10 Uplifting Funeral Poems
Funeral poems can be inspirational, uplifting or even comforting for close family and friends, helping to celebrate a loved one’s life and all they achieved. Whether classic or contemporary, such as poets like Rupi Kaur, funeral poems can bring a unique voice to the occasion.
Choosing a poem for your own service or for a departed loved one can offer a poignant moment in the eulogy for those in attendance to reflect, finding meaning in the words chosen.
Why choose uplifting poems for a funeral
A loved one reading a poem dedicated to the deceased can be a truly powerful way to say goodbye to a loved one. Alternatively, the celebrant can read the poem.
Uplifting or inspirational funeral poems, whether for a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend, can offer comfort and a moment of connection during a difficult time.
In some cases, uplifting poems with elements of humour can provide a light-hearted reprieve, offering a different perspective while honouring the occasion.
The flow or rhythm of a poem can also help to offer calm during an occasion which can be stressful and upsetting. Some poems are religious, but many opt for uplifting non-religious funeral poems dedicated to their loved ones.
What is the ideal length for uplifting funeral poems?
While family members may consider picking a short uplifting funeral poem as part of the eulogy, shorter options may not seem worthy enough of dedicating to someone who meant so much.
The length of a poem can vary widely, and the choice often depends on how well it reflects the personality or story of the loved one being remembered. Shorter poems can be poignant, while longer pieces might provide a more detailed tribute.
10 uplifting poems for a funeral
Here are 10 uplifting and inspirational funeral poems to consider, each offering a unique perspective on life and remembrance.
’Funeral’ by Rupi Kaur
when i go from this place dress the porch with garlands as you would for a wedding my dear pull the people from their homes and dance in the streets when death arrives like a bride at the aisle send me off in my brightest clothing serve ice cream with rose petals to our guests there’s no reason to cry my dear i have waited my whole life for such a beauty to take my breath away when i go let it be a celebration for i have been here i have lived i have won at this game called life
’When Great Trees Fall’ by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety.
When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die, the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile. We breathe, briefly. Our eyes, briefly, see with a hurtful clarity. Our memory, suddenly sharpened, examines, gnaws on kind words unsaid, promised walks never taken.
Great souls die and our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us. Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened. Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away. We are not so much maddened as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves.
And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.
’Pardon Me For Not Getting Up’ by Kelly Roper
Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now, I must have given up the ghost. I hope you can forgive me for being Such a stiff and unwelcoming host. Just talk amongst yourself my friends, And share a toast or two. For I am sure you will remember well How I loved to drink with you. Don’t worry about mourning me, I was never easy to offend. Feel free to share a story at my expense And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.
’Warm Summer Sun’ by Mark Twain
Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here, Warm southern wind, Blow softly here. Green sod above, Lie light, lie light. Good night, dear heart, Good night, good night.
’Music’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music, when soft voices die, Vibrates in the memory— Odours, when sweet violets sicken, Live within the sense they quicken. Rose leaves, when the rose is dead, Are heaped for the belovèd's bed; And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone, Love itself shall slumber on.
’Sunflowers’ by Rupi Kaur
despite knowing they won’t be here long they still choose to live their brightest lives
’Farewell My Friends’ by Rabindranath Tagore
Farewell My Friends It was beautiful As long as it lasted The journey of my life. I have no regrets Whatsoever said The pain I’ll leave behind. Those dear hearts Who love and care... And the strings pulling At the heart and soul... The strong arms That held me up When my own strength Let me down. At the turning of my life I came across Good friends, Friends who stood by me Even when time raced me by. Farewell, farewell My friends I smile and Bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears For I need them not All I need is your smile. If you feel sad Do think of me For that’s what I’ll like When you live in the hearts Of those you love Remember then You never die.
’A Thought upon Death’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald
'Tis vain, my Soul, 'tis impious all, The Human Lot to mourn, That Life so soon must fleet away, And Dust to Dust return.
Alas! from Death the Terrors fly, When once 'tis understood; 'Tis Nature's Call, 'tis God's Decree, And is, and must be good.
Wearied his Limbs with honest Toil, And void of Cares his Breast, See how the lab'ring Hind sinks down Each Night to wholsom Rest.
No nauseous Fumes perplex his Sleep, No guilty Starts surprise; The Visions that his Fancy forms, All free and chearful rise.
So thou, nor led by Lusts astray, Nor gall'd with anxious Strife, With virtuous Industry fulfil The plain Intent of Life,
Pass calmly thy appointed Day, And usefully employ, And then thou'rt sure, whate'er succeed Is Rest, and Peace, and Joy.
’Afterglow’ by Helen Lowrie Marshall
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
’The Life That I Have’ by Leo Marks
The life that I have Is all that I have And the life that I have Is yours.
The love that I have Of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have A rest I shall have Yet death will be but a pause.
For the peace of my years In the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours.
How to choose the right uplifting funeral poem
Choosing poems about celebrating life can be a beautiful way to honour a loved one, reflecting their achievements, personality, or favourite poets and authors.
Including close friends and family in the selection process can help ensure the chosen poem reflects the essence of the departed and resonates with everyone attending.
Symbolism and metaphors can help to represent meaningful parts of the deceased, so using poetry that mentions flowers or the ocean if they loved those things can have extra meaning.
Got questions? Talk to us!
If you have any questions or would like guidance on planning a meaningful service, our team of friendly UK-based advisers are here to help.
