In memoriam - Funeral Poems & Prayers

Memorial poems are a wonderful addition to a funeral or memorial service.
Multiple Funeral poems can be included in the funeral program, or a single poem or verse can be used to set the feeling for the service.
A memorial poem could be used in the eulogy, on the order of service, or on memorial cards.

The right poem can be a poignant tribute
and a way for some people to express themselves
when they are struggling to find their own words while grieving.
There are many different styles of memorial poems. All of them are appropriate for a celebration of life
depending on the personality of the person who has died and the feeling of the service.

Your Spirit- Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach

I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
When life separates us
I’ll know it is only your soul
Saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me
To appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom
And will remember what you taught me so well’
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
I will think of your endless love for your family.
When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence
I will think of your courage for your country.
No matter where I am,
Your spirit will be beside me,
For I know that no matter what,
You will always be with me.

—

I am still with you (from Wings of Grace by Julie Johnson)
If it seems that I am far away on this empty and solemn day; 
just open your heart and know it’s true 
that I am still right here with you. 
If during the day things are going wrong 
please don’t feel sad and alone; 
just open your heart and know it’s true 
that I am still right here with you. 
When night time falls and the day is done, 
if you are feeling alone and sleep won’t come, 
just open your heart and know it’s true 
that I am still right here with you. 
Close your eyes, and feel the warm embrace; 
sleep peacefully in the wings of grace. 
If sadness finds you in the morning light, 
if you feel alone, don’t give up trying. 
Hold this feather close and know it’s true 
that I am always here with you. 

—

Weep not for me

now that I have passed.

Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy

not just the recent tears.

Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.

Hold fast to the love that we shared.

Be happy with the time we spent together

and being anew.

For I am not really gone,

I am closer than ever before.

As the morning sun rises

and throughout the busy day...I am with you.

Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon

and we watch the day turn into night...I am here.

You may feel a faint breeze stir round your head, while you slumber

as I gently kiss your forehead, "Good night."

The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky

help me watch over you and keep you from harm.

I am the wind in the trees

and the song of a bird.

I am moonbeams in a midnight sky

and a glorious rainbow after the storm.

I am morning dew

and freshly-fallen snow.

I am a butterfly flying overhead

and a puppy happily at play.

I am a smile on a stranger's face

a gentle touch

a warm embrace.

Listen to the wind for my message of love.

Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.

Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.

Open your heart to know...I am not gone.

Reach deep into your soul...You will find me.

I am here.

Have no fear.

I am with you,

Always.

Kirsti Dyer

——

Play Jolly Music at My Funeral- Richard Greene

I’ve taken in recent years to thinking about my funeral
and have decided to make one paramount request:
play jolly music at that ritual.
What good does it do to heap on dirges
or other mournful melodies?
I won’t be there to be gratified by the grieving
and if I could tune in
I’d be happier to see those present have some relief.
Dixieland would be nice.
Joplin would be fine.
Something by Fats Waller would certainly do.
Those early jazzmen knew what they were up to
when they set about making funeral marches swing.
So swing me away, please, with a rousing tune.

——
I WALKED

I walked with you today, I took the longer way.

I made some time to tell you all the things I didn’t say.

I spoke to you so softly and so often tears just flowed.

I let you know my secrets, the stories you were owed.

I gave you all my heart, as we walked the pretty way.

I cared not for my timings or the schedule of my day.

Instead I lingered back, picking flowers for my hair.

I showed you our old tree but this time I stopped and stared.

I walked with you today, I took the wilder path.

I reminded you of all the times your antics made me laugh.

I stopped to smell the roses, as I should have done before.

I seized that special moment and I wished and wished for more.

I walked with you today love and with all my aching heart.

I wish that I had not left it too late in life to start…

To start taking the long route, saying things I never say.

I’m sorry that it took me far too long to walk this way.

Donna Ashworth

——

Love beyond love. . .
Love, knowing that the one you love may not be here tomorrow,
knowing that today may be your last day to truly meet,
knowing that you cannot know how the story ends.
For what is left in this life if you have nothing to lose?

Care, care deeply, care until it hurts, care in spite of what people say,
in spite of ridicule and rejection and being misunderstood,
care so much that you no longer care what happens to you.

Sink, sink willingly, into this bitter-sweet mystery of love,
never knowing what love is and loving anyway,
like a fool, like a fascinated child, like a madman,
like one who has forgotten how to be cynical, or how to be right.

Love until your voice trembles, and your heart pounds, and your legs shake,
and your philosophies crumble to dust,
and your cleverness bows its head in shame and in reverence.

And you will be taken to the darkest places,
and your heart will be set on fire by the ones to whom you were never able to open your heart,
and you will be reminded of what you have always, secretly, known:

That in time, you will forget everything, except how to die, and how to love.

~ Jeff Foster

—-

TAKE THE LOVE

Take the love you had for me

and turn it into laughter

turn it into blinding light

to shine on you thereafter.

Take the love you have for me

and show it to the world

something so amazing

needs to blossom and unfurl.

Take the love that made us

keep it burning bright

let that fire guide you

let it warm you through the night.

Take the love you shared with me

and spread it out with gladness

my life will not have been in vain

if you can fight the sadness.

Take the love my darling

it’s yours to carry on

grow that love forevermore

and then I won’t be gone.

Donna Ashworth

—-

If I ever have to leave you love,

Please know I didn’t choose it.

You were my every waking thought,

My world, I wouldn’t lose it.

If I ever have to leave you love,

Don’t think I didn’t fight it.

If I had any choice at all,

We would never be divided.

If I ever have to leave you love,

I truly rue the day,

I always thought I’d be with you,

Beside you, come what may.

If I ever have to leave you love,

Please know I’m always there.

That somehow I will find a way,

To show you how I care.

If I ever have to leave you love,

The one thing you must know,

Is that you meant the world to me,

I didn’t want to go.

If I ever have to leave you love,

You’ll always have my heart.

Never fear, my love is here,

Even when apart.

If I ever have to leave you love,

Try to hear my laughter.

And see my smile once in a while,

Let it live with you hereafter.

Donna Ashworth

—-
If I be the First of us to Die- Nicholas Evans

If I be the first of us to die,
Let grief not blacken long your sky.
Be bold yet modest in your grieving.
There is a change but not a leaving.
For just as death is part of life,
The dead live on forever in the living.
And all the gathered riches of our journey, 
The moments shared, the mysteries explored,
The steady layering of intimacy stored,
The things that made us laugh or weep or sing,
The joy of sunlit snow or first unfurling of the spring,
The wordless language of look and touch,
The knowing,
Each giving and each taking,
These are not flowers that fade,
Nor trees that fall and crumble,
Nor are the stone,
For even stone cannot the wind and rain withstand
And mighty mountain peaks in time reduce to sand.
What we were, we are.
What we had, we have.
A conjoined past imperishably present.
So when you walk the wood where once we walked together
And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow,
Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land,
And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand,
And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you, 
Be still.
Close your eyes.
Breathe.
Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you. 

—

I never went away.

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.

I spoke to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many things and memories of me.

I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my hand on you; I smiled and said, "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to me.

Author Unknown

—

Family ‘O Mine - (author unknown)

I should like to send you a sunbeam, or the twinkle of some bright star,

Or a tiny piece of the downy fleece that clings to a cloud afar.

I should like to send you the essence of a myriad sun-kissed flowers,

Or the lilting song as it floats along, of a brook through fairy bowers.

I should like to send you the dew-drops that glisten in the break of day,

And then at night the eerie light that mantles the Milky Way.

I should like to send you the power that nothing can overflow –

The power to smile and laugh the while a-journeying through life you go.

But these are mere fanciful wishes; I’ll send you a Godspeed instead.

And I’ll clasp your hand – then you’ll understand all the things I have left unsaid.

-- 

My Soul has Wings (author unknown) 

When I die and leave behind 
this earth I love, these trees, this sky, 
the pounding sea, the yearly hope of spring... 
Cry not for me, Rejoice! 

My soul has wings and in its freedom sings. 

—

The Journey of My Life- Rabindranath Tagore

It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
save 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 every turning of my life I came across good friends,
friends who stood by me
even when time raced by me.
Farewell, farewell my friend.
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.

—

Crossing Over (author unknown) 

Oh, please don't feel guilty 
it was just my time to go. 
I see you are still feeling sad, 
and the tears just seem to flow. 
We all come to earth for our lifetime, 
and for some it's not many years 
I don't want you to keep crying 
you are shedding so many tears. 
I haven't really left you 
even though it may seem so. 
I have just gone to my heavenly home, 
and I'm closer to you than you know. 
Just believe that when you say 
my name, I'm standing next to you, 
I know you long to see me, 
but there's nothing I can do. 
But I'll still send you messages 
and hope you understand, 
that when your time comes to 
cross over, I'll be there to take your hand.
—
Afterglow (author unknown) 

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. 
It’s happy memories I leave you, my friends, 
when my life is done. 

—
Dear Friends I go (author unknown) 
Dear friends I go, but do not weep; 
I've lived my life, so full and deep. 
Throughout my life, I gave my best, 
I earned my keep, I've earned my rest. 
I never tried to be great or grand, 
I tried to be a helping hand. 

If I helped in a team, if I helped on my own, 
it was more than repaid by good family and friends I have known; 
and if I went the extra mile,  I did it with pleasure - it was all worthwhile. 

If I brightened your path, then let it be 
a small contribution from my loved ones and me; 
now sadly I leave you and travel alone 
through a mystic veil to the great unknown, 
with such beautiful memories 
that will forever be 
the way that I hope you'll remember me.

— 

I Was Loved, Therefore I Am

I was loved, therefore I am, 
And in being loved, I am treasured. 
When I peeled away my layers, 
And all that was left was my essence, 
The bareness of me, 
I was still loved. 
I was loved, therefore I am, 
And in being loved I was able to grow. 
In my mistakes held, 
In my successes celebrated, 
I was always loved. 
I was loved therefore I am, 
And in being loved I learned to love. 
In the sun filled day, 
In the ecstasy of the night, 
I was loved and loved others. 
To be loved is all you need: 
I was loved....and so, I will always be.

Ana Draper

—

We Will Love You (Anon)

 As long as we can dream

As long as we can think

As long as we have memory

We will love you.

As long as we have eyes to see

And ears to hear and lips to speak … We will love you.

As long as we have a heart to feel ….a soul stirring within us,

and imagination to hold you … We will love you.

As long as there is time,  as long as there is love,

And as long as we have breathe to speak your name …

We will love you.

—

When I’m Gone - Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken

Remember some good I have done

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going

I would not have you sad for a day

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best

—

 The person I am today- Author Unknown.

“I believe I am the person I am today because of the struggles in my past. 

I believe at times on my life journey, I have been misplaced but never lost the real essence of me. 

I believe every obstacle put in my path has made me stronger. 

I believe I now have the confidence and ability to do and achieve all my goals. 

I believe I have not made mistakes in my life, I have just learned valuable lessons, 

I believe, even in times of chaos and crisis I can still laugh.

I believe even when I feel my heart is about to break it just finds more love and forgiveness in it.

I believe through my hardships I have found wonderful and loyal friends. 

I believe I deserve to be loved for the wonderful beautiful person I am. 

I believe no matter how bad things are in my life there is always someone worse off than me.

I believe if I stay true to my beliefs, no one can hurt me as I am being true to myself.”

—

Whispers in the Breeze (Greg McVickers)

Realizing my innermost fears, 
choking back the steady stream of tears, 
not knowing your time had come; 
without you I feel so numb. 

Just a whisper in the breeze 
brought my world down to its knees 
the day that you were called away; 
Paradise is where you now stay. 

When the days do come to pass, 
I'll call upon your bed of grass, 
Comfort inside knowing you're there 
Looking up at my vacant stare. 

The silence I exchange with thee 
Speaks volumes, I'm sure this you'll see 
my shadow it casts across your grave 
while I stand so lonely, I stand so brave. 

Now the days they seem so long; 
in my arms is where you belong. 
I close my eyes and hear you speak; 
you call my name, my legs grow weak. 

Together we promised that we would grow old, 
we thought our happiness would never unfold; 
I'll kneel at your feet with my head hung low, 
Thoughts in my mind, which you already know. 

This quality time with you I spend 
will hopefully help my broken heart mend; 
Feeling guilty when I turn to leave 
Returning home, I continue to grieve. 

When my term approaches death, 
Time to exhale one final breath, 
I wonder if others will fall to their knees 
when my name whispers in the breeze.

—

I Do Not Think My Song Will End (John Hathcock) 

I do not think my song will end
while flowers, grass and trees
abound with birds and butterflies
for I am one with these.

And I believe my voice will sound
upon the whispering wind
so long as even one remains
among those I call ‘friend’.  

I shall remain in hearts and minds
of loved ones that I knew,
and in the rocks and hills and streams
because I love those, too.  

So long as love and hope and dreams
abide in earth and sky,
weep not for me, though I be gone,
I shall not really die.
—

A winners Creed, 

if you think you are beaten you are. 

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't.

It's almost a cinch you won't. 

If you think you'll lose, you've lost 

For out in the world we find 

success begins with the person's faith, 

it all in the state of mind 

life’s battles don't always go to the stronger or faster hand, 

they go to the one that trusts in God, 

And always thinks I can” 

—

 Never goodbye – John F. Connor 

Wherever you go, whatever you do I will be there, standing by you. 

In good times and bad, I will be there I won’t go For I love you, more than you’ll ever know. 

The love that we had, lives beyond death Love does not end, with the last breath. 

Love is forever it will not go away
I will be there, in the night in the day. 

Search in your heart and you will see With every beat, you will know it is me. 

No you won’t see me, no you won’t hear
But your heart will tell you, that I am always near. 

I never left you so please don’t cry
This is ‘see you later’, there is never goodbye. 

—

We give thanks - Unknown

We give thanks for your life and gratitude for the joy you brought into our lives,

wherever you may be now a grieving lies like an empty space,

a painful place in our lives, one which can never be filled by another.

There were many things we wanted to give you share with you,

have you enjoy my the love we have for you reach out into the universe and touch your spirit,

wherever it now flies free within us, or beyond us.

—

They are alongside us- John O'DONOHUE

The dead are not distant or absent. They are alongside us. 

When we lose someone to death, we lose their physical image and presence, they slip out of visible form into invisible presence. This alteration of form is the reason we cannot see the dead. But because we cannot see them does not mean that they are not there. 

 Transfigured into eternal form, the dead cannot reverse the journey and even for one second re-enter their old form to linger with us a while. Though they cannot reappear, they continue to be near us and part of the healing of grief is the refinement of our hearts whereby we come to sense their loving nearness. 

When we ourselves enter the eternal world and come to see our lives on earth in full view, we may be surprised at the immense assistance and support with which our departed loved ones have accompanied every moment of our lives. 

In their new, transfigured presence their compassion, understanding and love take on a divine depth, enabling them to become secret angels guiding and sheltering the unfolding of our destiny.”

 —

I Heard Your Voice In The Wind Today - Unknown

I heard your voice in the wind today
and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me
as I stood silently in place.

I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace
and my spirit soared high.

I saw your eyes in the window pane
as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell
it quietly said your name.

I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died...but you are not gone
you will always be a part of me.

As long as the sun shines...
the wind blows...
the rain falls...
You will live on inside of me forever
for that is all my heart knows.

 —

An Apache grief blessing

May the sun bring you energy everyday, bringing light into the darkness of your soul.

May the moon softly restore you by light bathing you in the glow of restful sleep and peaceful dreams.

May the rain wash away your worries, and cleanse the hurt that sits in your heart.

May the breeze blow new strength into your being, and may you believe in the courage of yourself .

May you walk gently through the world, keeping your loved one with you always, knowing that you are never parted in the beating of your heart.

— 

Non-religious funeral blessing

Be free, be strong, be proud of who you have been, know that you will be mourned and missed, that no one can replace you, that you have loved and are beloved. 

Move beyond form, flowing like water, feeding on sunlight and moonlight, radiant as the stars in the night sky. 

Pass the gates, enter the dark without fear, returning to the womb of life to steep in the cauldron of rebirth. 

Rest, heal, grow young again. 

Be blessed.

—

Goodnight, My Soul - Taryn M. Clark

Goodnight, my soul; your journey has ended.

Your struggles have now begun to cease.

Time to close your eyes to happy dreams

And wake to eternal peace.

The road is not so long now.

No more winding paths,

Just a silver beam of radiant light

That will take you home at last.

Goodnight, my soul; I wish I could have more time.

I wish I could make you stay.

It's easier to be that selfish

Than to deal with this pain every day.

I don't want you to be afraid.

Everything will be okay.

I will stay with you till the end

And hold your hand as you drift away.

 Goodnight, my soul; I don't want to let go.

We've been together many years.

It's hard to see what lies ahead.

It's blurry through the tears.

Free from pain, you fight no more.

That's all we wish for ones we love.

Take us with you wherever you go

And protect us from above.

My love is endless.

Our two souls are forever entwined.

There will always be a hollow spot.

I will miss you until it becomes my time.

 So, goodnight, my soul; tears fall

As I bid a regrettable farewell.

One thing will remain honest and true,

For me, living without you is going to be hell.

 The grief I feel will be as endless as my love for you.

Until we meet again at those pearly gates...wait for me there.

 —

 In Memoriam- William Morecomb

For a second you were flying
Like you always wanted to
Now you’ll fly forever
In skies of azure blue
We’ll see your smile in every ray
Of sunshine after rain
And hear the echo of your laughter
Over all the pain
The world’s a little quieter now
The colours have lost their hue
The birds are singing softly
And our hearts are missing you
Each time we see a little cloud
Or a rainbow soaring high
We’ll think of you and gently
Wipe a tear from our eye.

—

Look for me in Rainbows 

Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye; 
look for me in rainbows way up in the sky. 
In the morning sunrise when all the world is new, 
just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you. 

Time for me to leave you, I won’t say goodbye; 
look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky. 
In the evening sunset, when all the world is through, 
just look for me and love me, and I’ll be close to you. 

It won’t be forever; the day will come and then 
my loving arms will hold you, when we meet again. 

Time for us to part now, we won’t say goodbye; 
look for me in rainbows shining in the sky. 
Every waking moment, and all your whole life through, 
just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you. 

Just wish me to be near, 
and I’ll be there with you. 
—

Prayer of Faith- Author Unknown

We trust that beyond absence there is a presence.
That beyond the pain there can be healing.
That beyond the brokenness there can be wholeness.
That beyond the anger there may be peace.
That beyond the hurting there may be forgiveness.
That beyond the silence there may be the word.
That beyond the word there may be understanding.
That through understanding there is love.

—

They Are Not Dead- Author Unknown

They are not dead,
Who leave us this great heritage
Of remembered joy.
They still live in our hearts,
In the happiness we knew,
In the dreams we shared.
They still breathe,
In the lingering fragrance windblown,
From their favourite flowers.
They still smile in the moonlight’s silver
And laugh in the sunlight’s sparkling gold.
They still speak in the echoes of words.
We’re heard them say again and again.
They still move,
In the rhythm of waving grasses,
In the dance of the tossing branches.
They are not dead;
Their memory is warm in our hearts,
Comfort in our sorrow.
They are not apart from us,
But a part of us
For love is eternal,
And those we love shall be with us
Throughout all eternity.

—

  Will Wait for You (by Stephen O'Brien) 

I will wait for you... 
Though we never had a chance to say goodbye, 
remember me... 
When winter snows are falling through a quiet sky, 
I'll remember you. 
When, in our darkest hour, 
you held my hand and prayed I wouldn't go, 
but a silent voice called out to me; 
my time had come, and I had to travel Home... 
Since then, I know your life has never been the same, 
for I visit you each day: 
so many times I've felt your pain: 
I've watched you cry, 
and I've heard you call my name... 
But now, further along life's road I stand 
in a timeless world, just beyond your sight, 
but waiting for the day when I can take your hand 
and bring you across to this Land of Golden Light... 
Till then, remember me, you understand - and try not to cry. 
But if you do, 
let your tears fall 
for the happiness and joy we knew, 
and for the special love we shared; 
for love can never die. 
—

If I should go tomorrow (author unknown) 

If I should go tomorrow 
it would never be goodbye, 
for I have left my heart with you, 
so don’t you ever cry. 

The love that’s deep within me 
shall reach you from the stars; 
you’ll feel it from the heavens, 
and it will heal the scars.   
—

If Only Life (author unknown) 
If only life could just stand still 
at some appropriate time, 
when every day is fragrant and bright 
and the sun seems to shine all the time. 
But life cannot stand still, and to live we must 
have our share of its heartaches and fears; 
for we never could help another's sad heart 
if we hadn't known tears through the years. 

—

If I should go (Joyce Grenfell) 
If I should go before the rest of you
break not a flower, nor inscribe a stone 
nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice 
but be the usual selves that I have known. 
Weep if you must, parting is hell 
but life goes on, so sing as well.  

Intimations of Immortality (William Wordsworth) 
What though the radiance which was once so bright 
be now for ever taken from my sight, 
though nothing can bring back the hour 
of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; 
we will grieve not, rather find 
strength in what remains behind. 
—

Leave me in peace (author unknown) 
When I’m dead, cry for me a little, 
think of me sometimes – but not too much. 
Think of me now and again – as I was in life, 
at some moments it is pleasant to recall, but not for too long. 
Leave me in peace, and I will leave you in peace, 
and while you live let your thoughts be for the living. 
—

Let me (Attrib. Etienne de Grellet)
I expect to pass through this world but once. 
Any good, therefore, that I can do, 
or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, 
let me do it now. 
Let me not defer nor neglect it, 
for I shall not pass this way again. 
—

Life Well Lived (author unknown) 
A life well lived is a precious gift, 
of hope and strength and grace, 
from someone who has made our world 
a brighter, better place. 

It's filled with moments sweet and sad, 
with smiles and sometimes tears, 
with friendships formed and good times shared, 
and laughter through the years. 

A life well lived is a legacy, 
of joy and pride and pleasure, 
a living, lasting memory 
our grateful heart's will treasure.
—

One at Rest (Author Unknown) 
Think of me as one at rest 
for me you should not weep; 
I have no pain no troubled thoughts, 
for I am just asleep. 

The living thinking me that was 
is now forever still, 
and life goes on without me now 
as time forever will. 

If your heart is heavy now 
because I've gone away, 
dwell not long upon it, friend, 
for none of us can stay. 

Those of you who liked me, 
I sincerely thank you all, 
and those of you who loved me 
I thank you most of all. 

And in my fleeting lifespan, 
as time went rushing by, 
I found some time to hesitate; 
to laugh, to love, to cry. 

Matters it now if time began, 
if time will ever cease? 
I was here, I used it all 
and now I am at peace. 
—
My Life Here (Janice Ross) 

Although my life here has come to an end 
and you’ve come to say your goodbye, 
I will always be standing beside you, 
so please don’t be sad and don’t cry. 

I know that you all now are grieving, 
and the pain in your hearts so real; 
just remember the things that you gave me, 
to love, to be loved and to feel. 

I don’t just want to be remembered 
with sadness, with hurt and with pain, 
but to hear you talk of the things we shared 
and to see you all laugh again. 

Just remember me for the fun we had 
and remember the good times we shared; 
remember the ways that I loved all of you, 
and remember always I cared. 

Please give strength to each other, dear family and friends, 
enjoy life and carry on; 
for while I’m in your prayers and thoughts, my dears, 
you know that I’ll never be gone. 
—

No Longer Mourn For Me (Sonnet 71, William Shakespeare) 

No longer mourn for me when I am dead
than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
give warning to the world that I am fled
from this vile world with vilest worms to dwell:

Nay, if you read this line, remember not
the hand that writ it, for I love you so
that I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
if thinking on me then should make you woe.

O if, I say, you look upon this verse
when I perhaps compounded am with clay,
do not so much as my poor name rehearse,
but let your love even with my life decay,
lest the wise world should look into your moan
and mock you with me after I am gone.
—

On Dying (Bishop Charles Henry Brent) 
This poem is sometimes known as ‘The Ship’ or ‘Horizons’.
There is a shortened version of this poem further down. 

I am standing upon that foreshore, 
a ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength 
and I stand and watch her until, at length, 
she hangs like a speck of white cloud 
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. 

Then someone at my side says, "There! She's gone." 
"Gone where?" 

"Gone from my sight, that's all", 
she is just as large in mast and spar and hull 
as ever she was when she left my side; 
just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. 
And just at that moment 
when someone at my side says, 
"There! She’s gone!" 
there are other eyes watching her coming 
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, 
"Here she comes!" 

And that is dying.

Yes; life is eternal and love is immortal, 
and death is only an horizon.
And an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
—

Shortened version:
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea.
The setting sun tinted its sails with a golden light, 
and as it disappeared from sight, 
a voice at my side whispered “She is gone.”

But the sea was a narrow one.
On the farther shore, 
a little band of friends had gathered 
to watch and wait in happy expectation.

Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, 
at the very moment when the voice had whispered “She is gone”, 
a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, 
“Here she comes!”

—
Petals in the Breeze (Heather Fewins) 

The nights are drawing in, yet the stars still come out to play. 
Fireflies are fading, so they’ll dance the dawn away. 
Time is always running out, but it does not run alone; 
rivers will forge pathways, no matter the strength of stone.  

Fate may not always smile kindly, but even it can laugh; 
hopefully fade and flicker, but it is the dark times that pass. 
Hate will storm and rage, yet love still stands with open arms. 
Sticks and stone may break bones, yet they cannot match open palms. 

All clouds are born of the sun, but no two are the same. 
Think not on what is lost, but on what may yet be gained. 
And even in the darkest days of winter’s shroud of leaves, 
there is much warmth to be found in petals dancing in the breeze. 
—
Remember me (Christina Rossetti) 

Remember me when I am gone away, 
gone far away into the silent land; 
when you can no more hold me by the hand, 
nor I half turn to go yet turning, stay. 

Remember me when no more day by day 
you tell me of our future that you planned; 
only remember me; you understand 
it will be late to counsel then or pray. 

Yet if you should forget me for a while 
and afterwards remember, do not grieve; 
for if the darkness and corruption leave 
a vestige of the thoughts that once I had, 
better by far you should forget and smile 
than that you should remember and be sad. 
—
Remembrance (Marion Griffin) 
You are not gone 
while still I see 
your face in my thoughts and dreams, 
your smile to stem the tears;

You are not gone 
while still I hear 
your voice in distant echoes, 
your laugh to calm my fears;  

You are not gone 
while still I feel 
your hand reaching out for mine, 
your presence always there;

You are not gone 
while still I have 
your love to keep in my heart, 
and family joys to share;

While still I have 
the memory of you, 
you are not gone.
—
She is gone (Davi Harkins) 
(This modified version is based on an original poem by David Harkins called "Remember Me")
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 will come back 
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. 
  
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her 
or you can be full of the love that 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 is 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 would want: 
smile, open your eyes, love and go on. 
—

Something Beautiful Remains (author unknown) 
The tide recedes but leaves behind 
bright seashells on the sand. 
The sun goes down, but gentle 
warmth still lingers on the land. 
The music stops, and yet it echoes 
on in sweet refrains... 
For every joy that passes, 
something beautiful remains. 
—

Song (Christina Rosetti) 

When I am dead, my dearest, 
sing no sad songs for me:
plant thou no roses at my head, 
nor shady cypress tree:
be the green grass above me 
with showers and dewdrops wet; 
and if thou wilt, remember, 
and if this wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows, 
I shall not feel the rain; 
I shall not hear the nightingalesing on, as if in pain:
and dreaming through the twilight
that doth not rise or set, 
haply I may remember, 
and haply may forget.
—

The Measure of a Man (author unknown) 
Not how did he die, but how did he live? 
Not what did he gain, but what did he give? 
These are the units to measure the worth 
of a man as a man, regardless of birth. 
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed? 
But had he befriended those really in need? 
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer, 
to bring back a smile, to banish a tear? 
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, 
but how many were sorry when he passed away. 
—

The Road Not Taken (by Robert Frost) 
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, 
and sorry I could not travel both 
and be one traveller, long I stood 
and looked down one as far as I could 
to where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Then took the other, as just as fair 
and having perhaps the better claim, 
because it was grassy and wanted wear; 
though as for that, the passing there 
had worn them really about the same, 

and both that morning equally lay 
in leaves no step had trodden black; 
Oh, I kept the first for another day! 
Yet knowing how way leads on to way, 
I doubted if I should ever come back. 

I shall be telling this with a sigh 
somewhere ages and ages hence: 
two roads diverged in a wood, and I, 
I took the one less travelled by, 
and that has made all the difference. 
—

Those we love (Author Unknown) 
Those we love don't go away; 
they walk beside us every day, 
unseen, unheard, but always near; 
still loved, still missed, still very dear. 
—

To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me (Mary Alic Ramish) 
When I am gone, release me; let me go. 
I have so many things to see and do, 
you must not tie yourself to me with tears; 
be happy that I have had so many years. 

I gave you my love, you can only guess 
how much you gave me in happiness; 
I thank you for the love each has shown, 
but now it is time I travelled on alone. 

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, 
then let your grief be comforted by trust; 
it is only for a while that we must part, 
so bless the memories in your heart. 

I will not be far away, for life goes on, 
so if you need me, call and I will come. 
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near 
and if you listen with your heart, you will hear 
all of my love around you soft and clear. 
—

When I must leave you (by Helen Steiner Rice) 
When I must leave you for a little while, 
please do not grieve and shed wild tears 
and hug your sorrow to you through the years; 
but start out bravely with a gallant smile 
and for my sake, and in my name, 
live on and do all things the same. 
Feed not your loneliness on empty days 
but fill each waking hour in useful ways; 
reach out your hand in comfort and cheer 
and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near. 
And never, never be afraid to die; 
for I am waiting for you in the sky.