Reciting a poem can be a lovely way to pay tribute to someone at his or her funeral. Try to choose a reading that your loved one would have appreciated, but keep in mind that funeral tribute poems are just as much for everyone attending the service as they are for the deceased.
Examples of Different Funeral Tribute Poems
Here are a few examples of different style poems you may want to consider. Each one sets a slightly different tone for the gathering.
Poetic Tributes for Remembrance
The most popular of funeral tributes, these poems will help you remember the good times you had with the deceased and the difference he or she made in people's lives. A remembrance poem focuses on your loved one's positive traits and uplifts the mourners' hearts.
When You Remember
By Kelly Roper
I hope that when you remember Lee,
You don't think of her this way.
Instead, remember the good times you had,
Or the funny things she'd say.
Remember her in springtime.
How she loved the fragrant breeze.
Remember her in summer,
As the sunshine kissed her cheeks.
Remember her in autumn,
How she loved the turning leaves.
Remember her in winter
Watching snowflakes drift in the breeze.
But although Lee surely loved these things,
Remember, she loved you all more,
And don't lose heart because we'll see her again,
When we all reach that distant shore.
Encouragement
This kind of poem offers mourners the encouragement to move on with life while carrying memories of their loved one with them. An encouraging poem can help people struggling with the death by reminding them that letting go doesn't mean forgetting, and there's hope of being reunited in the next life.
I'll Be Waiting for You
By Kelly Roper
Although your heart may be broken,
There's no need to weep for me.
I'm in a wonderful place now,
Where I'm happy and so carefree.
I had to go, but I've left behind
Good memories to comfort you.
Concentrate on the best times we had,
And try not to feel so blue.
For one day we'll be together again,
To laugh and sing and play.
You'll be so glad to see me again,
It will seem I was gone just one day.
So try to lift up your heads now,
And dare to set grief aside,
Because I'll be waiting here for you,
To welcome you to the other side.
Funny Funeral Poem
You wouldn't think that someone would want to have a humorous poem at a funeral, but this just might be the perfect send-off for someone who loved to amuse others. It may actually fit the deceased's character better than a sad and serious poem.
Pardon Me for Not Getting Up
By Kelly Roper
Oh dear, if you're reading this right now,
I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host.
Just talk amongst yourself my friends,
And share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you.
Don't worry about mourning me,
I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we'll have a good laugh at the end.
Poems About Mourning
A mourning poem is designed to help everyone share in grieving. It comforts people because it shows them that they are not alone in feeling sad, lonely, and lost without their loved one.
Not Ready to Let You Go
By Kelly Roper
I wish that I could tell you
I'm not ready to let you go.
But you've already departed,
And my heart is feeling so low.
I miss that little twinkle
That used to light up your eyes.
And I miss the sound of your voice,
Your laughter and your sighs.
But most of all I miss
The way you made me feel,
Like nothing could ever harm me because
Your love was so strong and real.
There are others here who miss you,
And they've gathered here today.
Your life touched so many people,
Who became your friends along the way.
They want you to know they love you, too.
And they're filled with sadness and grief.
No one really wants to say goodbye,
So we'll just wish you eternal peace.
Poem for a Funeral Program
Poetic tributes made for funeral programs either speak to the personality of the deceased or serve as a general description of how attendees are feeling.
One Last Goodbye
By Michele Meleen
Thank you for coming,
I'm so glad you're here.
We've got one last goodbye
for me and those I hold dear.
You might find it hard, unfair, or sad,
but I see it as the chance
to reminisce about what we've had.
It's not the end when we die,
but one last chance to say goodbye.
More Funeral Poems and Tributes
Poems written for funeral programs, obituaries, memorial services, and graveside services can all be used for any event related to the death of a loved one.
- If you've lost a parent, poems for dads, memorial poetry for fathers, or funeral verses written for mothers capture those specific feelings.
- If you've lost another close relative, for example, you want to pay tribute to your grandfather who passed away, there are poems specifically for other family members.
- When your loss is specific to an uncommon situation like the death of a classmate or even the loss of a young child, poems written for those instances feel most appropriate.
- Poems about sadness and soulful verses about grief offer everyone a chance to mourn together.
- If you're looking for something short, obituary poems often fit the bill because they are restrained by word count limitations.
- When you're not sure what kind of poem to choose, a popular funeral poem or famous poem about death is always appropriate.
Choosing the Right Funeral Poem
Even if you're in charge of the funeral arrangements, don't feel like you have to choose a poem by yourself. Pick out two or three, share them with a few people who were as close to the deceased as you were, and let them help you choose the one that strikes the perfect note. Remember to include the poem on the funeral program so other mourners can treasure it as a keepsake.
