Choosing Funeral or Bereavement Poems
Choosing a funeral poem or bereavement poem to be read during a funeral is something that you need to give careful consideration. The right choice of bereavement poem can prove to be very comforting to the bereaved.
It may be that the deceased had requested a particular funeral poem that they would like reading at their funeral or had often mentioned a poet whose works they enjoyed. It could even be the case that they had a book of these poems or even bookmarked them as a favourite website. Discussing this with close family members may help you find the perfect poem or verse. If there is no indication that the deceased had any particular favourite bereavement poem or poet then you will need to find something that you believe to be appropriate.
The funeral and bereavement poems below are just a few examples. You can find many more traditional and modern poems by searching on the web or at your local library.
Remember by Christina Rossetti
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.
Stop all the clocks by W. H. Auden
Auden's 1936 poem (often called "Funeral Blues") is still in copyright. We cannot reprint it here. The opening line is "Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone." Families who want to use it should buy or borrow a published copy and get permission from the rights holder if they print the words in an order of service.
Turn your memories into words
Use guided questions, three simple structures and practical speaking advice to write a personal eulogy.
View the eulogy guide — £4.99If I should go before the rest of you by Joyce Grenfell
Grenfell's short farewell poem is still in copyright. We cannot reprint it here. It asks those left behind not to put on a "Sunday voice" and ends with the line that life goes on, so sing as well.
Remember Me by David Harkins
Harkins wrote this poem in 1981; it is still in copyright. We cannot reprint it here. It asks the reader to smile because the person lived, and to let the memory live on rather than turning away from the world.
Of course, you must not feel that you have to use a well known poem: it is the words that matter and not who wrote them or when they were written. There is a wealth of contemporary verse available and you may find something that captures the essence of the deceased perfectly.
If the deceased had a favourite song, band or singer then there may be some appropriate lyrics that would work well as a reading, providing they seem suitable. Song lyrics can usually be found on the web. Again, this is something that you may want to discuss with close family members.
You could also consider asking a family member or close friend to write a poem. Children in particular can often find the most touching and succinct words and this can be a good way to involve them in the funeral process, even if they are not present for the service.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
See also How to write a eulogy.
Common questions
How do we choose a funeral poem?
Start with any poem or poet the person loved. If there's none, choose something that feels right for them. Talking it over with close family can help.
Who reads the poem?
Anyone the family chooses: a relative, a friend, or the minister or celebrant.
Can we have a poem instead of a eulogy?
Yes. A reading can be just as meaningful. If you'd like to speak about the person, see [how to write a eulogy](/advice/arranging-a-funeral/how-to-write-a-eulogy/).