Last Journey – Funeral Poem by Timothy Coote
Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant – Maidstone Kent
We are all familiar with the idea that life is a journey. This poem cleverly uses the analogy of a train ride to symbolise both the idea of death being the final leg of our travels, with the concept that life has a natural order, and that we must accept that some of us will depart sooner than others.
It is a perfect choice for the funeral of railway enthusiasts; I read it just last week at the funeral of a retired railway engineer.
Enjoy, feel free to share and always credit the author!
There is a train at the station With a seat reserved just for me
I’m excited about its destination As I’ve heard it sets you free
The trials and tribulations The pain and stress we breathe
Don’t exist where I am going Only happiness I believe
I hope that you will be there To wish me on my way
It’s not a journey you can join in It’s not your time today
There’ll be many destinations Some are happy, some are sad
Each one a brief reminder Of the great times that we’ve had
Many friends I know are waiting Who took an earlier train
To greet and reassure me That nothing has really changed
We’ll take the time together To catch up on the past
To build a new beginning One that will always last
One day you’ll take your journey On the train just like me
And I promise that I’ll be there At the station and you will see
That life is just a journey Enriched by those you meet
No-one can take that from you It’s always yours to keep
But now as no seat is vacant You will have to muddle through
Make sure you fulfil your ambitions As you know I’ll be watching you
And if there’s an occasion To mention who you knew
Speak kindly of that person As one day it will be you
Now I can’t except this ending And as it’s time for me to leave
Please make haste to the reception To enjoy my drinks, they’re free!