Funeral Poetry

If you are looking for a verse or poem to read at a funeral, we understand the importance of finding the perfect words to honour your loved one. We have curated a collection of some of the best poems for funerals, encompassing a range of emotions and themes.

For humanist or non-religious funerals, we offer a selection of beautiful poetry and readings that can enhance the ceremony and provide comfort to those in attendance. Our list includes renowned poets such as Philip Larkin, Margaret Hansford and Cecil Day Lewis, whose works resonate with depth and meaning.

Please note that we are unable to include newer poetry due to copyright restrictions. However, our extensive collection is sure to offer a fitting tribute to your loved one, capturing their spirit and celebrating their life.

Poems and readings for for non-religious funerals

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her Or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone, From the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth And spoke of the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth, And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, The cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.

Poems and readings for religious funerals

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to the Lord. When the last scene of my life shot before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, There was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is a perfect joy and beauty In the everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh, but Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth— You shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

  1. In paradisum deducant te Angeli; in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Ierusalem. Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere æternam habeas requiem.

Translation: May the Angels lead you into paradise; may the Martyrs receive you at your coming and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem. May a choir of Angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have eternal rest.