Crossing the Bar, Funeral and Memorial Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson 

Tennyson’s poetry is sometimes challenging, however this poem about change and transition has always captured my imagination. It tells the story of acceptance of what is to come, and a hope that whatever change occurs does so peacefully and in order. Who is this mysterious pilot the speaker hopes to meet? That will be for you and your spirit to decide.

Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.

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.

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The Day God Called You Home – Anon

This simple and beautiful poem is one that has been requested a number of time recently.

It simply conveys the sadness of loss coupled with the relief the end brings to those who have suffered illness.

I wish I knew who had written this, if you know please let me know so that I might give them credit here.

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God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Anon

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.

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I Carry Your Heart With Me – Poem for Funerals by EE Cummings

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant – Maidstone Kent

Sarah’s Toasty Blessing by Marc Lemezma

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Sarah’s Toasty Blessing – Memorial Poem

Written & Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

Sarah’s Toasty Blessing I recently conducted a Celebration of Life service for a unique lady who was, among many things, a wine expert. I built the service around a vines’ life cycle and the production of wine. We used this specially written blessing rather than a traditional ‘committal’ speech. We, of course, said farewell by toasting her with a perfectly chilled glass of bubbly. Her family have kindly permitted me to share this with you all. Enjoy

Sarah’s Toasty Blessing by Marc Lemezma

May you journey on a path facing southward.

May your vines climb strong toward the Sun.

May all life’s problems drain away through the soil.

May your harvest be second to none.

May you age and be riddled to perfection.

May your bubbles rise strong to the top.

May the cage that holds you soon be loosened.

May your cork fill the room with its pop!

May your glass be full of happiness.

May the company you keep bring you fun.

May your bubbles gush like leaves in the wind.

May they dance like angels on your tongue.

May you drink enough to be merry, yet

May your memories of me remain.

May you find in the fridge one more bottle,

For when we meet here, sometime again

Ciao Bella!

Analysis

“Sarah’s Toasty Blessing” by Marc Lemezma is a delightful and heartwarming poem that celebrates the joys of life through the metaphor of wine and companionship. Each stanza brims with imagery that evokes warmth, happiness, and a sense of community. Let’s delve into the poem’s rich layers.

First Stanza: A Journey Towards Growth and Harvest

The poem opens with a wish for a journey “on a path facing southward,” symbolizing warmth and favorable conditions. The vines climbing strong towards the Sun suggest resilience and the pursuit of success. Life’s problems are envisioned as draining away through the soil, indicating a natural filtration and purification process. The hope for a harvest “second to none” conveys the ultimate wish for abundance and prosperity.

Second Stanza: Maturation and Celebration

In the second stanza, the poem transitions to the aging process, likened to wine maturing to perfection. “Riddled to perfection” refers to the process of turning bottles during fermentation, ensuring the wine develops well. The strong rise of bubbles symbolizes vitality and celebration, while the anticipation of the cork popping adds a sensory excitement, suggesting a release of joy and festivity.

Third Stanza: Enjoyment and Companionship

The third stanza continues with wishes for a life filled with happiness and enjoyable company. The bubbles “gush like leaves in the wind” and “dance like angels on your tongue,” painting a vivid picture of a lively and delightful experience. The poet’s choice of words emphasizes lightness, movement, and joy, reflecting the pleasures of good wine and great company.

Fourth Stanza: Memories and Future Encounters

The final stanza shifts to a more personal tone, with wishes for merriment balanced by lasting memories of shared moments. The hope to “find in the fridge one more bottle” symbolizes the desire for continued celebrations and future reunions. The closing “Ciao Bella!” adds a touch of affection and farewell, leaving the reader with a warm, lingering sentiment.

Conclusion

Marc Lemezma’s “Sarah’s Toasty Blessing” is a beautifully crafted poem that intertwines the themes of growth, celebration, companionship, and cherished memories. Through the metaphor of wine, the poet invites us to savor the moments of joy in life, cherish our relationships, and look forward to future gatherings. This poem serves as a reminder to embrace the present and celebrate the connections that bring meaning to our lives.

This analysis reveals the depth and warmth of Lemezma’s writing, encouraging readers to appreciate the blessings and joys that come with each toast and every shared moment.

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Last Journey – Funeral Poem by Timothy Coote

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant – Maidstone Kent

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