Title: Humorous Funeral Poem: “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Leak”
Humorous Funeral Poem: “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Leak”
In the funeral world, we do have a sense of humor. For services, sometimes we suggest funny poems that make a difficult moment easier—especially when the person being remembered had a great sense of humor.
Today, I accepted a challenge in my Celebrant community: Write a poem for a plumber.
I used a very famous poem by Mary Frye or Clare Harner as the starting point. I hope you enjoy.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Leak
By Marc Lemezma
Do not stand at my grave and leak
I am here to stop the seep
When your pipes are running slow
I am the one to make them flow
When you have a gurgling drain
I will make it hush again
When you awaken with a broken flush
I am the one who in a rush
Will come to you and put it right.
I’ll even come out late at night
Do not look at my bill and cry.
I fixed your leak, I made it dry!
Analysis
Marc Lemezma’s poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Leak,” is a delightful parody of the well-known funeral poem “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Frye or Clare Harner. Lemezma creatively reimagines the solemn tone of the original into a humorous tribute fit for a plumber.
The playful verses highlight the indispensable role of plumbers in our daily lives, transforming mundane plumbing tasks into acts of heroism. The line “I am here to stop the seep” sets a humorous tone from the beginning, while lines like “When you have a gurgling drain / I will make it hush again” and “When you awaken with a broken flush / I am the one who in a rush” reflect the plumber’s readiness and expertise.
The poem concludes with a lighthearted jab at the cost of plumbing services, bringing a smile to the reader’s face: “Do not look at my bill and cry. / I fixed your leak, I made it dry!”
This affectionate parody is perfect for funerals where a touch of humor is needed, especially when celebrating someone with a great sense of humor and a practical career like plumbing.
#FuneralPoem #HumorousPoem #PlumberPoem #CelebrantLife #ParodyPoem
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.