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Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
If you’re here, it probably means you’re looking for the perfect words to say goodbye to someone special. And that’s easier said than done…finding the right words is difficult when goodbye feels impossible. When we lose someone we love, grief can leave us feeling lost for words. How do you sum up a lifetime of love, memories, and laughter in just a few lines?
That’s why poetry has always been an integral part of funerals in the UK. A good poem can say what we struggle to express, offering comfort, honouring a life, and bringing a sense of peace. Whether you want something deeply moving, uplifting, or even a little hopeful, there are many poems that can help capture what’s in your heart.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful funeral poems, from famous verses to personal tributes, and how to choose the right one for your loved one’s goodbye.
Key takeaways:
Whether spoken during a eulogy at a cremation ceremony, printed in an order of service, or shared in a quiet moment of reflection, poetry in British funeral tradition has the unique ability to capture love, loss, and the memories that remain.
Poetry has a way of reaching straight into the heart. At funerals, it helps us:
Finding the perfect poem depends on:
Some funeral poems have stood the test of time, and for good reason.They’ve been read at thousands of services because they offer timeless words of comfort. Here are a few favourites:
“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”
This poem is often chosen for funerals because of its comforting message about love and presence beyond death.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
This line beautifully expresses the idea that our loved ones remain with us in the world around us.
“Funeral Blues”
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest.
This powerful line captures the sense of loss and longing after losing someone dearly loved.
“Remember Me”
This poem expresses a gentle request to be remembered with love, while also acknowledging that life must go on. The comforting tone reassures mourners that it’s okay to move forward, even while holding onto memories.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land.
Not every poem about loss has to be heavy with sorrow. Some bring a sense of peace and warmth, reminding us that love never truly fades.
A short, uplifting poem might be ideal for an attended intimate funeral service, memorial card, or eulogy. Here are a few examples:
“She Is Gone”
This poem reminds us that instead of solely focusing on loss, we can choose to celebrate a loved one’s life and cherish the happy memories they left behind.
You can shed tears that she is gone,
Or you can smile because she has lived.
“When I Am Gone”
When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
This poem encourages loved ones to let go of sorrow and embrace life, reassuring them that death is not the end. It carries a message of peace, acceptance, and the continuation of the soul’s journey, making it a comforting choice for a funeral.
“Let Me Go”
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know.
The poem reassures mourners that their loved one wouldn’t want them to dwell in sorrow, but rather find comfort in the company of friends and continue living.
For those who find faith to be a source of comfort, religious poems and scripture-based verses can bring a sense of tranquility. A few beloved choices:
Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd…”
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and comforting passages in the Bible. It speaks of God’s guidance, protection, and the promise of eternal peace, offering reassurance that the person who has died is now in God’s care and that their loved ones are not alone in their grief.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
“Safely Home”
This poem paints a picture of heaven as a place of satisfaction and joy, reassuring attendees that their loved one is safe and free from suffering. It brings solace by shifting the focus from loss to the hope of reunion one day.
I am home in heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
“Footprints in the Sand”
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.
This piece is deeply comforting because it reminds us that in our hardest moments, God is carrying us. It’s often chosen for funerals because it speaks to those who are grieving, assuring them that even in their despair, they are not alone.
Some poems speak universally to grief and remembrance. They are simple but powerful, and they continue to bring hope:
If I should go before the rest of you,
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.– “If I Should go”
I am I, and you are you,
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.–“Death Is Nothing at All”
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!–“Crossing the Bar”
These poems remind us that death is not an end but instead a transition, and that our loved ones remain with us in spirit.
Many praised poets have written about loss, love, and memory. Their words help capture emotions in ways we sometimes struggle to. A few examples include:
All of these poems share a thoughtful, philosophical perspective on death, offering a sense of reflection rather than pure sadness. They challenge the fear of death, and each poem presents it as something natural, inevitable, or even powerless, rather than something to be feared.
In these poems, they use metaphor to explore mortality. Death is personified as a carriage driver (Dickinson), the fading of beauty (Frost), and an enemy that ultimately loses (Donne). They suggest continuity beyond death. Whether through memory, nature, or spirituality, these poems imply that it is not an absolute end.These qualities make them powerful choices for funerals, as they encourage a sense of strength, acceptance, and even defiance against grief.
If you prefer something more recent, many modern poets have written about grief and loss in fresh, personal ways:
“Afterglow” shifts the focus from loss to gratitude, encouraging loved ones to remember the joy and love shared rather than dwelling on sorrow. It reflects modern values of celebrating life rather than mourning death.
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.
“The Dash” is reflective of modern life, encouraging people to think about how they spend their time between birth and death, symbolised by “the dash” on a gravestone. It aligns with today’s focus on personal legacy and making the most of life.
For that dash represents all the time
They spent alive on earth.
“Gone From My Sight” uses the metaphor of a ship disappearing beyond the horizon, presenting death as a peaceful transition rather than a final ending. It aligns with contemporary spiritual perspectives that emphasise continuity, presence, and comfort, rather than fear of the unknown.
She is just as large as when I saw her.
And just as able to bear her load of living freight.
Their timeless yet fresh approach makes them especially comforting for contemporary memorial services or celebrations of life.
Sometimes, you need a poem that speaks to a specific relationship…the bond between a parent and child, the love shared with a partner, or the lifelong friendship that shaped your world.
The death of a parent or grandparent can feel like a very profound loss. These poems honour their love and legacy:
These poems are beautiful selections for honouring a parent or grandparent because they focus on the lasting impact of their presence.
“A Life Well Lived” celebrates a long, meaningful life and encourages mourners to focus on the joy, wisdom, and love their parent or grandparent shared. It’s a comforting tribute that speaks to a life full of purpose.
“Only One Mother” is a heartfelt poem expressing deep gratitude for a mother’s unconditional love. It’s a touching way to reflect on the often unique, irreplaceable role a mother plays in shaping a family.
“You’ve Just Walked On Ahead of Me” reassures that a loved one’s journey is not an end, but a step ahead, offering hope that they are still watching over us. Its gentle and reassuring tone makes it a soothing choice for remembering a parent or grandparent.
Saying goodbye to a life partner can feel earth-shattering. These poems capture love, devotion, and remembrance:
“I Carry Your Heart”
This poem is a beautiful expression of unbreakable love. It speaks to the idea that even in death, the love shared with someone remains woven into our hearts forever. Its lyrical style and powerful simplicity make it a touching choice for remembering a spouse, partner, or cherished loved one.
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
“A Silent Tear”
This poem reflects on grief and enduring love, encapsulating the idea that even as life moves forward, those we love remain in our hearts. It acknowledges the pain of loss but also the quiet moments of reflection and love that continue long after someone has died. It’s gentle and reassuring, making it a comforting tribute for any loved one.
Each night I shed a silent tear,
As I speak to you in prayer.
“If I Had My Life to Live Over”
This poem is a reflection on embracing life fully, with fewer regrets and more moments of joy. It’s a reminder to live in the present and appreciate the little things, making it a wonderful dedication to someone who lived life boldly and fully. It can be an uplifting choice, encouraging mourners to carry on with appreciation for the time they had with their loved one.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
Funeral poems for friends & siblings
Losing a friend or sibling can create a specific kind of emptiness: one that comes from missing the person who truly knew you, shared your history, and walked alongside you through life’s ups and downs. A sibling is often a lifelong companion, and a close friend can feel like family in every way that matters. Their absence leaves a gap that no one else can quite fill.
The right poem can capture the depth and magnitude of this relationship, offering words of love and gratitude for the time you had together. Whether it’s a tribute to the laughter, memories, and shared experiences or a reflection on the unbreakable connection that remains even after loss, these poems help express the emotions that can be hard to put into words:
Some particularly powerful excerpts from each of these poems include:
Don’t think of him as gone away,
his journey’s just begun.–“His Journey’s Just Begun”
A friendship shared, a laugh, a tear,
A bond that stays throughout the years.–“My Best Friend”
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?–“Not, How Did He Die?”
Personalised & custom funeral poems
A personalised or custom funeral poem is a one written with a specific person in mind. Instead of choosing a well-known poem, a tailored piece is intended to capture the personality of the person who has died, memories, and the special bond they shared with family and friends.
If you’d like to write your own poem, start by thinking about:
It doesn’t have to rhyme or be perfect, as long as it comes from the heart.
Some people adapt well-known poems by adding personal details like a favourite nickname, memory, or inside joke to make it feel more personal and meaningful. If it feels like too much to write something from scratch but you still want it to feel uniquely meaningful, this might be a great option for you.
Not every service takes place in the conventional way. Direct cremations, which take place without traditional elements such as a hearse and pallbearers, allow families the freedom to honour their loved one in their own way, in their own time. While some direct cremation services do offer space and time for an attended funeral, many don’t follow a formal structure, and families may choose to hold a small, private gathering that feels more intimate and personal. In these instances, poetry can play an important role in remembering a person who has died.
No matter where or how a more private funeral takes place, poetry has the power to bring comfort, meaning, and connection, making even the simplest goodbye feel profound.
When it comes to your funeral, leaving behind clear wishes can be a great relief to your loved ones. If there’s a poem that speaks to you—one that captures your outlook on life, your beliefs, or the message you want to leave behind—you may want to write it down as part of your funeral preferences.
By comparing funeral plans and choosing to plan ahead, you can make sure that your funeral reflects who you really are.
At Aura, we understand that funerals should be personal, meaningful, and affordable. Our attended direct cremation or unattended direct cremation plans allow you to make your wishes clear while sparing your family the financial and emotional pressures of planning everything themselves.
Our all-inclusive funeral plans cover all essential services with no hidden costs, ensuring your loved ones won’t face unexpected expenses later. For those who prefer a simple, no-fuss funeral, our plans provide a dignified, safe, low-cost alternative to a traditional funeral, giving families the freedom to say goodbye in their own way.
When the time comes, your representative will be guided through the process by our compassionate and professional team of Aura Angels, making sure everything goes ahead seamlessly.
Public speaking at a funeral can feel difficult, so keep in mind:
Short funeral poems can also be printed in:
This way, everyone can hold onto the words and reflect on them later.
Whether you choose a classic poem, a modern piece, or even write your own, the most important thing is that it feels right to you and your loved ones.
If you’re looking ahead and you’d like some say over what happens at your funeral, a prepaid funeral plan can ensure your wishes are followed while easing the worry on your loved ones. Aura’s plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and funds are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), so you can trust that your money is safe. Whether you want a simple direct cremation or a personalised farewell, planning ahead gives you control and reassurance. Get in touch with us today or download our free brochure to learn more about how we can help.
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