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 easy way which 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 shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It it 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 around the corner.
All is well.

By Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)
Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral

Amy

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This was an Indian Prayer that Dad wanted read out at his funeral. I think that it came from is days as a scout leader in the 1940s.

An Indian Prayer

Creator of life and light,
We prise thee this day for the beauty of thy world,
for sunshine and flowers,
storm-cloud and starry night,
for the radiance of dawn and the last smouldering calm of the sunset.

We thank thee for physical joys,
for the ecsatcy of swift motion,for deep water to swim in,
For the goodly smell of rain on dry ground,
for hills to climb and hard work to do,
for all the skill of hand and eye,
for music that lifts our hearts in one breath to heaven,
for the grasp of a friend,
for the gracious loveliness of children,

for all these thy sacrements of beauty and joy,
we thank thee our Lord and God.

I had searched for this Indian Prayer on the internet a few times, but I have never found it. I have just dug it out from Dad’s funeral service over 12 years ago.

Dave Alexander

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Please help. My Mother-in-law passed away yesterday and for personal reasons the family wish me to conduct the service this Friday. I need to know which bible passages are relevant and a general guide to follow. Many thanks.
Dave.

Amy

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 There are a couple of passages in Corinthians that are relevant

The full text for the bible reading for a funeral is from Corinthians 15.1-26,35-38,42-44a.

The other one that is widely used is Psalm 23 – The Lord’s my Shepherd

There is a Passage from Ecclesiasticus 38 verses 19 to 23. John 6.35-40 is also read.

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Im Stuck On A Speech For My Grandmother , Though I Have Only Known Her For The Last Ten Years, As My Mother Was A War Child, And We Looked For Her ,and What An Addition To My Life.

Amy

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Steve

Firstly I must say that I am sorry to hear your loss. I lost my mother three months ago and I too had to prepare a speech for a lost one.

I think that what you have already put down is a fascinating story and perhaps the best way to give the speech is to tell the story of your grandmother as you see it. This should make it personal and very touching.

Start with the search, about how you wanted to know more, about how you wondered and one day you started to search.

Tell about the joy of the finding your grandmother and paint the picture of what you found – her characteristics, her quirks, her happiness. Talk about what it meant to you.

Tell a story about something that you did over the past ten years.

Do not dwell too much on the details of her death. It is very much in your minds right now, but it is better to remeber the life than the process of dieing.

End up with saying a goodbye, and that you will miss her.

I hope that this helps you. I would be fascinated to hear more of this story.

Kind regards

Annabelle Hamilton

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My grandad died yesterday and really would like to find a nice poem to read at the funeral. I have looked and looked on the internet but have found nothing. Can anyone help? Annabelle

Amy

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Sorry to hear about your Grandad.

If you could provide a little information about him it would help to track down something about him. – Did he have any special interests for example?

Any clues that you could provide and I will see what I can find

Thanks

Ted

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This is a poem that I have found – not relavant to Anabelle’s post but quite a good poem.

Ah,Are You Digging On My Grave
by: Thomas Hardy

“Ah, are you digging on my grave,
My loved one? – planting rue?”
– “No: yesterday he went to wed
One of the brightest wealth has bred.
‘It cannot hurt her now,’ he said,
‘That I should not be true.'”

“Then who is digging on my grave,
My nearest dearest kin?”
– “Ah, no: they sit and think, ‘What use!
What good will planting flowers produce?
No tendance of her mound can loose
Her spirit from Death’s gin.'”

“But someone digs upon my grave?
My enemy? – prodding sly?”
– “Nay: when she heard you had passed the Gate
That shuts on all flesh soon or late,
She thought you no more worth her hate,
And cares not where you lie.

“Then, who is digging on my grave?
Say — since I have not guessed!”
— “O it is I, my mistress dear,
Your little dog , who still lives near,
And much I hope my movements here
Have not disturbed your rest?”

“Ah yes! You dig upon my grave…
Why flashed it not to me
That one true heart was left behind!
What feeling do we ever find
To equal among human kind
A dog’s fidelity!”

“Mistress, I dug upon your grave
To bury a bone, in case
I should be hungry near this spot
When passing on my daily trot.
I am sorry, but I quite forgot
It was your resting place.”

Colleen

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Hello, please can you help. Yesterday we buried my Dear Mother who died of Lung Cancer aged 67. I would like to give a poem to her two sisters and brother and also my own sister and brother but can not find one! Please help from Colleen.

Amy

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Sorry to hear about your sad loss. Cancer is a dreadful disease. I have lost too many loved ones to it.

This is a poem that was read out at the Queen Mother’s funeral. It is particularly nice and one that could be printed out and put into a nice silver picture frame and given as a moment to to your sisters and brother. “She is Gone”By David Harkins.

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My father died this week. He died on my birthday! I didnt know him that well, but as eldest son I need to do a reading. I am from his first marriage, those attending will be from a later marriage. Can you help?

I’m sorry to hear about your sad news. You did not specify the type of help you were looking for. I presume that you need to find a suitable poem.

This poem is a possibility it is called “Epitaph on my Ever Honoured Father” by Robert Burns

O YE whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious rev’rence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband’s dear remains,
The tender father, and the gen’rous friend;
The pitying heart that felt for human woe,
The dauntless heart that fear’d no human pride;
The friend of man-to vice alone a foe;
For ‘ev’n his failings lean’d to virtue’s side.

There are also two very good poems by Dylan Thomas who wrote them when his father died. they are “Death shall have no dominion” and “Do not go gentle into that good night”

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I am needing help with writing a speech for this Friday 3rd September. The chap who died was a client of mine for 2 years. We worked very closely together regarding his personal stuff. Of course, I cannot divulge too much of his past, but I would like to say something heartwhelming. Any suggestions please?

Bev

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Bev

Some ideas for how you could start your clients funeral could be.
“Although I only knew Alfie (I have picked a name at random) for a short time/ the past three years, I came to get an insight into him…” (You can embellish this with some details.

“Alfie was a larger than life character” or “Alife had hiden depths” or “Alfie touched the lives of the people that he came to deal with…” or “Alfie never did anything in half measures…”

You can then build up a personal picture of how you got to know him and few insights into the positive sides of his character.”

Generally speaking it is best to not go too deeply into the pain that he suffered in his life or the dieing process – it is best to keep those to the positive stage. If you can give a few anecdotes into some of the nice moments that you shared that would also be nice.

Victoria Hartnoll

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My dad died on the 28/08/04 after a short battle with lung cancer-it was very sudden. I was looking for any poems that I can use about jazz and books.

Amy

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Victoria

Sorry to hear about your sad loss.

This is one possible line that I have found out.

“Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.” – Shelly

It may also be possible to hold a “Jazz Funeral” I found this snippet on the web.

When jazz singer Blue Lu Barker died in 1998, she was given a traditional New Orleans Jazz Funeral – a tribute to life, rather than a concession to death. Typically, a jazz funeral is arranged according to the wishes of the deceased, who often has chosen the music and the musicians as part of a pre-planning process. Barker’s wake featured jazz legends who honored her by performing in a funeral parade of music and dance that proceeded through the streets of New Orleans.

The closest that I have been able to find to a Jazz Funeral Poem is this one by Kusko Which has some beautiful lines

“When a jazz player dies.”
Dad speaks, his voice low,
almost reverent. “The others come
to both celebrate and morn
the life of such fine art. Through
the streets of old New Orleans.
Dancing to the tune
of a life well-played.”
The Poem can be read at full on
http://poetry.tetto.org/read/6075/

I hope that this helps

Andy

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I am looking for a short piece of verse that is not overly religious for the funeral of my four year old niece and goddaughter who recently died of complications arising from food poisoning. Any suggestions that would be particularly appropriate for a lively and intelligent young girl snatched away so suddenly would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Amy

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Andy

Sorry to hear about the sad loss. Here is one that I picked up from a gravestone in Sutcombe in Devon. It has a strange resonance.

The lovely bud, so young, so fair
Called off by earthly doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower
In paradise could bloom

I hope this helps

John Chess

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I have been asked to give the eulogy for a friend who committed suicide a couple of days ago. Any key quotes or poems or other help you can provide me in writing this difficult Eulogy.

Amy

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John

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. One of our very close friends had to attend a funeral after a friend who was being blackmailed committed suicide.

This is a particularly difficult one to give. here are a couple of possibilities.

—–
‘Afternoon in February’ by Longfellow
The day is ending,
The night is descending;
The marsh is frozen,
The river dead.

Through clouds like ashes
The red sun flashes
On village windows
That glimmer red.

The snow recommences;
The buried fences
Mark no longer
The road o’er the plain;

While through the meadows,
Like fearful shadows,
Slowly passes
A funeral train.

The bell is pealing,
And every feeling
Within me responds
To the dismal knell;

Shadows are trailing,
My heart is bewailing
And tolling within
Like a funeral bell.

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If you are religious, this one may also be a possibility

“Let Me Go” Anon

We’ve known lots of pleasure,
At times endured pain,
We’ve lived in the sunshine
And walked in the rain.

But now we’re separated
And for a time apart,
But I am not alone-
You’re forever in my heart.

Death always seems so sudden,
And it is always sure,
But what is oft’ forgotten-
It is not without a cure.

[You may wish to remove this next verse]
I’m walking now with someone,
And I know He’ll always stay,
I know He’s walking with you too,
Giving comfort everyday.

There may be times you miss me,
I sort of hope you do,
But smile when you think of me,
For I’ll be waiting for you.

Now there’s many things for you to do,
And lots of ways to grow,
So get busy, be happy,and live your life,
Miss me, but let me go.

I hope that these help

Grace

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Hello:

I have been asked to say something at a very special friend’s funeral. WE met in AA and he helped many people, including me to achieve sobriety. He was a very spiritual person and had a very strong belief in God. I loved him very much. He died suddenly and I really am broken hearted and can’t seem to put a pen to paper. Please help me give my friend a tribute that he so deserves and to say the words that will not only comfort those attending but also myself.

Thank You,

Grace

Amy

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Grace

One possibility is a poem called “Another Land”
http://www.netpoets.com/poems/death/0822001.htm

Guest

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My father died two days ago from lung cancer. I am reading at his funeral and remember a poem about just being out of sight and ships over the horizon? I know this is not much of a clue but can anyone help give me the whole text to this poem. Thanks

Guest

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written by Bishop Brent….

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says She is gone.

Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.

And just at that moment, when someone at my side says she is gone, there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout – There she comes!

That is what dying is. An horizon and just the limit of our sight.

Lift us up O Lord, that we may see further.

I hope this is what you were looking for.

Paul N Carcone

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My Nanna died a couple of days ago and my Mother has aksed me to say a few words at the funeral. To be honest, I was absolutely peterified of this, not because I am normally shy, but because of the liklihood of me uttering complete nonsense and failing completely to express properly my sadness at her passing (and also the sense of privilige at havimg had such a wonderful Grandmother).

I have found this site of untold help in my desperate attempts to find something suitable to say.

Thank you very much.

Paul N Carcone
Lieutenant Royal Navy

Amy

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Paul

Sorry to hear about your sad loss. The key to not getting your words messed up at a funeral is to have your speech written down. Try to limit your speech to no more than five minutes – three is ideal. Write out your speech and go through it a number of times until you are happy with it.

The next key step is to practice it out loud. I normally recommend that you do it at least four times. Do it with the full power of your voice. Also one of these times should be in front of a real audience – a friend, family, colleague. Feel free to make minor revisions following this, but make sure to practice the revised version. With the short timescales this may have to be practiced quite quickly.

A funeral is an emotional time. No one will mind if you get cut up, start crying or dry up when reading a funeral speech. It is entirely natural and expected. An essential back-up plan
is to make sure that you have someone at the funeral who can take over with your tribute if you cannot carry on. It could be a member of the family, a close friend or the priest. This way your words will still come out, even if you are unable to speak them.

During the speech they key is to concentrate on your grandmother’s life and not the dieing. All too often we have been through a lot of pain with the death – particularly if we have acted as a carer. If you concentrate on her life, and a few of the memories that you share together it will make it easier.

There is a nice tribute to a grandmother (Janet Parish on this site.
It may provide you with a few clues

It contains a nice poem called
“Turn Again To Life”

If I should die and leave you here awhile,
Be not like others, sore and 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 those dear unfinished tasks of mine
And I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Here is another possible poem
There is one on this website called “Letting Go”
http://www.netpoets.com/poems/death/0714001.htm

I do really feel for you at this sad time. It is just four months since I had to go through the same experience. I hope that it goes well for you.

Kind regards

Guest

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My grandad died a few days ago and I am looking for a poem/reading related to grandads or his interests: Harley davidsons and carpentry!

Amy

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Carpentry poems

It has been quite difficult to track down poems about carpentry. I have not yet been able to find anything about motor bikes.

These are two possibilities

I HEAR America singing -by Walt Whitman

I HEAR America singing, the varied carols I hear;
Those of mechanics each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong;
The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work;
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck;
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench the hatter singing as he stands;
The wood-cutters song the ploughboys, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown;
The delicious singing of the mother or of the young wife at work or of the girl sewing or washing
Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else;
The day what belongs to the day
At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.

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Dear Paul
My beautiful aunt Pauline passed away suddenly from breast cancer two nights ago, It all happened too quickly and I didnt manage to get to scotland from Australia in time to say my goodbyes. However I am honouring her by reading her eulogy and would like help on an appropriate poem. She was the life and soul of every family party, a very proud woman too. A great sense of the ridiculous and selfless. Please can yu help me out. Thank you
ash

Paul

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Paul

Another poem that may work for your Nana is this one

“My Nanie’s Awa” by Robert Burns

Now in her green mantle blythe Nature arrays,
And listens the lambkins that bleat o’er her braes;
While birds warble welcomes in ilka green shaw,
But to me it’s delightless-my Nanie’s awa.

The snawdrap and primrose our woodlands adorn,
And violetes bathe in the weet o’ the morn;
They pain my sad bosom, sae sweetly they blaw,
They mind me o’ Nanie- and Nanie’s awa.

Thou lav’rock that springs frae the dews of the lawn,
The shepherd to warn o’ the grey-breaking dawn,
And thou mellow mavis that hails the night-fa’,
Give over for pity-my Nanie’s awa.

Come Autumn, sae pensive, in yellow and grey,
And soothe me wi’ tidings o’ Nature’s decay:
The dark, dreary Winter, and wild-driving snaw
Alane can delight me-now Nanie’s awa.

Jodie

So sorry to hear about your sad loss.

The most suitable poems that I can think of for your grandfather are both by Dylan Thomas

“Do not go gentle into that good night” and “Death shall have no dominion” are both very moving. They were both written for his father but should be suitable fro a grandfather as well.

Kind regards

John S

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My father just died and he was a avid fisherman. Can anyone help me with a poem that will fit him?

Amy

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John

Sorry to hear about your news. Here is a poem that may be suitable

“Trout Fishing” by Eunice Lamberton 1873

Give me a rod of the split bamboo,
a rainy day and a fly or two,
a mountain stream where the eddies play,
and mists hang low o’er the winding way,

Give me a haunt by the furling brook,
A hidden spot in a mossy nook,
No sound save hum of the drowsy bee,
or lone bird’s tap on the hollow tree.

The world may roll with it’s busy throng,
And phantom scenes on it’s way along,
It’s stocks may rise, or it’s stocks may fall,
Ah! What care I for it’s baubles all?

I cast my fly o’er the troubled rill,
Luring the beauties by magic skill,
With mind at rest and a heart at ease,
And drink delight at the balmy breeze.

A lusty trout to my glad surprise,
Speckled and bright on the crest arise,
Then splash and plunge in a dazzling whirl,
Hope springs anew as the wavelets curl.

Gracefully swinging from left to right,
Action so gentle- motion so slight,.
Tempting, enticing, on craft intent,
Till yielding tip by the game is bent

Drawing in slowly, then letting go
Under the ripples where mosses grow
Doubting my fortune, lost in a dream,
Blessing the land of forest and stream.

Tracey Thorne

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My grandmother passed away last Sunday, she was 98 years old although very frail and had enough I am absolutely devastated she is now gone. I want to say something at her funeral this wednesday and Im not sure if I want to write something personally or read out a poem or reading – can you help I cant seem to find an appropriate poem or reading. She was so important to me I have to get this right. She lost my grandfather thirty years ago, her second youngest daughter in the war and my father her youngest child 10 years ago. She is being cremated as he was at the same crematorium and her service is being held at the church where both my grandfather and father are buried. She has left behind another daughter and son, seven grandchildren including me and 11 great grandchildren.

Guest

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Cancer has just taken my partner’s father-in-law, (spent 30+ years as her acting father). I have offered to make a speech at the service and have found this site to be both constructive and inspirational. I would very much like to say a few words about Mick’s life and the unselfishness that was him. Although he had no children of his own he treated both his girls in that manner and absolutley adored his grandchildren. I only knew Mick for 5 years and although in that time I got to know one of the more genurine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, I am at a crossroads as to how best to deliver a speech. 5 years is long enough to speak openly with family and friends about Mick as a person and remind everyone of this but he was not a religious man, therefore Psalms are probably inadequate, or even what we might call soppy, so poems may not be fitting with his character either.

Apart from the children, Mick leaves behind his mother and wife.

Can I therefore request if anybody can advise a way forward for me to conduct this speech?

Kevin McWilliams

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Please ignore my earlier request as a bad typo was used.

Cancer has just taken my partner’s stepfather (spent 30+ years as her acting father). I have offered to make a speech at the service and have found this site to be both constructive and inspirational. I would very much like to say a few words about Mick’s life and the unselfishness that was him. Although he had no children of his own he treated both his girls in that manner and absolutely adored his grandchildren. I only knew Mick for 5 years and although in that time I got to know one of the more genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, I am at a crossroads as to how best to deliver a speech. 5 years is long enough to speak openly with family and friends about Mick as a person and remind everyone of this but he was not a religious man, therefore Psalms are probably inadequate, or even what we might call soppy, so poems may not be fitting with his character either.
Apart from the children, Mick leaves behind his mother and wife.
Can I therefore request if anybody can advise a way forward to conduct the speech?

Guest

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My grandfather just passed away yesterday. He lived a long, full life. He was driving his car and up and around right up until the day he passed (which was very important to him because he was a very proud man), and I believe he passed quickly and with little pain. He was a true Irishman (in the very best and worst senses of the word), and we were very close. My mother is planning a very Irish-themed Catholic funeral (which is what he would have wanted), and she asked me to do a bible reading. The church may select the passage for me, but I’d like to have a suggestion for them if I could (I’m looking for a passage more appropriate for an Irish funeral/wake – not one with sadness and mourning of his passing, but rather a celebration of his life that will make people smile in remembrance – not cry).

I’m not Catholic myself, so I’m not very familiar with bible passages; does anyone have any suggestions?

Jack James

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This is a quick request! My wife’s uncle died two days ago and his wife asked me to say a few words at the funeral! IT IS TOMORROW 10/05/2004 at 10 AM!!! I have an appropriate poem and plan to celebrate his life. But Pat was a very funny, joking man and it seems inappropriate not to celebrate his life without a slightly humorous anecdote. Is there some small story you can pass on QUICKLY that will lighten the burden of the family with a little levity and still not be disrespectful?

Michael

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My uncle had past away last evening from a long battle with cancer. I am looking for a poem that would honor/describe a man that was very worldly and open to others – at times a collector of many things.

Becky Holder

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My Mum passed away on Wednesday and my sister has asked that I say something. My mind has gone blank!!! I wanted to maybe read a short poem that was apt to my situation. My Mum adopted me when I was 6 months old and brought me into her life. I am so grateful for all she has done and the sacrifices she has made. Can someone help me please as I have to have it ready for this monday!

Chris Reemer

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My father passed away and I am looking for a poem for his funeral. He was a person who could never sit still even after retirement. He was always fixing or building things such as home additions, roofing, painting, etc. right up to the day he died at 71. He worked 5-7 days a week.

Guest

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My 96 year old grandfather passed away last week and I have been asked to read the eulogy and say a few words. I need help. He had a good long life but unfortunately has spent the last few years in a nursing home… I am looking for a poem that somehow says something about a man that has been around for 96 long years and has seen so much technological and cultural change. The funeral is this tuesday

Zaira

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I need a poem/quote/song-clip for my ex-boy-friend’s funeral. Our relationship lasted for almost two years, but I left him because of his growing drug-addiction. We were still very close even after we broke up 6 months ago. He commited suicide the night before last. I need something quick for his funeral this thursday October 14, 2004. I’d appreciate every single idea that any of you may be able to give me. Thank-you.

Amy

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Zaira

You must be devastated. It must be very, very hard for you.

As regards Poems, or readings I have not been able to find anything specifically, but it may be that you could derive a few lines from a song.

I was listening this afternoon to REM “Everybody hurts” It maybe expresses what you would have wanted to say to your friend.

The alternative may be the Eulogy to Lenny Bruce who died of a drugs over dose. You may be able to use the first verse

Kind regards

Jo Carmichael

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My sister passed away some time ago, and we are now having the ashes buried with a small service. I am looking for a poem or reading that is suitable for a young woman age 22, I would like it to be light spirited for a celebration of a life, rather than a remberence of a death. The service is next week and i would appreciate any help you could offer. Thank you

Becky

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Becky

So sorry to hear the sad news about your mum.

If your Mum made a lot of sacrifices, she may well have appreciated a prayer called “Lord of Pots and Pans”

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Jo

Firstly let me express my sadness about the loss of your friend. It is always hard to let a young one go.

This is a poem called “Life” by
Charlotte Bronte .

Life

LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall ?

Rapidly, merrily,
Life’s sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly !

What though Death at times steps in
And calls our Best away ?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O’er hope, a heavy sway ?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair !

Kind regards

Brenna Carlson

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HI there,

I am truly sad at the moment due to the loss of my friend and her sister in a car accident. I am preparing a eulogy for her funeral and need help finding a poem or a quote that would honor both the girls, age 20 and 24.

Thank you.
Brenna

Amy

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Brenna

Sorry to hear about the very sad news. To lose two young girls at the sae time is very sad.

It has been really hard to find a poem that you could use. I have been trawling though old books and scouring the web. This one is a possibility: “Epitaph for a Darling Lady” by Dorothy Parker

Mike D

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My mother has been battling cancer for years now. She is about to lose the battle. I have been asked to give the eulogy. My mother was a woman who sacrificed much to bring up 5 children. She was lucky enough to live long enough to see 7 grandchildren. I am looking for a poem or a bible passage to read that can describe a woman whom everyone considered one of the most kind hearted and selfless people. Thanks for your help. Mike

Sonja O’Hare

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My brother died suddenly and without warning this week. He was only 39. His funeral is next Friday and I want a poem that will celebrate his life and not just mourn his death. We are all trying to make sense of the unimaginable.

Jamie

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My uncle passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. We were close when I was younger, but as I have gotten older and life has gotten busier, I have not been as close to him in recent years. The family has been asked to speak about him if they would like. I would like to say something, however, I do not know how to start. Any suggestions for good opening lines or quotes to begin?

Guest

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My grandmother passed away this Sunday about one month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was the matriarch of the family- always holding everyone together. She was like a second mother to me- we moved across the street from her when I was 3 when she lost her vision. Even though she was blind, she was independent and free-spirited- she loved to cook, dance salsa and sing in the kitchen. Does anyone know any poems that may be fitting? I plan to talk about her life and some memories I have of her but I would like to end with a poem (or begin). I’m totally devastated right now- how ironic that my grandmother won’t live to see me graduate from medical school and that she died of cancer- the field that I plan to pursue.

Dana

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A light from the family is gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in the home
Which never can be filled

We have to mourn the loss of one
We would’ve loved to keep
But God who surely loved her best
Has finally made her sleep

hope it helped

Martha

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This one was by a lady called Emily Dickinson…

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.

We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.

Since then ‘t is centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses’ heads
Were toward eternity

Sue Luckman

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Hi, My father passed away today and I have been asked by his partner of 30 years to read the eulogy. My father and I have not been on the very best of terms throughout our life together, but I knew he loved me, and he knew I loved him. I miss all the things we should have said, but we did get a few precious moments before he passed away, for which I received a fleeting smile…it was all he could manage after defying doctors and working until the last, after a 2 year battle against a ravaging Cancer. Please could you help me find a speech with something about horses, as his love affair with them never died. I don’t know how to go about this, as I don’t want to be too sentimental, as my father wasn’t really a family man. He was intensely private and proud, and somewhat of a loner…but if you were accepted into the inner sanctum, you felt privileged. He worked every day of his life, and enjoyed it until the end. His funeral is next Friday…