Losing a parent is one of the most profound experiences we go through and finding the right words to express your emotions while planning a funeral can be incredibly difficult. Funeral poems can offer comfort, reflect on cherished memories, and help express feelings of loss, love, and gratitude. If you are searching for a poem to read or include in your parent’s funeral service, these five selections are heartfelt tributes that honour a mother or father who has passed away.
1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye
This powerful poem offers comfort by reminding us that a parent’s spirit continues to live on in the world around us. It reassures mourners that their loved one is still with them, in nature and in memory. Its soothing message makes it one of the most popular poems read at funerals.
Excerpt:
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...
This poem is perfect for those seeking words that bring peace and hope in the face of loss.
2. "A Parent’s Love" by Unknown
"A Parent’s Love" is a simple, yet deeply emotional poem that reflects on the enduring bond between a parent and child. It celebrates the unconditional love of a mother or father and the way that love continues long after they’ve passed.
Excerpt:
A parent’s love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain...
This poem is ideal for anyone who wants to focus on the everlasting love they shared with their parent, making it a meaningful tribute during a funeral.
3. "The Garden" by Unknown
"The Garden" is a beautifully written poem that compares the journey of life to the growth of a flower in a garden. It suggests that a parent’s life was a gift to nurture and cherish, and now they are being cared for in heaven. The imagery of nature reflects the natural cycles of life and death, offering peace.
Excerpt:
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face...
This is a gentle and comforting poem that can bring solace to those who are grieving, with its focus on a peaceful afterlife.
4. "If Roses Grow in Heaven" by Dolores M. Garcia
This touching poem imagines the deceased being tended to in heaven, just as they cared for others on earth. It speaks to the hope that loved ones are being watched over in a better place. For many, this poem offers comfort and a sense of connection to the parent they have lost.
Excerpt:
If roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me...
This poem is particularly well-suited for those wanting to express their ongoing love for their parent, even in death.
5. "You’ve Just Walked on Ahead of Me" by Joyce Grenfell
In this poignant and hopeful poem, the poet speaks to the feeling of separation after death, but also the belief that we will one day be reunited. It provides comfort by expressing that death is not the end, but a temporary farewell.
Excerpt:
You’ve just walked on ahead of me
And I’ve got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand...
For anyone seeking words of comfort and reassurance during a difficult time, this poem reflects on the love that continues beyond life.
Choosing the Right Funeral Poem for a Parent
While planning a funeral and selecting a funeral poem for a parent, it’s important to choose one that resonates with you and reflects the unique relationship you had with your mother or father. Whether you are looking for a poem that offers comfort, celebrates their life, or expresses the depth of your loss, these poems can help you find the right words during an emotional time.
If you're unsure which poem is most fitting, take time to reflect on your parent’s personality and life, and perhaps speak with close family members or friends. The right poem can become a cherished part of the funeral service, offering both comfort and a lasting tribute to your parent’s memory.
You can plan a funeral on behalf of a loved one or yourself through The Farewell Guide. Our free search and comparison tool allows you to seamlessly locate and contact hundreds of local funeral directors near you. You can also note down specific funeral wishes such as dress code, songs, method of transportation, and much more. If you would like a specific poem at your funeral, you can include this in your funeral plan with The Farewell Guide and also specify this with your chosen funeral director.
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