Top 10 Bereavement Poems
With its myriad emotions, grief can be an overwhelming journey, making it difficult to find the right words to express our feelings. Throughout history, poets have turned to their craft to articulate the complex emotions associated with loss.
Bereavement poems serve as beacons of solace, allowing us to navigate the tides of sorrow and find moments of comfort. Here, we present ten powerful bereavement poems, each offering a unique perspective on loss, making them apt choices for funerals and moments of reflection.
1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Clare Harner
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
This universally loved bereavement poem speaks to the enduring spirit, suggesting that our loved ones are still with us in nature and memory. It provides solace by focusing on the continued presence of the departed. A poem suitable for both a funeral and a cremation.
2. "Funeral Blues" by W.H. Auden
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest.
When planning a funeral, choosing the right poem helps to put words to your feelings. Auden’s poem poignantly captures the void a loved one leaves, making it resonate deeply with those experiencing a profound sense of loss.
3. "The Ship" by Bishop Charles Henry Brent
What is dying? I am standing on the seashore.
A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.
Drawing a parallel between death and a ship's journey, this bereavement poem provides a comforting perspective on the continuity of life, making it a soothing choice for funeral readings.
4. "Requiem" by Robert Louis Stevenson
Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Stevenson’s acceptance of mortality and the beauty of resting under the vastness of the sky offers a serene reflection on death. Can be used during a graveside burial to express your feelings about the loss of your loved one.
5. "If I Should Go" by Joyce Grenfell
If I should go before the rest of you,
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.
Grenfell’s poem gently advises the living to carry on and cherish the good memories. This message of moving forward makes it a touching addition to bereavement poems suitable for funerals.
6. "No Night Without" by Helen Steiner Rice
There is no night without a dawning,
No winter without a spring.
With her unparalleled insight into darkness and light, Keller reminds us that even in the face of grief, hope persists. This poem offers hope during moments of deep sorrow.
7. "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that, the dark!
Tennyson’s maritime metaphor offers solace by viewing death as a peaceful transition to another realm, a serene passage.
8. "When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" by David Romano
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see;
When someone dies, the world seems to end, but Romano’s words capture the departed's wishes for the living, emphasising cherished memories and the importance of continuing life with love and strength.
9. "She Is Gone" by David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone,
Or you can smile because she has lived.
Harkins’ poem encourages celebrating a life well-lived, focusing on positive memories and moving forward with gratitude.
10. "They Are Not Dead" by Unknown
They are not dead who live in hearts they leave behind.
Emphasising the eternal life of the departed in the memories and hearts of the living, this poem offers a comforting perspective during bereavement.
Poems, hymns and music can all be part of a funeral service to deal with grief. This poem encapsulates the message that your loved one lives on in you. Ask your funeral director for help if you find it hard to pick out a funeral poem.