The Gate of the Year – Funeral Poem by Minnie Haskins Read by Celebrant Marc Lemezma
Queen Elizabeth’s Favourite Poem – The Gate of The Year – By Minnie Haskins
God save the Queen.
As we mourn Her Majesty The Queen – I’d like to share the Queen’s Favourite Poem.
This reading is an excerpt from Minni Haskin’s poem “The Gate of the Year” written in 1908.
It became very popular when King George VI read it in his Christmas address to the British Nation in 1939, just after the commencement of World War II.
It is said the reading was suggested by young Princess Elizabeth and that she still regards the poem as one of her favourites.
the topic is about facing unknown and dark times with courage and strength and reminds us to look to God, or whoever else may comfort us, for guidance on the way.
As much as this was the right poem to strengthen a nation and bring them together at the start of war, it is a poem that can give us hope and enlightenment when facing the loss of a loved one.
God save the King.
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and
put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light
and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.
God knows. His will is best.
The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.
Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Can I share or use this poetry?
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.