Finding the right words to say goodbye is never easy. In times of grief, poetry can offer comfort, beauty, and a way to express the inexpressible. While many people are familiar with famous funeral poems like “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”, there are countless other verses that offer just as much emotional resonance—some more personal, quiet, or introspective.
Whether you’re planning a service, writing a eulogy, or simply looking for something meaningful to read in solitude, here are seven beautiful, less conventional poems that speak to love, memory, and the enduring presence of those we’ve lost.
1. “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou
Themes: Grief, legacy, resilience
When great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us:
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.
Angelou’s powerful words reflect on the emotional aftermath of losing someone significant and how we carry them forward through memory and growth.
2. “For Grief” by John O’Donohue
Themes: Healing, compassion, presence
When the canvas frays in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight to bring you safely home.
From his collection To Bless the Space Between Us, O’Donohue’s poetic blessings are spiritual without being religious, offering solace for those navigating grief’s deepest waters.
3. “Into the Freedom of Wind and Sunshine” by Unknown
Themes: Letting go, transformation, hope
Do not hold on to me with tears,
for I am not gone—I am only changed.
I am the wind that brushes your cheek,
the warmth that lights your path.
Often recited anonymously, this short and gentle poem reminds us that those we’ve lost remain with us, not in form—but in sensation, memory, and spirit.
4. “Turn Again to Life” by Mary Lee Hall
Themes: Encouragement, life, remembrance
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
be not like others sore undone, who keep
long vigils by the silent dust and weep.
For my sake—turn again to life and smile…
Hall’s message is clear and compassionate: honor your loved one not through endless mourning, but by continuing to live a life full of purpose and love.
5. “Let Me Go” by Christina Rossetti
Themes: Acceptance, peace, farewell
When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Rossetti’s poem emphasizes release and calm, encouraging mourners to embrace peace over sorrow.
6. “I Am Not There” by Thomas H. Green
Themes: Comfort, presence beyond death
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.
While often confused with Mary Elizabeth Frye’s famous version, this alternate take captures the same ethereal comfort in a fresh voice. It’s a soft and hopeful choice for any memorial.
7. “Instructions” by Arnold Crompton
Themes: Simplicity, love, legacy
When I have moved beyond you in the adventure of life,
gather in some pleasant place
and there remember me with spoken words,
old and new. Let a tear fall if you will, but let a smile come quickly.
This poem serves as a gentle directive from the departed to the living—grieve, yes, but remember to laugh, to gather, to keep moving forward.
How to Choose the Right Poem
When selecting a poem for a funeral or celebration of life, consider:
- The personality of the loved one: Were they spiritual, witty, serious, or serene?
- The tone of the service: Are you aiming for solemnity, warmth, celebration, or quiet reflection?
- The audience: Consider what words will resonate with those in attendance, including family, friends, and colleagues.
Some families choose to include a printed copy of the poem in the service program, while others have a loved one recite it aloud during the ceremony.
Poetry can be a powerful bridge between loss and remembrance. Whether you select a classic, a lesser-known gem, or write your own tribute, the right words can offer comfort, reflection, and healing for those gathered.
At Pierce Mortuary Colleges, we believe in honoring the full scope of funeral service—from technical training to the emotional care of grieving families. If you’re drawn to this profession and the rituals that shape how we remember the departed, we invite you to
learn more about our programs and explore
career pathways in funeral service.
