If you’re tasked with the responsibility of speaking at a loved one’s funeral, it can be challenging to determine what to say. Because while addressing the bereaved is an honorable way to express your condolences and navigate your grief, you want to be intentional about your words. That’s when relying on poetry can be your saving grace.

So, continue reading to learn more about the benefits of using poems to best honor your deceased loved one.

It Relieves Pressure

In such difficult times, formulating your thoughts is not always feasible. Reading a poem alleviates the pressure of finding the perfect words to say, allowing you to communicate your message eloquently while ensuring you protect your own well-being during this painful period.

It Encourages Bonding Between Mourners

The best way to navigate the loss of a loved one is to rely on others’ support. Do yourself and the funeral-goers a favor by selecting a poem that reflects the situation, features an appropriate tone, and delivers a powerful message that mourners will appreciate. Remember that a poetry reading is an opportunity to strengthen connections between those grieving by sharing a profound moment.

It Honors the Deceased

Most importantly, poetry allows you and your fellow mourners to honor the deceased. Moved by the powerful, carefully crafted words, guests will be inspired to reflect on fond memories, your loved one’s life, and their impact, making it a special moment that perfectly captures loss and celebrates life.

Poem Recommendations for Funerals

There are hundreds of excellent poems that accurately encapsulate the complex emotions present at a funeral. Some of our favorites include:

Dylan Thomas - Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Helen Steiner Rice - There Is No Night Without A Dawning

Percy Bysshe Shelley - Music, When Soft Voices Die

Siegfried Sassoon - Idyll

Rabindranath Tagore - The Journey of My Life

Helen Lowrie Marshall - Afterglow

Losing a loved one is never easy and can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and lost. However, prayer cards can provide comfort and support during the grieving process. 

Prayer cards are small cards that contain a prayer or religious image on one side and a personal message or photo on the other. These cards can be distributed at funerals or memorials as a way to remember and honor the deceased. They can also serve as a reminder of the love and support from friends and family during this difficult time. Prayer cards can be kept as a keepsake or placed in a special spot to serve as a source of comfort and strength.

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