Top 10 Poems for a Sister's Funeral

The loss of a sister is a profound event that leaves an indelible mark on the fabric of a family. When someone dies, particularly someone as close as a sister, the need to express the depth of our grief and the breadth of our love becomes paramount. 

Poems can capture the essence of the relationship, the pain of loss, and the beauty of shared memories in ways that ordinary words cannot. A poem for a sister's funeral can be a touching tribute to her life and the bond you shared.

 Here are ten funeral poems that offer solace, and honour the memory of a beloved sister, each suitable for reading by a funeral director, sharing at a wake, or as a personal reflection.

1. "Remember" by Christina Rossetti

"Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land."

Rossetti's tender plea for remembrance is fitting for a sister's funeral, capturing the desire to be kept alive in the hearts of loved ones.

2. "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron

"She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies."

Byron's famous lines celebrate a woman's ethereal and enduring beauty, making it a poignant ode for a sister whose grace and love touched many.

3. "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 poem is a comforting assertion that the departed are not truly gone but continue to exist in another form, offering solace at a wake.

4. "To My Sister" by William Wordsworth

"It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before."

Wordsworth's celebration of nature and sisterhood is a gentle reminder of the shared moments that define a sibling relationship.

5. "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."

Marshall's hopeful wish for a legacy of happiness is a heartwarming way to remember a sister who brought joy and laughter.

6. "The Sister" by Ada Cambridge

"We shared the same cradle, the same lullaby,

The same nurse's arm bore us home from the sky."

Cambridge's poem speaks to the shared beginnings and deep connection unique to sisters, echoing the lifelong bond.

7. "My Sister, My Friend" by Leann Stiegman

"To share my dreams, my laughs, my tears,

You've given me a special place."

Stiegman's lines are a testament to a sister's role as a confidant and cherished friend, a suitable homage for a sister's funeral.

8. "Miss Me But Let Me Go" by Christina Georgina Rossetti

"When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me."

Rossetti's poem is a request for those left behind to find the strength to let go and continue on with their lives, resonating with the message of hope and release.

9. "Legacy of Love" by Anonymous

"A wife, a mother, a grandma too,

This is the legacy we have from you."

While this poem typically addresses multiple roles, its sentiment can be tailored to a sister, acknowledging the multifaceted legacy she leaves behind, from familial ties to the lasting impact of her affection. It can also be used on a funeral invitation or as a popular funeral quote. 

10. "Turn Again to Life" by Mary Lee Hall

"If I should die and leave you here awhile,

Be not like others sore undone, who keep long vigils by the side of the silent dust."

Hall’s poem, often suggested by funeral directors for its uplifting message, encourages the living to face life with courage, an apt farewell to a sister who inspired strength and resilience. Words that can give you a sense of comfort when someone dies.