Funeral Poems

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 sun 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.

— Mary Elizabeth Frye

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, Somewhere very near, Just round the corner. All is well.

— Henry Scott-Holland

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

— Biblical, KJV

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

— Traditional Irish Blessing

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

— W.H. Auden

Copyright W.H. Auden Estate. Published by Random House.

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 plann'd: 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.

— Christina Rossetti

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

— Dylan Thomas

Copyright Dylan Thomas Estate. Published by New Directions.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

— Biblical, KJV

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

— Biblical, KJV

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

— Biblical, NIV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

— Biblical, KJV

Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here; Warm southern wind, Blow softly here. Green sod above, Lie light, lie light. Good night, dear heart, Good night, good night.

— Mark Twain / Robert Richardson

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

— Mary Elizabeth Frye

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call, I turned my back and left it all.

— Anne Lindgren Davison

Copyright Anne Lindgren Davison (1974).

One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord, Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.

— Mary Stevenson / Margaret Fishback Powers

Copyright disputed among multiple claimants. Treat as copyrighted.

You can shed tears that he is gone Or you can smile because he has lived.

— David Harkins

Copyright David Harkins.

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? Miss me a little, but not for long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that once we shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It's all a part of the master plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

— Christina Rossetti

You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she has lived.

— David Harkins

Copyright David Harkins. Used with permission in many funeral settings.

I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone From the beginning... to the end.

— Linda Ellis

Copyright Linda Ellis. All rights actively enforced. Permission required for use.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is 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...

— Henry Van Dyke

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, That we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, Without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind Because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, For an interval, Somewhere very near, Just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

— Henry Scott-Holland

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

— Elizabeth Barrett Browning

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;

— E.E. Cummings

Copyright E.E. Cummings Trust. Published by Liveright Publishing.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, 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 traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

— Robert Frost

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Biblical, KJV

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

— Biblical, KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

— Biblical, KJV

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

— Biblical, KJV

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm'd; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature's changing course untrimm'd; But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st; Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st: So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

— William Shakespeare, Shakespeare's Sonnets

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar.

— Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Tennyson's final poem, written 1889

I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. I envy not in any moods The captive void of noble rage, The linnet born within the cage, That never knew the summer's woods: I envy not the beast that takes His licence in the field of time, Unfetter'd by the sense of crime, To whom a conscience never wakes; Nor, what may count itself as blest, The heart that never plighted troth But stagnates in the weeds of sloth; Nor any want-begotten rest. I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.

— Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850)

Only a dad with a tired face, Coming home from the daily race, Bringing little of gold or fame To show how well he has played the game; But glad in his heart that his own rejoice To see him come and to hear his voice. Only a dad with a brood of four, One of ten million men or more Plodding along in the daily strife, Bearing the whips and the scorns of life, With never a whimper of pain or hate, For the sake of those who at home await. Only a dad, neither rich nor proud, Merely one of the surging crowd, Toiling, striving from day to day, Facing whatever may come his way, Silent whenever the harsh condemn, And bearing it all for the love of them. Only a dad but he gives his all, To smooth the way for his children small, Doing with courage stern and grim The deeds that his father did for him. This is the line that for him I pen: Only a dad, but the best of men.

— Edgar A. Guest

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream — and not make dreams your master; If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!' If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And — which is more — you'll be a Man, my son!

— Rudyard Kipling

I cannot say, and I will not say That he is dead. He is just away! With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you — oh you, who the wildest yearn For an old-time step, and the glad return, Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here. Think of him still as the same. I say, He is not dead — he is just away!

— James Whitcomb Riley

If I were hanged on the highest hill, Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! I know whose love would follow me still, Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! If I were drowned in the deepest sea, Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! I know whose tears would come down to me, Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine! If I were damned of body and soul, I know whose prayers would make me whole, Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine!

— Rudyard Kipling

When tomorrow starts without me And I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me.

— David M. Romano

Copyright David M. Romano Estate.

Though my soul may set in darkness, It will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too truly To be fearful of the night.

— Sarah Williams

Tread lightly, she is near Under the snow, Speak gently, she can hear The daisies grow. All her bright golden hair Tarnished with rust, She that was young and fair Fallen to dust. Lily-like, white as snow, She hardly knew She was a woman, so Sweetly she grew. Coffin-board, heavy stone, Lie on her breast, I vex my heart alone, She is at rest. Peace, peace, she cannot hear Lyre or sonnet, All my life's buried here, Heap earth upon it.

— Oscar Wilde

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

— Unknown

If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again.

— Unknown

We had a wonderful grandmother, One who never really grew old; Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold. Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see; We had a wonderful grandmother, And that's what she'll always be. She had a kindly word for each And a smile for all she knew; She was generous, kind and thoughtful, With a heart as good as true. She was always there to guide us, With a gentle, loving hand; And now she's watching over us From that far and peaceful land.

— Unknown

God looked around his garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face.

— Melissa Shreve

Copyright attributed to Melissa Shreve. Copyright status unclear.

You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she has lived.

— David Harkins

Copyright David Harkins. Adapted for grandmother use.

We seem to give them back to thee, O God, who gavest them to us. Yet as thou didst not lose them in the giving, so we do not lose them by their return. Not as the world giveth, givest thou, O Lover of souls. What thou givest, thou takest not away, for what is thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; and draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where thou art we may also be for evermore.

— Bede Jarrett / William Penn

God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you And whispered, 'Come to me.' With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

— Unknown

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

— Henry Francis Lyte

God looked around his garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face.

— Melissa Shreve

Copyright attributed to Melissa Shreve. Copyright status unclear.

When tomorrow starts without me And I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me.

— David M. Romano

Copyright David M. Romano Estate.

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this 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.

— Unknown

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, 'There, she is gone.' Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. And, just at the moment when someone says, 'There, she is 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...

— Henry Van Dyke

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove. O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wand'ring bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me prov'd, I never writ, nor no man ever lov'd.

— William Shakespeare, Shakespeare's Sonnets (1609)

May the blessing of light be on you — Light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you Like a great peat fire, So that stranger and friend may come And warm himself at it. And may light shine out of the two eyes of you, Like a candle set in the window of a house, Bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm. And may the blessing of the rain be on you, May it beat upon your spirit And wash it fair and clean, And leave there a shining pool Where the blue of Heaven shines, And sometimes a star.

— Traditional Irish

Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you, Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light on you, Deep peace of Christ the light of the world to you.

— Traditional Celtic / Fiona Macleod

Of all the money that e'er I had, I spent it in good company. And all the harm that e'er I've done, Alas, it was to none but me. And all I've done for want of wit To memory now I can't recall; So fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be with you all. Oh, all the comrades that e'er I've had Are sorry for my going away. And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had Would wish me one more day to stay. But since it falls unto my lot That I should rise and you should not, I'll gently rise and I'll softly call, Good night and joy be with you all.

— Traditional Irish/Scottish

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

— W.B. Yeats

God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you And whispered, 'Come to me.' With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

— Unknown

Some things in life are bad, They can really make you sad, Other things just make you mad.

— Eric Idle / Monty Python

Copyright Eric Idle. From Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979).

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 I should go tomorrow I would want you to go on. To fill your life with joy and laughter, Even when I'm gone. Remember I will always be Beside you every day, And though you cannot see me, I'm never far away.

— 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; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

— Unknown

When I come to the end of the day And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Maker's plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

— Unknown

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I travelled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near, And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."

— Unknown

Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze.

— Robert Hayden

Copyright Robert Hayden Estate. Published by Liveright Publishing.

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my father's arms And tell him they're from me.

— Dolores M. Garcia

Copyright Dolores M. Garcia.

When great trees fall, in forests small things are lost, beneath the heavy breathing, light is lost.

— Maya Angelou

Copyright Maya Angelou Estate. Published by Random House.

Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor — Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now — For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

— Langston Hughes

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 thou wilt, forget. I shall not see the shadows, I shall not feel the rain; I shall not hear the nightingale Sing on, as if in pain: And dreaming through the twilight That doth not rise nor set, Haply I may remember, And haply may forget.

— Christina Rossetti

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this 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 God's own 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!

— Unknown

Time is too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, time is eternity.

— Henry Van Dyke

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.

— Emily Dickinson

Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.

— Robert Frost

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.

— Joyce Grenfell

Copyright Joyce Grenfell Estate.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

— Jenny Joseph

Copyright Jenny Joseph Estate. Published by Souvenir Press.

Oh dear, if you're reading this right now, I must have given up the ghost. I hope you can forgive me for being Such a stiff and unwelcoming host. Just talk amongst yourselves, my friends, And share a drink or two. For I am sure you'll all agree — It's what I'd like to do. Don't worry about prior engagements, I won't be offended, you see. Just go ahead and cancel them all, And come and remember me. Don't stand on ceremony now. Make sure that you have fun. Remember I'm not really gone, I've just gone out to lunch. Pardon me for not getting up, I'd like to raise a toast. So please enjoy the party — It's the most I can do as your host.

— Unknown

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

— Biblical, KJV

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

— Biblical, KJV

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

— Biblical, KJV

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

— Biblical, KJV

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

— Biblical, KJV

Fear no more the heat o' the sun, Nor the furious winter's rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages: Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust. Fear no more the frown o' the great; Thou art past the tyrant's stroke; Care no more to clothe and eat; To thee the reed is as the oak: The sceptre, learning, physic, must All follow this, and come to dust. Fear no more the lightning flash, Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone; Fear not slander, censure rash; Thou hast finish'd joy and moan: All lovers young, all lovers must Consign to thee, and come to dust. No exorciser harm thee! Nor no witchcraft charm thee! Ghost unlaid forbear thee! Nothing ill come near thee! Quiet consummation have; And renowned be thy grave!

— William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act IV, Scene ii

Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and Are melted into air, into thin air: And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep.

— William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act IV, Scene i

If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to wander, A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

— Rupert Brooke, 1914 and Other Poems (1915)

Our father kept a garden, A garden of the heart; He planted all the good things That gave our lives their start. He turned us to the sunshine And encouraged us to dream, Fostering and nourishing The seeds of self-esteem. And when the winds and rain came, He protected us enough; But not too much because he knew We'd need to stand up tough. His constant good example Always taught us right from wrong; Markers for our pathway That will last a lifetime long. We are our father's garden, We are his legacy; Thank you, Dad, for everything You've done for our family.

— J. Allen Shaw

My father was no hero In a military way, He never wore a uniform Or earned a soldier's pay. He never fought in battles Or led a charge up hills, But he was there beside me Through all of life's small ills. He was a quiet hero In his unassuming way, He worked and saved and sacrificed To give us a better day. He taught us to be honest, To stand up straight and tall, And though he never sought the praise, He was the best of all.

— Edgar A. Guest

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead. O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up — for you the flag is flung — for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths — for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, You've fallen cold and dead. My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still, My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will, The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won; Exult O shores, and ring O bells! But I with mournful tread, Walk the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.

— Walt Whitman

God made a wonderful mother, A mother who never grows old; He made her smile of the sunshine, And He moulded her heart of pure gold; In her eyes He placed bright shining stars, In her cheeks, fair roses you see; God made a wonderful mother, And He gave that dear mother to me.

— Unknown

Mother, you were just a girl, So many years ago. You had your loves and had your dreams.

— Dick Underwood

Copyright Dick Underwood.

I had a Mother who read to me Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea, Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth, "Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath. I had a Mother who read to me Tales of the Norsemen fierce and free, And I felt the thrill of the great, grey seas Rocking my dreams on my Mother's knees. I had a Mother who read to me Of lands beyond the purple sea, Where castles glittered in the sun, And each page turned was another one. Richer than I you can never be — I had a Mother who read to me.

— Strickland Gillilan

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky, Hundreds of shells on the shore together, Hundreds of birds that go singing by, Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather. Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn, Hundreds of bees in the purple clover, Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn, But only one mother the wide world over.

— Unknown

I cannot say, and I will not say That she is dead. She is just away! With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, She has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since she lingers there. And you — oh you, who the wildest yearn For an old-time step, and the glad return, Think of her faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here. Think of her still as the same. I say, She is not dead — she is just away!

— James Whitcomb Riley (adapted)

An honest man here lies at rest, The friend of man, the friend of beast, If there is another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.

— Robert Burns

In the rising of the sun and in its going down, We remember them. In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, We remember them. In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, We remember them. In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, We remember them. In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, We remember them. In the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength, We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart, We remember them. So long as we live, they too shall live, For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

— Sylvan Kamens & Jack Riemer

Life is eternal, and love is immortal, And death is only an horizon, And an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.

— Bede Jarrett

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

— Unknown

And just at the moment when someone says, 'There, she is gone,' There are other eyes watching her coming, And other voices ready to take up the glad shout, 'Here she comes!'

— Henry Van Dyke

You never said 'I'm leaving,' You never said 'goodbye.' You were gone before I knew it, And only God knew why.

— Lavina Reyes

Copyright Lavina Reyes.

A golden heart stopped beating, Busy hands now at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

— Unknown

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Grandma's arms And tell her they're from me.

— Dolores M. Garcia (adapted)

Copyright Dolores M. Garcia. Adapted for grandma.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free! I follow the plan God laid for me. I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I've now found peace at the end of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

— Unknown

God hath not promised Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways All our lives through; God hath not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. But God hath promised Strength for the day, Rest for the labour, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.

— Annie Johnson Flint

We little knew that morning That God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.

— Ron Tranmer

Copyright Ron Tranmer.

It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love — I and my Annabel Lee — With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsmen came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, Went envying her and me — Yes! — that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we — Of many far wiser than we — And neither the angels in Heaven above Nor the demons down under the sea Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling — my darling — my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea — In her tomb by the sounding sea.

— Edgar Allan Poe

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 circling 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.

— Clare Harner

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 Of happy memories that I leave When life is done.

— Unknown

Say not in grief 'he is no more' But live in thankfulness that he was.

— Rabindranath Tagore

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.

— Walt Whitman

Death is not extinguishing the light; It is only putting out the lamp Because the dawn has come.

— Rabindranath Tagore

An honest man here lies at rest, The friend of man, the friend of beast, If there is another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.

— Robert Burns

I know that I shall meet my fate Somewhere among the clouds above; Those that I fight I do not hate, Those that I guard I do not love; My country is Kiltartan Cross, My countrymen Kiltartan's poor, No likely end could bring them loss Or leave them happier than before. Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, Nor public men, nor cheering crowds, A lonely impulse of delight Drove to this tumult in the clouds; I balanced all, brought all to mind, The years to come seemed waste of breath, A waste of breath the years behind In balance with this life, this death.

— W.B. Yeats

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet's wings. I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart's core.

— W.B. Yeats

Though we need to weep your loss, We also need to feel the freedom of your dance.

— John O'Donohue

Copyright John O'Donohue Estate.

On the day when The weight deadens on your shoulders And you stumble, May the clay dance to balance you.

— John O'Donohue

Copyright John O'Donohue Estate.

Death is not extinguishing the light; It is only putting out the lamp Because the dawn has come.

— Rabindranath Tagore

I told you I was ill.

— Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan (d. 2002). Written in Irish on his gravestone as 'Duirt me leat go raibh me breoite.'

Feel no guilt in laughter, he'd know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share. You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to. He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do. So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here, And fills you with the feelings that he is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.

— 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, breathing memory Of our never-ending treasure.

— Unknown

His love was unending, his patience sublime, Those powerful hands that held us through time.

— Karen Boyer

Copyright Karen Boyer.

You never quite get over the loss of a father. You simply learn to navigate the world without him in it.

— Donna Ashworth

Copyright Donna Ashworth. From 'Loss' collection.

She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate; And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care, The long way home would seem more safe Because she waited there. Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget! And so I think that where she is She must be watching yet, Waiting till we come home to her, Anxious if we are late — Watching from Heaven's window, Leaning from Heaven's gate.

— Margaret Widdemer

It was you who held me together, You who gave me strength, You who wrapped your love around me Like a sheltering wing.

— Maya Angelou

Copyright Maya Angelou Estate. Published by Random House.

Our Mum is such a special word, The one we love the most. Her name is always on our lips, The one we love to boast. She helped us through so many things And always understood. She tried so hard to guide us right, To make our lives so good. She kept us safe within her arms And wiped away our tears. She filled our hearts with so much joy Throughout our growing years. Although we'll miss her more than words Could ever hope to say, Our Mum will live within our hearts And that is where she'll stay.

— Unknown

Your mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.

— Jane Jenkins Herlong

Copyright Jane Jenkins Herlong.

A wife, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife, not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, Now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you've earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.

— Unknown

The life that I have Is all that I have And the life that I have Is yours.

— Leo Marks

Copyright Leo Marks Estate.

When I die Give what's left of me away To children And old men that wait to die.

— Merrit Malloy

Copyright Merrit Malloy.

A wife, a mother, a grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, You gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife, not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, And now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you've earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.

— Unknown

Grandma's hands clapped in church on Sunday morning, Grandma's hands played a tambourine so well. Grandma's hands used to issue out a warning, She'd say, "Billy, don't you run so fast, Might fall on a piece of glass, Might be snakes there in that grass." Grandma's hands. Grandma's hands soothed a local unwed mother, Grandma's hands used to ache sometimes and swell. Grandma's hands used to lift her face and tell her, She'd say, "Baby, Grandma understands That you really love that man, Put yourself in Jesus' hands." Grandma's hands. Grandma's hands used to hand me piece of candy, Grandma's hands picked me up each time I fell. Grandma's hands, boy, they really came in handy. She'd say, "Matty, don't you whip that boy, What you want to spank him for? He didn't drop no apple core." But I don't have Grandma anymore. If I get to heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands.

— Unknown

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 the time raced me by. Farewell, farewell, my friends, 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.

— Rabindranath Tagore

Don't think of him as gone away — His journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets — This earth is only one.

— Ellen Brenneman

Copyright Ellen Brenneman.

Do not hurry as you walk with grief; It does not help the journey. Walk slowly, pausing often: Do not hurry as you walk with grief. Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden. Swiftly or slowly, they will come. Be gentle with the one who walks with grief. If some days you cannot go on, do not worry. It is the road itself that teaches the next step. When you walk with grief It is always one step at a time. Do not hurry as you walk with grief; Be gentle with yourself along the way.

— Unknown (Celtic tradition)

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you." "You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing."

— E.B. White, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (1952)

Copyright E.B. White Estate. Published by Harper & Brothers.

Music, when soft voices die, Vibrates in the memory — Odours, when sweet violets sicken, Live within the sense they quicken. Rose leaves, when the rose is dead, Are heaped for the beloved's bed; And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone, Love itself shall slumber on.

— Percy Bysshe Shelley

I told you I was ill. Don't cry for me now, it's all a big joke. Smile, wave goodbye, and have a nice day.

— Spike Milligan

Copyright Spike Milligan Estate.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

— Biblical, KJV

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

— Biblical, KJV

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

— Biblical, KJV

Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow. Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in thy breast! Would I were sleep and peace, so sweet to rest!

— William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene ii

Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.

— William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act II, Scene ii

Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give?

— Summer Sandercox

Copyright Summer Sandercox.

Thanks for all the things you've done, Thanks for all the battles won, Thanks for all the times you cared, Thanks for every tear you shared. Thanks for teaching me to walk, Thanks for listening when I'd talk, Thanks for always being near, Thanks for wiping every tear. Thanks for all the love you gave, Thanks for being strong and brave, Thanks for all the things you'd do, Thanks, Dad, for just being you.

— Unknown

I am my Father's garden, I am his legacy, The seeds he sowed within my heart Are all I'll ever need. He taught me how to weather storms And stand up straight and tall, His love the sun that kept me warm Through winter, spring and fall. I am my Father's garden, His work of art, his pride, And though he's gone from here today His love has not yet died.

— Unknown

Weep not for me though I have gone Into that gentle night. Grieve if you will, but not for long Upon my soul's sweet flight. I am at peace, my soul's at rest, There is no need for tears. For with your love I was so blessed For all those many years. There is no pain, I suffer not, The fear is now all gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts; In your memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath, Remember not the strife. Please do not dwell upon my death But celebrate my life.

— Unknown

There's magic in a Mother's touch, And sunshine in her smile. There's love in everything she does, To make our lives worthwhile. You can see her gentle beauty In the kindness that she shows, A tender hugging warm embrace That everybody knows. She's the inspiration of our lives, She's the heart of all we do. With every bit of love she gives, She makes our world brand new.

— Unknown

I am my Mother's garden, I am her legacy, The seeds she sowed within my heart Are all I'll ever need. She taught me how to love the world, To see the good in all, Her gentle words still guide me Whenever shadows fall. I am my Mother's garden, Her love blooms on in me, And though she's gone from here today Her spirit sets me free.

— Unknown

From the moment of my birth Those hands that rocked the cradle Were the finest things on earth. They held me close and kept me safe, They wiped away my tears, They soothed my hurts and calmed my fears Across the growing years. Those gentle hands that guided me Through all my childhood days, That taught me, held me, lifted me In oh so many ways. Now those dear hands are still at last, But this I know is true: The love those hands once gave to me Will last my whole life through.

— Unknown

Farewell to thee! But not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they still shall dwell; And they shall cheer and comfort me. O, beautiful, and full of grace! If thou hast never met mine eye, I had not dreamed a living face Could fancied charms so far outvie. If I may ne'er behold again That form and face so dear to me, Nor hear thy voice, still I'd retain The memory of what used to be.

— Anne Bronte

Nan had a special garden, Where love and kindness grew, She tended it with patience The way that she tended you. She planted seeds of happiness, And watched them bloom with care, Her garden was a special place With beauty everywhere. Now Nan has gone to tend a garden In a land far, far away, But the flowers that she planted here Will bloom for us each day.

— Unknown

When God made grandmothers He made them sweet and kind, He gave them gentle natures And a warm and loving mind. He gave them hearts of patience That could soothe a child's small fears, And hands so soft and tender That could wipe away the tears. He gave them eyes of wisdom To see beyond what others see, And arms that always opened wide With room upon their knee. When God made grandmothers He made a special friend, Whose love would know no boundaries And whose faith would never end.

— Unknown

I remember Grandma's kitchen, The warmth and all the love, The smell of something baking That only she could make. The table always ready With a place set just for me, A cup of tea and biscuits, The way it used to be. I'd give the world to sit once more In Grandma's cosy chair, To feel her arms around me And know that she was there. But now she bakes in heaven With angels by her side, And I can still feel her love Forever as my guide.

— Unknown

In my Father's house are many rooms, And I have prepared a place for you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, For I go to make things new. There will be no more sorrow, No crying, and no pain. The former things have passed away; Love eternal shall remain. So trust in the promise given, That we shall meet once more, In the house of many mansions, On that bright eternal shore.

— Unknown

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, Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do Something to comfort other hearts than thine. Complete those dear unfinished tasks of mine, And I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

— Unknown

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done. I want to walk the golden stairs to meet the ones I knew, And find at the end of each rainbow, the promise God made true.

— Unknown

Do not weep for me, For where I am now, I am at peace. I have passed through the gate of glory And found my sweet release. I am in the arms of angels, Bathed in heavenly light. Do not weep for me, dear ones, For I am home tonight. Remember me with laughter, Remember me with love, And know that I am watching From the heavens up above.

— Unknown

When I am alone in my room at night, I hear your voice and feel your light. The pillow beside me, empty and cold, But the love we shared will never grow old. You were my world, my heart, my soul, The one who made my life feel whole. And though you've gone beyond my sight, You are my morning, noon and night. I'll carry you with me everywhere, In every breath and every prayer. Until we meet again someday, You're in my heart, and there you'll stay.

— Unknown

The fountains mingle with the river And the rivers with the ocean, The winds of heaven mix for ever With a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; All things by a law divine In one spirit meet and mingle. Why not I with thine? — See the mountains kiss high heaven And the waves clasp one another; No sister-flower would be forgiven If it disdained its brother; And the sunlight clasps the earth And the moonbeams kiss the sea: What is all this sweet work worth If thou kiss not me?

— Percy Bysshe Shelley

At the last, tenderly, From the walls of the powerful fortress'd house, Let me be wafted. Let me glide noiselessly forth; With the key of softness unlock the locks — with a whisper, Set ope the doors O soul. Tenderly — be not impatient, (Strong is your hold O mortal flesh, Strong is your hold O love.)

— Walt Whitman

We are here to celebrate your life And the measure of its worth, The joy you brought to all of us During your time upon this earth. You were always there to lend a hand, A shoulder or an ear, To share a joke, to share a laugh, To be a friend so dear. It's been a privilege to have known you. We were family, not just friends. And your warmth and love and laughter Will shine on till time itself ends.

— 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; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

— Unknown

When you lose someone you love, Your life becomes strange.

— John O'Donohue

Copyright John O'Donohue Estate. From 'To Bless the Space Between Us.'

Let's drink to the dead already, And hurrah for the next that dies!

— Traditional Irish

There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee.

— Robert W. Service

A father sees his son nearing manhood. What shall he tell that son? "Life is hard; be steel; be a rock." And he will be hard, and he will be a rock. And then the boy will not be soft enough to know love, and to feel the earth quicken. A father sees his son nearing manhood. What shall he tell that son? "Life is short; be hard; be tough." And he will be tough and hard. And he will never know the softness of love, the singing in the rain on the roof above. A father sees his son nearing manhood. What shall he tell that son? Tell him too much money has killed men, and left them dead years before burial; Tell him time as a stuff can be wasted. Tell him to be a fool every so often and to have no shame over having been a fool yet learning something out of every folly. Tell him to be alone often and get at himself and above all tell himself no lies about himself.

— Carl Sandburg

I might have been rich if I'd wanted the gold Instead of the friendships I've made. I might have had fame if I'd sought for renown In the hours when I purposely played. Now I'm standing today on the far edge of life, And I'm just looking backward to see What I've done with the years and the days that were mine, And all that has happened to me. I haven't built much of a fortune to leave To those who shall carry my name, And nothing I've done shall entitle me now To a place on the tablets of fame. But I've loved the great mountains, the fields and the streams, And I've loved every flower that grows. I've savoured the fragrance of newly mown hay And watched every sunset that glows.

— Edgar A. Guest

I often contemplate my childhood days, Remembering all the good times that we had, And it occurs to me in many ways How very blessed I was to have you, Mum.

— Joanna Fuchs

Copyright Joanna Fuchs.

Just close your eyes and you will see All the memories that you have of me. Just sit and relax and you will find I'm really still there inside your mind.

— Gaynor Llewellyn

Copyright Gaynor Llewellyn.

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; In the primal sympathy Which having been must ever be; In the soothing thoughts that spring Out of human suffering; In the faith that looks through death, In years that bring the philosophic mind.

— William Wordsworth, Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood

There are friends who walk beside us, Who brighten up our days, Who fill our lives with laughter, With love, in countless ways. And when we lose a friendship That meant the world and more, We know that special person Is just beyond the door. Waiting for us somewhere, In a place that's free from pain, Where one day we'll be together And share our laughs again.

— Unknown

There is a time for everything, A time for joy, a time for sorrow, A time to hold on and a time to let go. There is a time for peace, A time for quiet reflection. Let today be a time to remember The love and the laughter we shared, To honour a life well lived, And to find comfort in one another.

— Traditional

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.

— Nicholas Evans

Copyright Nicholas Evans Estate.

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

— Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Copyright Oriah Mountain Dreamer. Published by HarperOne.

May the sun bring you new energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries, May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know Its beauty all the days of your life. May you go now in peace, In the knowledge that you were greatly loved And that you made a difference.

— Unknown (Apache tradition)

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. I am the wind that shakes the trees, I am the snow on the mountain top, I am the sun reflecting off the ocean, I am the warm summer breeze. I am the stars that shine at night, I am the first bird to take flight. I am anything beautiful you can see, Because my spirit is now free. So do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

— Unknown

"Isn't it a bit unpleasant to be made of something that can simply get up and walk away from you at any moment?" said Mole. "No," said the Rat, gazing lovingly at the old boat. "For what gives life its value is that some day it will end. Some day, one day, we shall all leave this riverside, one by one. But the memory of the river, and the friends we made here, and the sunshine and the willows — those memories will last forever." "Then I shan't mind leaving," said Mole quietly. "No," agreed the Rat. "You won't mind at all."

— Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908)

Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky. I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast. My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end. I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend. I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well. I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.

— Amelia Josephine Burr

Happy the man, and happy he alone, He who can call today his own: He who, secure within, can say, Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today. Be fair or foul or rain or shine The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine. Not Heaven itself upon the past has power, But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.

— John Dryden

When you see a star tonight, Shining way up high, Know it's me looking down on you, From my home up in the sky. I'm watching over you always, And though we're far apart, Know I'm right there beside you, Forever in your heart.

— Unknown

If I should die and leave you here a while, 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, Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do Something to comfort weaker hearts than thine. Complete those dear unfinished tasks of mine And I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

— A. Price Hughes

Don't lay me in some gloomy churchyard shaded by a wall Where the dust of ancient bones has spread a spectre over all.

— Pam Ayres

Copyright Pam Ayres.

With these hands I've painted walls, Cleaned up after meals and falls, Washed the dishes, wiped the floors, Polished handles, painted doors.

— Pam Ayres

Copyright Pam Ayres.

She'd say, 'sit down, love, have a cup of tea,' And somehow make the whole world right. She solved the problems of the universe With a biscuit and a cuppa every night.

— Michael Ashby

Copyright Michael Ashby.

Life is a jest, and all things show it. I thought so once, and now I know it. My own epitaph.

— John Gay

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

— Biblical, KJV

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

— Biblical, KJV

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

— Biblical, KJV

A father's love is forever imprinted On his children's hearts, A guiding light that never dims Even when the world grows dark. He taught us strength through gentle hands, He showed us love through deeds, His legacy lives on in us, In every word and deed. Though we cannot hold him now, His spirit carries on, A father's love is never lost— It lives forever on.

— Unknown

Don't weep at my grave, For I am not there, I've a date with a butterfly To dance in the air. I'll be singing in the sunshine, Wild and free, Playing across the wind, Being part of the sea. So dry your eyes and remember my laugh, The good times we had, And know that I loved you More than words ever said.

— Unknown

She was our mum, our world, our heart, She was there right from the start. She held us close and kept us safe, Her love, a warm and sacred place. She taught us how to laugh and love, A gift sent from the stars above. And though she's gone, she's always near, Her voice, her love, forever here.

— Unknown

O mother-my-love, if you'll give me your hand, And go where I ask you to wander, I will lead you away to a beautiful land— The Dreamland that's waiting out yonder. We'll walk in a sweet-posied garden out there Where moonlight and starlight are streaming, And the flowers and the birds are filling the air With the fragrance and music of dreaming. There'll be no little tired-out boy to undress, No questions or cares to perplex you; There'll be no little bruises or bumps to caress, Nor patching of stockings to vex you. For I'll rock you away on a silver-dew stream And sing you asleep when you're weary, And no one shall know of our beautiful dream But you and your own little dearie.

— Eugene Field

She was our Nan, our world, our heart, She was there right from the start, She held us close and kept us safe, Her love, a warm and sacred place. She taught us how to laugh and play, She made the world a better day, And though she's gone, she's always near, Her memory, forever dear.

— Unknown

Without you there's no sunrise, Without you there's no day, Without you there's no laughter, Since you have gone away. Without you there's no evening, No stars up in the sky, Without you there's just emptiness, And all I do is cry. But somewhere deep within my heart Your love still lights the way, And I know we'll be together Again some other day.

— Unknown

You were my rock, my strength, my guide, My shelter from the storm. You were the one who held me close And kept my heart so warm. You were my smile on cloudy days, My laughter and my light. My hand to hold through everything, My morning, noon and night. And though you've gone from here today, Your love remains so true, For everything I am, my love, Is all because of you.

— Unknown

I can't believe you're really gone, My love, my heart, my soul. Without you here, my world has changed, No longer feeling whole.

— Unknown

Modern poem with various attributions.

Good-bye my fancy! Farewell dear mate, dear love! I'm going away, I know not where, Or to what fortune, or whether I may ever see you again, So good-bye my fancy. Now for my last — let me look back a moment; The slower fainter ticking of the clock is in me, Exit, nightfall, and soon the heart-thud stopping. Long have we lived, joy'd, caress'd together; Delightful! — now separation — Good-bye my fancy. Yet let me not be too hasty, Long indeed have we lived, slept, filter'd, become really blended into one; Then if we die we die together, (yes, we'll remain one,) If we go anywhere we'll go together to meet what happens, Good-bye — and hail! my fancy.

— Walt Whitman

I have not known the kind of friend Who walks with you through sun and rain, Who shares your joy, who soothes your pain.

— Grace Noll Crowell

Copyright likely applies. Grace Noll Crowell d. 1969.

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow... Actually, forget that, I'm watching the football.

— Unknown

Don't cry for me now I have died, For I'm still here, right by your side. My body's gone but my soul is here, Just talk to me, I'll always hear. I'll watch you from the other side, I'll be the one to be your guide. So dry your eyes and don't be sad, Remember the good times that we had.

— Unknown

I've lived between the dates upon my stone, And trust me, that dash was quite a ride. I laughed too loud, I loved too much, I took it all in my stride. I burned the dinner more than once, Forgot where I put the keys, But I lived that little dash with flair And did just what I pleased.

— Unknown

I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year, I couldn't wait for the holidays, I wanted to be here. I know this isn't the Christmas that you planned, But I hope you'll try to understand. The place is so beautiful, beyond my wildest dreams, There's peace and joy and happiness; I know how strange that seems. Please don't be sad or cry for me; I'm spending Christmas with the King, you see. I'll ask Him to bless you just for me, Merry Christmas from heaven, your family.

— Unknown

The memory of my father is wrapped up in white paper, like sandwiches taken for a day at work.

— Yehuda Amichai

Copyright Yehuda Amichai Estate. Published by HarperCollins.

To-day's your natal day; Sweet flowers I bring: Mother, accept I pray My offering. And may you happy live, And long us bless; Receiving as you give Great happiness.

— Christina Rossetti

Walk to the shore where a star's last rays Are shimmering on the waters. Walk, and think of all we shared, The joy, the laughter, the tears. I walked among people, I walked alone, But always I walked with my heart. I knew no other way to walk, I knew no other way to love. And though I leave this life behind, I leave my heart with you. For everything I ever was, I gave it all to you.

— Hannah Szenes

Tell me the one about the virus again, then. But Mum, why do I have to hear it? Because, darling, it's important.

— Tomos Roberts

Copyright Tomos Roberts (Tom Foolery). Published 2020.

Where there once was light, Darkness now resides. But love shines through And forever abides. Though we walk in shadow, Love will lead us through, And every cherished memory Will keep me close to you.

— Unknown

May time soften your pain, Till it's easier to bear. May all the nicest memories Help take away despair. May knowing that you're not alone Help see you through your grief. May time heal your broken heart And give you sweet relief.

— Unknown

When I see the brightest star Shining in the sky, I know that you are up there Watching from on high.

— Robyn O'Connell

Copyright Robyn O'Connell.

Please don't put me in the ground Without my mobile phone. I need to check my Facebook page And answer all texts shown. I need to post a selfie or two To let my friends all know That the Wi-Fi up in Heaven Is a little bit too slow. But don't you worry 'bout me, love, I'll find a signal soon. I'll text you from the pearly gates And we'll FaceTime by the moon. So please don't cry too long for me, Just pick up your phone instead. And if you get a funny text, You'll know I'm not quite dead.

— Unknown

I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens. Or was that Woody Allen? Either way, When I go, I'd like to go laughing.

— Sean Hughes

Copyright Sean Hughes Estate.