Funeral Poem for a Child – Angel by Christelle Dardagos

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

Funeral Poem for a Child – Angel by Christelle Dardagos

The most difficult of funerals are those for children. In the last year I lost my own son, although he was 27 he was still our baby and the pain was intense.

Losing a younger child or baby will of course be unimaginably painful.

This beautiful poem succinctly and subtly says so much about such a situation. It could be used for a boy or a girl, or even in the right place for an adult.

Tear drops, slow and steady,

The pain so real and true,

God took another angel,

And that angel, dear, was you.

Angel wings, upon the clouds,

Your body softly sleeps,

Hush now little angel,

No more tears you have to weep.

Little prayers are sent to you,

The short life you led;

Your family will never forget you,

So rest your little head.

I know God will look after you,

Now you are truly alive,

Your spirit soars beyond the moon,

Your legacy will survive.

You’re beautiful, you’re endless,

Now stretch your wings and fly,

You’re loved by so many,

It will never be goodbye.

Close your pretty eyes,

No more tears, just go and rest,

Let your soul lie peacefully,

We know you did your best.

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.

Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

With this poem, there appears to be a little confusion over the authorship, if you feel I have it listed incorrectly, let me know and I will amend.

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Funeral Poem – If I Should Go/By Herself & All Her Friends – By Joyce Grenfell

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

Joyce Grenfell is recognised and remembered for her comedy genius, both as a writer and performer.

This meaningful and touchingly funny poem sums up in a few seconds the same message others take minutes to explore and explain.

Genius!

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 as well.

Poetry is written to be shared, read and heard. 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. Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

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Funeral Poem – A Song of Life – By Amelia Josephine Burr

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

This beautiful poem is a message to all of us who remain. We must make the most of our lives, enjoy the thrills, work hard, love and be part of the bigger picture. When we can say we’ve done that, our passing will be simpler to understand and accept.

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 cheek 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 give a share of my soul to the world where my course is run.
I know that another shall finish the task I 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.

Poetry is written to be shared, read and heard. 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. Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

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See the list of other Poems for Funerals

Funeral Poem – Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep by Mary Frye

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

At first glance you might think this poem is about denial; not accepting the death of a loved one.

I see it differently. It is about acceptance. The author reminds us that we can take solace in the beauty that surrounds us. But first we must acknowledge the loss.

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.

Poetry is written to be shared, read and heard. 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. Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

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See the list of other Poems for Funerals

Stop All The Clocks – Funeral Blues – Funeral Poem by W.H.Auden

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

This poem is as fascinating as it is deceptive. It may seem familiar to you because it was used in the movie “Four Weddings and a Funeral”.

The opening lines fool you into thinking this may be a funny or humorous piece. However, line by line, the author’s anger, grief, and desolation become ever more apparent.

Published by W.H.Auden in 1938, it was initially part of a play and was considerably longer. It deftly explores the anger and resentment the author feels towards the rest of the world. Whilst they go about their business, as usual, he is bereft.

This new shortened version is sometimes spoken at funerals, especially by or on behalf of the deceased’s partner.

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 crepe 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.

Poetry is written to be shared, read and heard. 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. Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

Visit Marc’s Facebook Page

See the list of other Poems for Funerals