Top 10 Poems for Friends Funeral

The loss of a dear friend leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts. The times shared, the memories made, and the bond nurtured over the years become all the more precious. In these moments of profound grief, poetry can offer comfort and serve as a poignant tribute.

Poems for a friend's funeral emphasise the depth of friendship, the joy of shared moments, and the everlasting impact of a friend's presence in our lives.

Let's delve into ten such touching poems, each resonating deeply with the essence of friendship and making them apt for a friend's funeral. Ask for assistance from your funeral director if you cannot pick one. 

1. "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

This poem speaks of our life choices and celebrates an individual's unique journey, reminding us of a friend who carved their own path. 

When planning a funeral for a friend, finding the right words is usually one of the hardest parts. This poem says a lot about the different roads we take and the ones we share with others. 

2. "He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven" by W.B. Yeats

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

I would spread the cloths under your feet.

Yeats' heartfelt verses encapsulate the depth of affection and the lengths to which a friend would go for another's happiness.

3. "Remember" by Christina Rossetti

Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land.

A gentle urging for remembrance without sadness, this funeral poem is a fitting tribute to cherish memories and shared times. 

Remember, a poem that is suitable for a wake or a funeral service, that speaks to what you shared with your loved one. 

4. "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.

This poem captures the desire for one's memories to inspire happiness and joy, making it suitable for a friend who brought joy to many.

5. "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.

Emphasising the enduring spirit of the departed, this poem assures loved ones that the essence of the deceased remains forever in the world around us. It is a common poem to use on a funeral invitation. 

6. "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 words underscore the idea of celebrating life, not mourning the departure, and cherishing memories shared. It is a popular funeral reading to honour the passing of a loved one. 

7. "Across the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

Tennyson's reflections on the journey after life make it a touching ode to a friend, capturing the hope of an eventual reunion.

8. "Friendship" by Henry David Thoreau

I only know it is, not how or why,

My greatest happiness;

However hard I try,

Not if I were to die,

Can I explain.

Thoreau's musings on the enduring nature of genuine friendship and the unwavering support friends offer serve as a tribute to strong bonds. It could be combined with beautiful hymns or funeral songs at a service to express your feelings. 

9. "Crossing the Bar" by Lord Alfred Tennyson

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

This poem portrays the inevitability of the end and the hope for a serene transition, making it fitting to bid adieu to a dear friend.

10. "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Housman

Smart lad, to slip betimes away

From fields where glory does not stay.

Housman's verses are a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life, making it a touching tribute to a young friend gone too soon.