Funeral Poem – Idyll – by Siegfried Sassoon
Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant
Funeral Poem – Idyll – by Siegfried Sassoon
Sassoon is perhaps best known as a war poet. His poems are sometimes difficult reads, because of the brutality of the topic.
This poem, is more gentle and has inspired many readings at funerals.
It counteracts his other work with a message of hope and dreams; there is a glimmer of reconciliation in these words.
Perhaps they can be nought but a dream, only time will tell. Yet the author continues to dream of each new day.
In the grey summer garden I shall find you
With day-break and the morning hills behind you.
There will be rain-wet roses; stir of wings;
And down the wood a thrush that wakes and sings.
Not from the past you’ll come, but from that deep
Where beauty murmurs to the soul asleep:
And I shall know the sense of life re-born
From dreams into the mystery of morn
Where gloom and brightness meet.
And standing there Till that calm song is done,
at last we’ll share The league-spread, quiring symphonies
that are Joy in the world,
and peace, and dawn’s one star.
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.