Do you need a Poem for a Funeral or Celebration of Life?

Planning a funeral or celebration of life ceremony? 🌿 These beautiful poems will add depth, emotion, and meaning to your service, creating a heartfelt tribute to your loved one. Each poem in this collection celebrates life in all its richness, honouring diverse perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. From classic literature to contemporary voices, these words will touch hearts and bring comfort.

Many of these poems have been chosen by families and friends for their loved ones —special selections for deeply personal, sad yet meaningful occasions. So, take a quiet moment, settle in with your favourite cuppa, and explore ten of the most touching poems for funerals and celebrations of life. 💙

Picture by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on unsplash.com

1.      Funeral by rupi kaur

By cleverly bringing up the imagery of a wedding day and the feelings and experiences we would have, in such a beautiful and touching way, Rupi Kaur gently brings the joy of a celebration of a life well lived to our hearts.

‘when i go from this place

dress the porch with garlands

as you would for a wedding day my dear

pull the people from their homes

and dance in the streets

when death arrives

like a bride at the aisle

send me off in my brightest clothing

serve ice cream with rose petals to our guests

there's no reason to cry my dear

i have waited my whole life

for such a beauty to take

my breath away

when i go

let it be a celebration

for i have been here

i have lived

i have won at this game called life’

Can be found in the Suns and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur here The Sun and Her Flowers: Rupi Kaur: Amazon.co.uk: Kaur, Rupi: 9781471165825: Books

2.     Desiderata: by Max Ehrman

A reflective prose poem written in 1927 offers kind advice on how to live our lives, as if the person whose life we are celebrating is speaking to us. It may be familiar to some attending the celebration of life and bring them comfort.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time….

Can be found here Desiderata: Original Text

3.     The Summer Day by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver, a beloved and Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, had a deep passion for writing thoughtful and beautiful poetry inspired by the outdoors. In this piece, she reflects on the joy of being immersed in nature, focusing on insects, mindfulness, and the fleeting beauty of life and death. She poses profound questions: Was this a good use of time? And what you choose to do with ‘your one wild and precious life?’

‘’Who made the world?

Who made the swan, and the black bear?

Who made the grasshopper?

this grasshopper, I mean—

the one who has flung herself out of the grass,

the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,

who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—

who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.

Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

The poem can be found here New and Selected Poems, Volume One: 1: Amazon.co.uk: Oliver, Mary: 9780807068779: Books

4.     “God's Garden” by Melissa Shreve

Melissa Shreve wrote this piece in 1992 after her grandmother passed from cancer. She beautifully expresses the pain felt by those grieving yet also brings comfort through her verses. Her words offer a sense of peace, reminding us that for those who believe in God that he has made space for loved ones to be with him.

God looked around his garden and found an empty place

He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest

With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place

Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best

He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain

He knew that you would never get well on Earth again

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb

He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone

For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

 See here for more information God's Garden Poem by Melissa Shreve

 

5.   “I Have Not Gone” by Unknown

When someone we love has passed, we may still feel their presence—both in our darkest moments and in times of joy. Yet, when we are alone, the pain of loss can feel especially heavy. This poem by an unknown author offers much-needed comfort, reminding us that our loved one is still with us, because they, too, deeply cared for us.

You think I’ve gone, that I am dead, and life has lost its will,

But look around, I am right there, living with you still

I watch your tears, I feel your pain – I see the things you do

I weep as well, each time you cry, my soul, it lives with you

It gives such joy to hear you laugh, and do the things you do

And when you smile o’er by gone days, I smile right with you too

For we’re still one, just you and me, one mind, one soul, one being

Walking forward into life, though only you are seen

And in the stillness of the night, when the pain it really starts

Stretch out a little with your mind and draw me to your heart

For I am always right in there, always by your side

For you have been, all my life’s days, my joy, my love my pride. 

Can be found here Do Not Weep For Me - Funeral Poem by Anon. | Funeral Guide

Conclusion: adding a Poem for a Funeral or Celebration of Life

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to traditional readings or a meaningful addition to prayers you've already chosen, these poems can help shape a service that truly reflects your loved one’s life, values, and wishes.

A celebrant-led ceremony offers the flexibility to create something unique and deeply personal. Whether read by you, your family, friends, or me as your celebrant, these poems can set the tone, evoke emotion, and create an atmosphere of love and remembrance. This additional dimension enhances the overall experience for everyone, reinforcing and enhancing the message and tone of the ceremony for those who are attending and giving them added depth and space in which to mourn.

Thank you for reading my blog. If I can be of any help with your celebration of life ceremony, please get in touch on ritesofw@gmail.com and also 07305002858 or by completing the contact form. Information on my funeral and celebration of life services can be found here