Mark this space – funeral poem by Marc Lemezma

 

In this deeply reflective funeral poem, Mark This Place A Sad Funeral Poem for a Forgotten Life, written by Marc Lemezma, we honour a life that has faded into obscurity.

 

With no family left to tell her story, only a couple of acquaintances attend her final farewell. The poem speaks to the sorrow of forgotten memories and the hope that someday, those lost recollections may be regained.

Plant a rose to mark the ground
In this place where I’m to be found
For the path I took to lead me here
Now fading fast, no longer clear

Memories of my journey home
Are lost to time, no longer known
May recollections of a happy past
Stay with those so kind to ask

Who knows what thoughts of me remain?
Thus, should those memories be regained
That yet I might be found again someday
Please, mark this space where I lay

 

 

 

A rose marks the place where she rests, as we remember the quiet, untold stories of those who slip through the cracks.

 

 

 

You’ve Just Walked On Ahead by Joyce Grenfell

 

Introduction

 

Joyce Grenfell was a beloved British actress, comedian, and writer, known for her wit, warmth, and insightful observations on life. Born in 1910, she rose to fame in the 1940s and 50s with her memorable performances on stage and screen. While primarily recognized for her comedic talent, Grenfell also had a deep sensitivity that she expressed through her poetry. One such poem, “You’ve Just Walked On Ahead,” is a poignant reflection on loss, love, and the enduring connection we feel with those who have passed on.

You’ve Just Walked On Ahead by Joyce Grenfell

You’ve Just Walked On Ahead
And I’ve got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.

I try and cope the best I can
But I’m missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.

Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me
Don’t worry I’ll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.

Analysis of the Poem

“You’ve Just Walked On Ahead” is a short yet deeply moving poem that speaks to the experience of losing someone close to you. The language is simple and straightforward, but it carries a profound emotional weight, making it accessible to anyone who has felt the pain of loss.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the inevitable separation that comes with death: “You’ve just walked on ahead / And I’ve got to understand.” This metaphor of walking ahead suggests that the departed has merely gone on a journey, rather than disappearing entirely, which can be a comforting thought for those left behind.

The second stanza captures the deep longing and sorrow that accompanies grief. The speaker expresses a desperate desire to reconnect with the loved one, to “see you / And once more feel your touch.” This universal sentiment resonates with anyone who has yearned for just one more moment with a departed loved one.

The poem concludes on a note of gentle reassurance. While the speaker admits to missing the departed, there is also a sense of peace: “Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me / Don’t worry I’ll be fine.” The most touching line is the final one, where the speaker describes a fleeting, almost mystical experience of feeling the loved one’s presence: “But now and then I swear I feel / Your hand slip into mine.” This line beautifully captures the idea that, even in their absence, those we love remain with us in spirit, offering comfort and guidance.

Biography of Joyce Grenfell

Joyce Grenfell was born in London in 1910 and became one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers. Known for her distinctive voice and comedic talent, she was a regular performer on BBC radio and television. Grenfell’s charm and wit endeared her to audiences, but she was also a talented writer, penning numerous songs, sketches, and poems throughout her career.

Her work often contained a deep understanding of human nature, blending humour with heartfelt emotion. “You’ve Just Walked On Ahead” is a perfect example of her ability to capture the complexities of life and loss in just a few, well-chosen words. Despite her fame as a performer, Grenfell’s poetry reveals a quieter, more introspective side of her personality, offering insights into her thoughts on love, loss, and the enduring bonds that connect us all.

Joyce Grenfell passed away in 1979, but her legacy lives on through her timeless work, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

 

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Why You ?  A Poem on Sudden Loss and Grief

Introduction

This poem. Why You?, resonates with anyone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one. It speaks to the universal feelings of confusion, anger, and profound sadness, while also offering a glimmer of hope as the speaker slowly begins to rebuild their life and come to terms with the loss.

Grief is an intense and personal journey, particularly when it comes as a result of sudden or unexpected loss. The shock can be overwhelming, leaving those left behind grappling with a flood of emotions that are hard to process. Marc Lemezma’s poem, “Why You?” captures this emotional turmoil and traces the path from initial shock and disbelief to the eventual acceptance and the beginning of healing.

Why You? – A Poem by Marc Lemezma

A rude awakening from my dreams,

To this cold, hard now, where silence screams,

I wrestle grief; please show me how

Why you, why me, why us, why now?

My world a broken glass in shards

Tumbling like a house of cards

You were here, then not, out of the blue

Why me, why us, why now, why you?

Search the pieces, none seem to fit

Our past is lost, my future split

I search for hope, I can’t yet see

Why us, why now, Why you, why me?

At last, I dare to welcome hope

As I inch my way on the icy slope

Each careful step rebuilding trust

Why now, why you, why me, why us?

To learn love stays and will never end

And quell my grief, my silent friend

Revealing hope, now I know

For you, For me, For us, I let go!

Analysis of the Poem

This poem begins with a stark confrontation of loss, described as a “rude awakening” from dreams into a harsh reality where “silence screams.” The imagery used throughout the poem reflects the disorienting and shattering nature of sudden grief. The repetitive questioning—“Why you, why me, why us, why now?”—emphasizes the speaker’s disbelief and struggle to comprehend the loss.

The metaphor of a “broken glass in shards” and a “house of cards” tumbling down conveys the fragility of life and the speaker’s world being irreparably altered. The poem effectively portrays the early stages of grief, where nothing seems to make sense, and the future appears bleak and uncertain.

As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from despair to a cautious embrace of hope. The “icy slope” represents the difficulty of moving forward, with each “careful step” symbolizing the slow, deliberate process of healing. The speaker begins to rebuild trust in life, acknowledging that love remains even after the physical presence of the loved one is gone.

The final stanza brings a sense of resolution and peace. The speaker learns to let go of the overwhelming grief, finding solace in the enduring presence of love. The repetition of “For you, For me, For us, I let go!” suggests a release from the paralyzing grip of loss, allowing both the departed and the speaker to find peace.

This poem is a powerful reflection on the transformative nature of grief. It illustrates the journey from shock and despair to acceptance and hope, offering comfort to those who are navigating their own paths through loss.

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Thank You 

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

The poem “Requiem” by Robert Louis Stevenson beautifully encapsulates life as a journey and death as a return home. The serene imagery and profound message remind us to live fully and embrace our final rest with peace and fulfillment. As we reflect on these verses, we find comfort in viewing life’s end as a homecoming. Thus, it serves as an ideal poem for funerals and memorials, offering solace and closure.

“Requiem” begins with the serene image of a wide, starry sky, setting a tranquil tone. Stevenson expresses readiness to embrace death, having lived joyfully and contentedly. He portrays acceptance of mortality not with fear but with fulfillment and peace.

In the second stanza, Stevenson provides an epitaph, a final message for the speaker’s grave. It captures the essence of the speaker’s life and desires. The phrase “Here he lies where he longed to be” suggests the speaker has reached their yearned-for eternal rest. The metaphor of a sailor coming home from the sea and a hunter returning from the hill symbolizes the journey’s end and the return to comfort.

Overall, the poem reflects a harmonious acceptance of life’s end, celebrating the journey rather than mourning its conclusion. It speaks to the universal desire for peace and rest after a life well-lived, making it a deeply moving and relatable piece for funeral and memorial services.

Introduction to Requiem by Robert Louis Stevenson

Today, we delve into a poignant and evocative funeral poem by Robert Louis Stevenson that captures the essence of life, death, and the fulfillment of one’s journey. This classic piece resonates deeply with those who have faced the highs and lows of existence and have found peace in the end. Join us as we explore the beautiful words and profound meaning behind Stevenson’s timeless poem, perfect for memorial and funeral services.

Under the wide and starry sky,

Dig the grave and let me lie.

Glad did I live and gladly die,

And I laid me down with a will

This be the verse you grave for me:

Here he lies where he longed to be;

Home is the sailor, home from sea,

And the hunter home from the hill.

Analysis of the Poem:

The poem “Requiem” begins with a serene image of a wide and starry sky, setting a tranquil tone. Stevenson expresses a readiness to embrace death, having lived a joyful and contented life. He portrays acceptance of mortality not with fear but with fulfillment and peace.

In the second stanza, Stevenson provides an epitaph, a final message for the speaker’s grave. It captures the essence of the speaker’s life and desires. The phrase “Here he lies where he longed to be” suggests the speaker has reached their yearned-for eternal rest. The metaphor of a sailor coming home from the sea and a hunter returning from the hill symbolizes the journey’s end and the return to comfort.

Overall, the poem reflects a harmonious acceptance of life’s end, celebrating the journey rather than mourning its conclusion. It speaks to the universal desire for peace and rest after a life well-lived. This makes it a deeply moving and relatable piece for funeral and memorial services.

Conclusion:

This poem beautifully encapsulates the idea of life as a journey and death as a return home. The serene imagery and profound message remind us of the importance of living fully and embracing our final rest with a sense of peace and fulfillment. As we reflect on these verses, may we find comfort in the thought that life’s end is not to be feared but welcomed as a homecoming. This makes it an ideal poem for funerals and memorials, offering solace and a sense of closure.

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

Introduction:

Welcome to this special edition of our poetry exploration series. Today, we delve into a poignant and evocative funeral poem Music When Soft Voices Die by Percy Bysshe Shelley. These two short verses captures the essence of love, memory, and the enduring nature of beauty. This classic piece resonates deeply with those who have faced loss and the passage of time. 

Music, when soft voices die,

Vibrates in the memory—

Odours, when sweet violets sicken,

Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,

Are heaped for the beloved’s bed;

And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,

Love itself shall slumber on.

Analysis of the Poem:

The poem, begins with the comforting thought that beautiful experiences, like music and sweet scents, leave a lasting impression. Shelley uses the metaphor of music continuing to vibrate in memory after the voices have stopped. This suggesting that the impact of beauty and love remains long after the moment has passed.

In the second stanza, Shelley deepens this theme with the imagery of rose leaves that remain after the rose has died. This symbolises how the essence of a person, their thoughts and love, continues to exist. The line “thy thoughts, when thou art gone, Love itself shall slumber on” emphasises that the love and memories of the departed endure.

For a funeral or memorial setting, this poem provides a message of hope and reassurance. It speaks to the enduring impact of the loved one’s life, suggesting that their spirit and love will continue to provide comfort. The serene and reflective tone of the poem can offer solace to mourners, reminding them that their loved one’s essence remains alive in their hearts and memories.

Overall, the poem reflects the enduring nature of beauty, love, and memory, making it a deeply moving and appropriate piece for funeral and memorial services. It offers comfort in knowing that while the physical presence may be gone, the impact and love of the departed will forever be felt.

Conclusion:

This poem beautifully encapsulates the idea of enduring love and memory. The serene imagery and profound message remind us of the importance of cherishing the moments we have. As we reflect on these verses, may we find comfort in the thought that our loved ones live on in our memories. This makes it an ideal poem for funerals and memorials, offering solace and a sense of continuity.

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

Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” succinctly captures the transient beauty of life and nature. The poem opens with the assertion that nature’s “first green is gold,” suggesting that the initial stages of life are precious and fleeting. This golden hue is “Her hardest hue to hold,” emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining this pristine state.

The metaphor of the “early leaf” being a flower for “only so an hour” further illustrates the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. As the leaf inevitably subsides to its more ordinary form, Frost draws a parallel to the Biblical fall from Eden, symbolizing the loss of innocence and paradise.

The final lines, “So dawn goes down to day. / Nothing gold can stay,” reinforce the theme of inevitable change and loss. Dawn, like youth and beauty, is brief and must give way to the full light of day. Through this poem, Frost poignantly reminds us that all good things are temporary, and nothing precious can last forever.

Conclusion

“Nothing Gold Can Stay” is a timeless reminder of the impermanence of life and the beauty found in its fleeting moments. Robert Frost’s ability to encapsulate such profound themes in a brief poem is a testament to his skill as a poet and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Tags:

#RobertFrost #PoetryAnalysis #NothingGoldCanStay #EphemeralLife #NaturePoetry #Literature #PoetryLovers #LifeAndDeath

Nothing Gold Can Stay – A Funeral Poem by Robert Frost

 

Introduction

In this blog post, we explore Robert Frost’s poignant poem, “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” Written in 1923, this brief yet profound piece reflects on the fleeting nature of life, comparing it to the cycles of nature and the passage of time. Frost masterfully captures the essence of ephemerality through vivid imagery and poignant metaphors. Join us as we delve into the poem’s meaning, its reflection on the human condition, and its lasting impact on literature.

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

---

Analysis of the Poem

Analyzing “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost for a funeral context can bring out the poem’s themes of impermanence and the preciousness of life’s fleeting moments. Here’s a more specific analysis tailored for a funeral setting:

1. “Nature’s first green is gold,”

• The line can be seen as a metaphor for the early stages of life. Just as the first green of nature is precious and golden, the beginning of a person’s life is filled with unique beauty and promise.

2. “Her hardest hue to hold.”

• This reflects the difficulty in holding on to the early, beautiful moments of life. It suggests that these precious times are ephemeral and challenging to maintain, much like the person we have lost.

3. “Her early leaf’s a flower;”

• The early leaves being compared to flowers symbolize the prime of life, when the person was in full bloom, embodying beauty, vitality, and potential.

4. “But only so an hour.”

• This line poignantly acknowledges that this prime time, like all beautiful moments, is transient. It underscores the brevity of life’s most beautiful phases.

5. “Then leaf subsides to leaf.”

• This suggests a transition from the extraordinary back to the ordinary, symbolizing the natural progression of life and the return to the cycle of nature.

6. “So Eden sank to grief,”

• This biblical allusion to the fall of Eden reflects the profound sense of loss and sorrow we feel at the passing of a loved one. It conveys the idea that even the most beautiful and perfect things must come to an end.

7. “So dawn goes down to day.”

• The metaphor of dawn turning into day illustrates the inevitable passage of time. The radiant, golden moments of dawn give way to the regularity of day, just as our cherished moments transition into memories.

8. “Nothing gold can stay.”

• The final line encapsulates the central theme of the poem: the inevitability of change and the transient nature of all that is precious. At a funeral, it serves as a poignant reminder that while life’s golden moments cannot last forever, their beauty and value are not diminished by their impermanence.

In a funeral context, this poem beautifully encapsulates the essence of celebrating a life well-lived while mourning its inevitable end. It reminds us to cherish the golden moments and to find comfort in the natural cycles of life and death.

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