Readings are a great way to enrich and personalize a funeral ceremony. As Dr. Wolfelt tells us, readings play an essential role in the service because they help us search for meaning in the loss, bring mourners together, and speak to “word people.”
Poems, in particular, can have a powerful impact at a funeral. Because poets put so much thought into a poem’s word choice, arrangement, and flow, they can address relatable themes in a compelling way. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of ten great poems that can enhance a funeral ceremony. If you are thinking of including a poetry reading in memory of a loved one, consider using one of these profound poems at the funeral.
1. “Dear Lovely Death” by Langston Hughes
Famed Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes was a master of economy, and “Dear Lovely Death” beautifully showcases his “less is more” approach. Hughes suggests that death does not destroy or eradicate but merely changes the nature of those it touches. When a loved one dies, our relationship with them changes from a physical relationship to one of memory. Hopeful but not naïve, this poem allows us to see the situation in a more comforting light without denying the reality of death.
2. “A Clear Midnight” by Walt Whitman
This short piece by Whitman turns conventional poetic imagery on its head. While many poems use midnight to evoke negative, frightening emotions, Whitman sees the night as a time of calm and peace. When applied to a funeral setting, the flight of the soul “into the wordless” can be viewed as a metaphor for death, providing comfort to mourners by depicting death as a place of peace and rest.
3. “Death is a Door” by Nancy Byrd Turner
Nancy Byrd Turner uses the metaphor of a door to portray death as a time of transition and change. She uses nature imagery to evoke a sense of peace and rest and implies that death gives birth to new life, though we can’t yet see what this new life looks like. Turner’s assertion that the “willing and weary feet” eagerly cross the threshold of death implies that whatever lies on the other side of the doorway of death is more encouraging than frightening.
4. “Requiem” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, author of the famous novels Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, also penned many poems. The short and simple “Requiem” is written from the perspective of the deceased, who is satisfied with the life that he lived. His contentment regarding the journey from life to death is comforting and encouraging. Families who feel that their loved one lived a full and wonderful life may consider using this poem at the funeral to remind themselves that their loved one is at peace.
5. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
One of the most famous poems of all time, Robert Frost’s masterpiece is not strictly a “funeral poem.” While it isn’t specifically about death, it’s a beautiful tribute to a well-lived life. The closing lines, “I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference,” describe a person who broke the mold and embraced life to the fullest. If you are looking for a piece that celebrates the unique life of your loved one, consider reading this ode to the different paths we travel in life.
6. “Success” by Bessie Anderson Stanley*
Another poem that deals less with death and more than with celebrating life, this famous essay-turned-poem by Bessie Anderson Stanley analyzes the true meaning of success. True success isn’t found in shallow achievements like popularity or material wealth but in deep relationships with others and in leaving a positive impact on the world. A fitting tribute to the life of a loved one who understood the true value of life, this classic poem will encourage those at the funeral to reflect on the meaningful life of the deceased.
7. “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou
This extraordinary work by the late Maya Angelou emphasizes the ripple effect created by a great person’s death. Angelou suggests that the deep hurt that we feel when losing a loved one is a testament to the brilliance of that individual’s life. While grief may hurt, we can find comfort by remembering that our loved one made a difference and positively impacted the lives of others. And eventually, we can find hope and peace as we let our memories of the deceased motivate and change us.
8. “Death, Be Not Proud” by John Donne
Perhaps the most famous poem to address mortality, John Donne’s 17th-century classic refutes the permanence of death. Donne challenges death by comparing it to rest and sleep, arguing that both states are temporary. The poem’s ending suggests that hope can be found in life after death, making it a great choice for religious ceremonies. While we must acknowledge that death is real and it’s okay to grieve, those who are religious can find comfort in remembering that death is not the end of the story.
9. “If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking” by Emily Dickinson
What makes a life truly meaningful? This short Emily Dickinson poem shows how caring for others and sharing small acts of kindness are enough to leave a beautiful legacy. A person need not have his or her good deeds recognized as grand accomplishments to live a great life. Instead, we can create a full and meaningful life by spreading love however we can. Dickinson’s heartfelt poem is an excellent choice for the funeral of a loved one who dedicated their life to helping others.
10. Psalm 23, a Psalm of David, The Book of Psalms (KJV)
The most famous of all the psalms speaks directly to our desire for peace for ourselves and our loved ones. Psalm 23 is perfect for a funeral ceremony because it applies to both the mourners and the deceased. The “valley of the shadow of death” can refer to those who are making the transition from life to death and to those who are trying to face life after losing a loved one. For religious ceremonies, Psalm 23 can serve as a beautiful testament to God’s ability to bring comfort and peace to his children in dark times.
As you look for possible poems to read at your loved one’s funeral, you can also consider writing one yourself! Whether you read your own poem, choose one from this list, or use a different one, we hope you find the perfect poem to reflect your loved one’s life.
*”Success” is often incorrectly attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, usually with the inclusion of the famous line: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
