The most popular poems and readings for a funeral

A funeral reading or personal tribute, often referred to as a eulogy, is a chance to celebrate the life of the deceased, from their personality to their greatest achievements. Eulogies are also a welcome moment for you to say your final goodbyes and seek closure. Writing a eulogy is a privilege and an honour, however, it isn’t always a straightforward task.

It’s completely normal for the words not to flow as freely as you thought they would, this is a highly emotional time for any person and you may find that your emotions are cluttering your mind. If you’re struggling to find the right words to convey your feelings, we are here to take you through some of the most popular poems and funeral readings. From funny anecdotes to short and uplifting poems, keep reading to discover poems that will help you find the right words for honouring your loved one.

Things to consider when writing a reading for a funeral

Before you begin writing your eulogy, there are a few things you’ll want to consider that can help you make a start if you find yourself still staring at a blank piece of paper.

Who’s going to be listening to it? – Knowing your audience is important. If there are funeral attendees who may not appreciate a lighthearted quip then you’ll want to avoid jokes that may be upsetting. On the other hand, your audience may prefer the eulogy to be anecdotal, with light-hearted stories and an element of humour to help lift some spirits. It’s always good to check with a few people who will also be attending the funeral beforehand to see what they might prefer so that you can match your speech to the tone of the service.

How long does it need to be? – There is no set length for a eulogy, but it’s good to make sure that your reading doesn’t take time away from someone else’s. If you feel you have a lot to say, you are welcome to make it a bit longer or if talking about your loved one is difficult at this time, you can choose to keep it short and sweet. If you’re unsure how long to make your eulogy you can always speak to others who are reading at the funeral and coordinate the length with them.

Make it personal – Making your funeral reading personal with a poem or speech that feels special to you and your loved one can be a great way to make everyone feel connected. Whether you want to use a poem they loved or read a few lines from their favourite book or a film quote, remembering the things they loved will make it a unique and special experience.

If you want to learn more about the basics of writing a eulogy then you can read through our guide on writing a eulogy for more help and guidance.

However, when the words aren’t flowing, there are endless poems and readings to source that will help to encapsulate your thoughts and feelings. There are many, beautiful, funny, and uplifting poems out there and finding one that perfectly fits your loved one is a great way to honour their memory. Below you can find a variety of favourite poems, from the most popular to the funniest to find the perfect fit for your funeral reading.

Popular funeral poems

Let’s start with some of the most popular choices for funeral poems. These poems have worked time and time again to help people express their emotions, beliefs and values, you may even change a few words to create a more personal tribute.

Robert Frost – Let Me Go

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 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.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.

Henry Scott Holland – The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Uplifting and positive funeral poems

A classic choice for a funeral poem – positive and uplifting poems can give people a nice break from all the crying and emotions that they will be experiencing. It’s like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise heavy moment. Below we’ve included all the best poems for bringing a sense of ease and happiness to your funeral reading and putting a positive spin on life and death.

One At Rest (Anon)

Think of me as one at rest,
for me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
for I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
is now forever still
And life goes on without me now,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now
because I’ve gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay

Those of you who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me,
I thank you most of all.
And in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry

Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
and now I am at peace.

Rupi Kaur – Funeral

when i go from this place
dress the porch with garlands
as you would for a wedding 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 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

Linda Ellis – The Dash

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

He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent YOUR dash?

Funny funeral poems

Whether you’re looking to encapsulate your loved ones sense of humour or want to uplift the funeral for all the attendees, a funny funeral poem can feel both personal and memorable. Below we’ve included all of our favourite, lighthearted funeral poems for when you want to bring a smile to people’s faces.

Michael Ashby – A LONG CUP OF TEA

Death is too negative for me
So I’ll be popping off for a long cup of tea
Do splash out on two bags in the pot
And for my god’s sake keep the water hot
Please pick the biggest mug you can find
Size really does matter at this time
I’ll pass on the lapsang with that souchong
And that stuff with bergamot
And stick with my favourite friend
You know the English breakfast blend
Breakfast! thanks for reminding me
There’s just time before I fail
To stand on ceremony
Two rashers of best back, Should keep me
Smelling sweet up the smokestack
So, mother, put the kettle on for me
It’s time, mother, for my long cup of tea.

Kelly Roper – Pardon Me for Not Getting Up

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 yourself my friends,
And share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you.

Don’t worry about mourning me,
I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.

Short funeral poems

When you’re looking for something that’s short and sweet, whether you don’t plan to have your reading take more than a minute or you want to fit a short poem into your completed eulogy, here are some of our favourite short poems for a funeral reading.

Mary Elizabeth Frye – Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

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 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 Frye – AFTERGLOW

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.

Abbé Regnier – Gaily I lived

Gaily I lived as ease and nature taught,
And spent my little life without a thought,
And am amazed that Death, that tyrant grim,
Should think of me, who never thought of him

Get more support when writing a eulogy with Heart of England

Poems are a great way to express your feelings and encapsulate the life of your loved one who has passed. Whether you’re keeping things short or going for something to get some chuckles out of your attendees, there are readings for every kind of funeral that are great for those who are struggling to think of words to say on their own.

Whether you’re looking for the right poem to include in your eulogy or just trying to find inspiration, here at Heart of England we are committed to helping you through every step of planning a funeral. From grieving to creating a memorable celebration of their life – if you feel like you need more help during these tough times then you can contact us or book an appointment to talk to one of our funeral directors for more advice and guidance.