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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#InLovingMemory

#FuneralService

#FuneralCelebrant

#MemorialService

#Eulogy

#FinalFarewell

#RememberingYou

#CelebrationOfLife

#MarcLemezma

#PoetryOfGrief

#GriefPoetry

#PoemsOfHealing

#EmotionalHealingPoetry

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.

 

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See the list of other Poems for Funerals