The Gate of the Year – Funeral Poem by Minnie Haskins Read by Celebrant Marc Lemezma

Queen Elizabeth’s Favourite Poem – The Gate of The Year – By Minnie Haskins

God save the Queen.

As we mourn Her Majesty The Queen – I’d like to share the Queen’s Favourite Poem.

This reading is an excerpt from Minni Haskin’s poem “The Gate of the Year” written in 1908.

It became very popular when King George VI read it in his Christmas address to the British Nation in 1939, just after the commencement of World War II.

It is said the reading was suggested by young Princess Elizabeth and that she still regards the poem as one of her favourites.

the topic is about facing unknown and dark times with courage and strength and reminds us to look to God, or whoever else may comfort us, for guidance on the way.

As much as this was the right poem to strengthen a nation and bring them together at the start of war, it is a poem that can give us hope and enlightenment when facing the loss of a loved one.

God save the King.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and
put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light
and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will is best.
The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.

Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures

Can I share or use this poetry?

All the poems I share on my website or social media are often found in the public domain and are sometimes used at funerals.

Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author.

If you know the author of any I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page.

If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit.

Visit Marc’s Facebook Page

See the list of other Poems for Funerals

Visit Marc’s Facebook Page

See the list of other Poems for Funerals

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me – Funeral Poem by David Romano Read by Marc Lemezma

There is a wide range of emotions and sentiments expressed in funeral poems. This popular poem, “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” by David Romano, encapsulates a broad spectrum of feelings related to loss and remembrance. It speaks directly to the hearts of those grieving, offering a blend of sorrow, love, and comfort.

This poem is much longer than most at three minutes, although it does have much to offer us. Its length allows for a more detailed exploration of the emotions surrounding death and the afterlife, making it a profound and moving piece.

Poem Text

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity,
And all I’ve promised you.”
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day’s the same way
There’s no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn’t do.

But you have been forgiven
And now at last you’re free.
So won’t you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.

Description and Analysis

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” by David Romano is a heartfelt and deeply emotional funeral poem that speaks to the pain of loss and the hope of eternal reunion. The poem is written from the perspective of someone who has passed away, offering words of comfort to those left behind.

Expression of Love and Sorrow:
The poem begins by acknowledging the inevitable tears and sorrow that follow the loss of a loved one. The speaker wishes that their loved ones would not cry, expressing an understanding of the pain but also a desire for them to find comfort. This duality of recognizing sorrow while encouraging strength is a common theme in funeral poetry.

Assurance of Continued Presence:
Romano reassures the bereaved that the love shared remains strong, even in death. The lines “For every time you think of me, / I’m right here, in your heart” emphasize that the departed will always be with them in spirit, providing solace that their bond transcends physical separation.

Imagery of the Afterlife:
The poem vividly describes the afterlife as a place prepared by angels, where the departed is welcomed into heaven. This imagery of an angelic guide and the peaceful depiction of heaven offer comfort to those mourning, suggesting a serene and happy place where their loved one now resides.

Reflections on Life and Regrets:
Romano touches on the natural human regrets and the longing to have done more in life. The lines reflect on the “good ones and the bad” yesterdays and the unfulfilled desires and dreams. This introspective element resonates deeply, as it mirrors the thoughts and regrets of those left behind.

Message of Eternal Love and Forgiveness:
The poem conveys a powerful message of forgiveness and eternal love. The speaker talks about being forgiven for past mistakes and being invited to share eternal life with God. This notion of divine forgiveness and unconditional love provides a comforting resolution, offering peace to the grieving.

Can I Share or Use This Poetry?

The poems I share on my website or social media are original or are regularly used at funerals and are presented to aid those researching poetry for use at their loved one’s funeral service. They provide solace and express emotions that might be hard to articulate during such a difficult time.

Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author. Recognizing the creator’s contribution is essential, and it ensures that their work is appreciated and respected.

If you know the author of any poem I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page. Your input helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of the content shared, honoring the true creators of these heartfelt pieces.

If you choose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit. Acknowledging the poet’s work not only honors their creativity but also allows others to discover and appreciate their poignant words.

Conclusion

“When Tomorrow Starts Without Me,” read by Marc Lemezma, offers a deeply moving and comforting message for those mourning the loss of a loved one. It reassures us that love transcends physical presence and that one day, we will be reunited with those we’ve lost. This poem serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring bond between the departed and those who remain, providing solace and hope amidst the pain of loss. Whether you are seeking words for your own comfort or to share with others, this poem stands as a timeless expression of love, loss, and eternal connection.

Visit Marc’s Facebook Page

See the list of other Poems for Funerals

Crossing the Bar, Funeral and Memorial Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson 

Tennyson’s poetry is sometimes challenging, however this poem about change and transition has always captured my imagination. It tells the story of acceptance of what is to come, and a hope that whatever change occurs does so peacefully and in order. Who is this mysterious pilot the speaker hopes to meet? That will be for you and your spirit to decide.

Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.

Can I share or use this poetry?

The poems I share on my website or social media are original or are regularly used at funerals and are presented to aid those researching poetry for use at their loved one's funeral service..

Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author.

If you know the author of any I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page.

If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit.

Visit Marc’s Facebook Page

See the list of other Poems for Funerals