Religious poetry
Below is a selection of poetry with some religious content;
there are of course many other poems available,
but this page shows a good number of the more popular religious poems used for funerals.
Poems have been arranged in roughly alphabetical order by title;
to help with service planning, the average time taken to recite each poem is also shown.
You may find that some of the poems shown in 'Non-religious poetry' are also suitable for use,
and there are poems available for specific people
(Mum, Dad, Nan, Grandad etc), which have some religious content.
Some people take the time to write their own short poem or prayer,
which can bring great comfort both from writing and reading/listening to it.
there are of course many other poems available,
but this page shows a good number of the more popular religious poems used for funerals.
Poems have been arranged in roughly alphabetical order by title;
to help with service planning, the average time taken to recite each poem is also shown.
You may find that some of the poems shown in 'Non-religious poetry' are also suitable for use,
and there are poems available for specific people
(Mum, Dad, Nan, Grandad etc), which have some religious content.
Some people take the time to write their own short poem or prayer,
which can bring great comfort both from writing and reading/listening to it.
Afterglow (author unknown)
30 seconds
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.
It’s happy memories I leave you, my friends,
when my life is done.
The Broken Chain (Ron Tranmer) 45 seconds
We little knew that day
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you;
you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and although we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
Christmas in Heaven (author unknown) 45 seconds
I see how much you grieve for me;
I see the pain inside your heart,
but remember - we will never really be apart.
I see the countless Christmas trees on earth below
with tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting in the snow.
I hear the Christmas songs that people sing so dear
but they can’t compare with the choir up here.
Words can’t describe hearing angels sing;
oh how much joy their voices bring!
I want you to be just happy for me,
so please wipe away the tear,
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus this year.
Come With Me (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you
and whispered, "Come with me"
With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer
and saw you fade away,
although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
a beautiful smile at rest;
God broke our hearts to prove
he only takes the best.
It's lonesome here without you
we miss you so each day,
our lives aren't the same
since you went away.
When days are sad and lonely,
and everything goes wrong,
we seem to hear you whisper,
"Cheer up and carry on."
Each time we see your picture,
you seem to smile and say,
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,
we’ll meet again someday."
Crossing the Bar (Alfred, Lord Tennyson) 50 seconds
Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me;
and may there be no moaning of the bar
when I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
too full for sound and foam,
when that which drew from out the boundless deep
turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
and after that the dark;
and may there be no sadness of farewell
when I embark.
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
when I have crosst the bar.
Dear Friends I go (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
Dear friends I go, but do not weep;
I've lived my life, so full and deep.
Throughout my life, I gave my best,
I earned my keep, I've earned my rest.
I never tried to be great or grand,
I tried to be a helping hand.
If I helped in a team, if I helped on my own,
it was more than repaid by good family and friends I have known;
and if I went the extra mile,
I did it with pleasure - it was all worthwhile.
If I brightened your path, then let it be
a small contribution from my loved ones and me;
now sadly I leave you and travel alone
through a mystic veil to the great unknown.
With such beautiful memories
that will forever be
the way that I hope you'll remember me.
Death is nothing at all (Canon Henry Scott-Holland) 1 minute 20 seconds
This poem is also known as ‘All is well’
A shortened version is available, and follows this full version.
Death is nothing at all;
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you;
whatever we were to each other
that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name;
speak to me in the easy way you always used.
Put no difference into your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow;
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we always enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me;
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
without the ghost of a shadow in it.
Life means all that it ever meant;
it is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval,
somewhere very near,
Just around the corner;
all is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before;
how we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Shortened Version: 30 seconds
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we are still...
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval;
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
Do not stand at my grave and weep (attributed to Mary Frye) 40 seconds
Suitable for a burial, or if ashes are to be interred
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 stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
Don’t weep for me (Author unknown) 1 minute 25 seconds
Don’t weep for me, for it was time
to slip life’s bonds and soar and climb
to brighter realms, well known before,
where all is light and love is law.
Do not grieve for what is past,
for bodies are not meant to last.
Expendable, their only role
a growing medium for the soul.
Don’t store my books, don’t wear my rings
or cling to clothes or other things
of sentimental value, for
you do not need them anymore.
Browse through photos for a while,
but only if they make you smile
and call to mind how much we cared,
the things we did, the times we shared;
but do not sigh and wish them back,
or dress yourself in hopeless black,
for clouds will part and larks will rise –
the wheel must turn to make us wise.
And this is how ‘twill ever be:
I’m part of you, you’re part of me.
At every dawning’s golden flare,
each velvet nightfall, I’ll be there.
On woodland walk, by tossing sea,
some elemental part of me
will ride the wind and sing its song,
for each to each we all belong.
Your happiness will set me free;
beloved, do not weep for me.
Fear no more the heat o' the sun (William Shakespeare) 1 minute 10 seconds
Fear no more the heat o' the sun;
nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
golden lads and girls all must,
as chimney sweepers come to dust.
Fear no more the frown of the great,
thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
care no more to clothe and eat;
to thee the reed is as the oak:
the sceptre, learning, physic, must
all follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash,
nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
fear not slander, censure rash;
thou hast finished joy and moan;
all lovers young, all lovers must
consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
and renownėd be thy grave!
God saw you getting tired (Author Unknown) 35 seconds
God saw you getting tired
when a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped His arms around you,
and whispered, “Come unto me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
and so he gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
he only takes the best.
So when I saw you sleeping,
so peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you to come back
to suffer that all again.
He is gone (David Harkins) 1 minute
(This modified version is based on an original poem by David Harkins called "Remember Me")
You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
High Flight (John Gillespie Magee, Jr) 50 seconds
This poem is also suitable for someone who served in the RAF or Air arm
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
you have not dreamed of –
Wheeled and soared and swung
high in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
my eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
where never lark or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
I am still with you (from Wings of Grace by Julie Johnson) 1 minute
If it seems that I am far away on this empty and solemn day;
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
If during the day things are going wrong
please don’t feel sad and alone;
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
When night time falls and the day is done,
if you are feeling alone and sleep won’t come,
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
Close your eyes, and feel the warm embrace;
sleep peacefully in the wings of grace.
If sadness finds you in the morning light,
if you feel alone, don’t give up trying.
Hold this feather close and know it’s true
that I am always here with you.
I Measure Every Grief... (by Emily Dickinson) 1 minute 20 seconds
I measure every grief I meet
with analytic eyes;
I wonder if it weighs like mine,
or has an easier size.
I wonder if they bore it long,
or did it just begin?
I could not tell the date of mine,
it feels so old a pain.
I wonder if it hurts to live,
and if they have to try,
and whether, could they choose between,
they would not rather die.
I wonder if when years have piled -
some thousands - on the cause
of early hurt, if such a lapse
could give them any pause;
Or would they go on aching still
through centuries above,
enlightened to a larger pain
by contrast with the love.
The grieved are many, I am told;
the reason deeper lies -
Death is but one and comes but once
and only nails the eyes.
There's grief of want, and grief of cold,
a sort they call 'despair,'
there's banishment from native eyes,
in sight of native air.
And though I may not guess the kind
correctly yet to me,
a piercing comfort it affords
in passing Calvary;
To note the fashions of the cross
of those that stand alone,
still fascinated to presume
that some are like my own.
I thank thee, God, that I have lived (Elizabeth Craven 1750 – 1828) 1 minute 20 seconds
I thank thee, God, that I have lived
in this great world and known its many joys;
the song of birds, the strong, sweet scent of hay
and cooling breezes in the secret dusk;
The flaming sunsets at the close of day,
hill, and the lonely, heather-covered moors;
music at night and moonlight on the sea,
the beat of waves upon the rocky shore,
and wild, white spray, flung high in ecstasy:
the faithful eyes of dogs, and treasured books;
the love of kin and fellowship of friends,
and all that makes life beautiful.
I thank thee, too, that there has come to me
a little sorrow and sometimes defeat,
a little heartache and loneliness
that comes with parting, and the word ‘Goodbye’;
dawn breaking after dreary hours of pain,
when I discovered that night’s gloom must yield,
and morning light break through to me again.
Because of these and other blessings poured
unasked upon my wondering head,
because I know that there is yet to come
an even richer and more glorious life,
and most of all, because thine only Son
once sacrificed life’s loveliness for me –
I thank thee, God, that I have lived.
I'm Free (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free;
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play;
tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy;
a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
ah yes, these things I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow;
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savoured much;
good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me;
God wanted me now, he set me free.
If I should go tomorrow (author unknown) 25 seconds
If I should go tomorrow
it would never be goodbye,
for I have left my heart with you,
so don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me
shall reach you from the stars;
you’ll feel it from the heavens,
and it will heal the scars.
If tears could build a stairway (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
If tears could build a stairway,
and thoughts a memory lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven,
and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say good-bye;
you were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why.
My heart's still wrapped in sadness
and secret tears still flow;
what it meant to lose you
no-one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
to mourn for you no more,
to remember all the happy times;
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today
a hallowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
God knows why, with chilling touch
Death gathers those we love so much;
and what now seems so strange and dim
will all be clear, when we meet Him.
If tomorrow starts without me (attributed to David Romano) 2 minutes 20 seconds
If tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
if the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand
that an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye;
for all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared
and all the fun we had.
If I could re-live yesterday
just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you,
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realised
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
when God looked down and smiled at me
from his great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you;
today your life on earth is past,
but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
for today will always last,
and since each day's the same way,
there's no longing for the past."
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me
I'm right there, in your heart.
If You Could See Me Now (by Patsy Stambaugh Deskins) 1 minute 10 seconds
If you could see me now you wouldn’t shed a tear.
Though you may not understand why I’m no longer there.
Remember my spirit that is the real me,
because I’m still very much alive,
I’ve just been set free, Oh, if you could only see!
I have beheld our Father’s face
and I’ve touched my Saviour’s hand.
All of Heaven’s angels rejoiced as I entered the promised Land.
Beyond the gates of pearl I’ve walked on the golden streets.
I’ve touched the walls of jasper
and dipped my foot in the Crystal Sea.
The beauty is beyond words and nothing could compare,
I’ve even seen your mansion
and someday I’ll meet you there.
Let Jesus be your guide because
his Word will show you the way!
So - please don’t cry,
because we will meet again someday.
Life is but a Stopping Place (author unknown) 35 seconds
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what’s to be a resting place
along the road to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
we all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay…
Our destination is a place far greater than we know;
for some, the journey’s quicker,
for some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
we’ll claim a great reward
and find an everlasting peace
together with the Lord.
Miss me but Let me Go (Edgar Albert Guest) 50 seconds
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 we once shared;
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone;
it's all a part of the Master's plan
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
go to the friends we know,
and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds;
miss me, but let me go.
My Soul has Wings (author unknown) 20 seconds
When I die and leave behind
this earth I love, these trees, this sky,
the pounding sea, the yearly hope of spring...
Cry not for me, Rejoice!
My soul has wings
and in its freedom sings.
On a Friend (Robert Burns) 30 seconds
An honest man here lies at rest,
as e’er God with his image blest;
the friend of man, the friend of truth,
the friend of age and guide of youth:
few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
few heads with knowledge so informed;
if there is another world, he lives in bliss;
if there is none, he made the best of this.
On Dying (Bishop Charles Henry Brent) 1 minute 20 seconds
This poem is sometimes known as ‘The Ship’ or ‘Horizons’.
There is a shortened version of this poem further down.
I am standing upon that foreshore,
a ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength
and I stand and watch her until, at length,
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, "There! She's gone."
"Gone where?"
"Gone from my sight, that's all",
she is just as large in mast and spar and hull
as ever she was when she left my side;
just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment
when someone at my side says,
"There! She’s gone!"
there are other eyes watching her coming
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
"Here she comes!"
And that is dying.
Yes; life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon.
And an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Shortened version: 40 seconds
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea.
The setting sun tinted its sails with a golden light,
and as it disappeared from sight,
a voice at my side whispered “She is gone.”
But the sea was a narrow one.
On the farther shore,
a little band of friends had gathered
to watch and wait in happy expectation.
Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and,
at the very moment when the voice had whispered “She is gone”,
a glad shout went up in joyous welcome,
“Here she comes!”
The Plan of the Master Weaver (author unknown) 1 minutes 45 seconds
(This poem includes the text of Psalm 121)
My life is but a weaving between the Lord and me,
I may not choose the colours,
he knows what they should be;
for he can view the pattern upon the upper side,
while I can see it only on this, the underside…
Sometimes he will weave sorrow, which just seems strange to me,
but I will trust his judgement, and work on faithfully;
‘tis he who fills the shuttle, and he knows what is best,
so I shall weave in earnest, leaving to him the rest.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why -
the dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skilful hand
as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.
he will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is thy keeper:
the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:
he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth for evermore.
Poem of Life (author unknown) 45 seconds
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what’s to be,
a resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
we all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay…
Our destination is a place,
far greater than we know.
For some the journey’s quicker,
for some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
we’ll claim a great reward,
and find an everlasting peace,
together with the Lord.
Remember me (Christina Rossetti) 50 seconds
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 planned;
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.
She is gone (David Harkins) 1 minute
(This modified version is based on an original poem by David Harkins called "Remember Me")
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what she would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Silent Tear (author unknown) 45 seconds
Just close your eyes and you will see
all the memories that you have of me;
just sit and relax and you will find
I'm really still there inside your mind.
Don’t cry for me now I'm gone
for I am in the land of song;
there is no pain, there is no fear,
so dry away that silent tear.
Don’t think of me in the dark and cold,
for here I am, no longer old;
I'm in that place that’s filled with love
known to you all as "up above".
So Go and Run Free (author unknown) 50 seconds
So go and run free with the angels,
dance around the golden clouds,
for the Lord has chosen you to be with him
and we should feel nothing but proud.
Although he has taken you from us
and our pain a lifetime will last,
your memory will never escape us
but make us glad for the time we did have.
Your face will always be hidden
deep inside our hearts;
each precious moment you gave us
shall never, ever depart.
So go and run free with the angels
as they sing so tenderly
and please be sure to tell them
to take good care of you for me.
Song of Memory (author unknown) 30 seconds
When someone we love
passes on beyond life in the world that we know and is gone,
a beautiful sense of their presence,
like music remembered by heart, lingers on….
When someone we love
finds a wonderful home in a world only faith can reveal,
our memories can be like a song in the heart,
with the power to comfort and heal.
To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me (Mary Alice Ramish) 1 minute 20 seconds
When I am gone, release me; let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
you must not tie yourself to me with tears;
be happy that I have had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness;
I thank you for the love each has shown,
but now it is time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust;
it is only for a while that we must part,
so bless the memories in your heart.
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
so if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
and if you listen with your heart, you will hear
all of my love around you soft and clear.
Then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and ‘welcome home’.
When I'm Called Home (author unknown) 1 minute 25 seconds
Suitable for a burial, or if ashes are to be interred
When I'm Called Home,
when I breathe my last upon this earth,
don't be sad and filled with pain;
my purpose will be completed.
What I've longed for, I've attained;
don't shed a tear, but smile instead.
My death is not the end;
I'm still living - just on a higher plane,
with Jesus - my dearest friend.
When my earthly body is lowered
into the cold, dark, dreary ground,
it won't lie there forever,
only 'til the trumpets sound.
Please etch upon my headstone
the date God gave me birth,
but enter not the month and year
he took me from this earth.
My spirit will still be living,
for I was saved by grace;
I'll be dwelling with my Saviour
in that glorious, heavenly place.
And when the final trumpet sounds,
first the dead in Christ shall rise,
then my body that was buried
will be caught up in the skies.
It will meet there with my spirit,
and the two shall be entwined
to form the perfect body
that my precious Lord designed.
If God has not yet called you
before that final trumpet sounds,
you'll be changed and rise to meet him;
for you, too, are Heaven bound.
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.
It’s happy memories I leave you, my friends,
when my life is done.
The Broken Chain (Ron Tranmer) 45 seconds
We little knew that day
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you;
you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and although we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.
Christmas in Heaven (author unknown) 45 seconds
I see how much you grieve for me;
I see the pain inside your heart,
but remember - we will never really be apart.
I see the countless Christmas trees on earth below
with tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting in the snow.
I hear the Christmas songs that people sing so dear
but they can’t compare with the choir up here.
Words can’t describe hearing angels sing;
oh how much joy their voices bring!
I want you to be just happy for me,
so please wipe away the tear,
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus this year.
Come With Me (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you
and whispered, "Come with me"
With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer
and saw you fade away,
although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
a beautiful smile at rest;
God broke our hearts to prove
he only takes the best.
It's lonesome here without you
we miss you so each day,
our lives aren't the same
since you went away.
When days are sad and lonely,
and everything goes wrong,
we seem to hear you whisper,
"Cheer up and carry on."
Each time we see your picture,
you seem to smile and say,
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,
we’ll meet again someday."
Crossing the Bar (Alfred, Lord Tennyson) 50 seconds
Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me;
and may there be no moaning of the bar
when I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
too full for sound and foam,
when that which drew from out the boundless deep
turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
and after that the dark;
and may there be no sadness of farewell
when I embark.
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
when I have crosst the bar.
Dear Friends I go (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
Dear friends I go, but do not weep;
I've lived my life, so full and deep.
Throughout my life, I gave my best,
I earned my keep, I've earned my rest.
I never tried to be great or grand,
I tried to be a helping hand.
If I helped in a team, if I helped on my own,
it was more than repaid by good family and friends I have known;
and if I went the extra mile,
I did it with pleasure - it was all worthwhile.
If I brightened your path, then let it be
a small contribution from my loved ones and me;
now sadly I leave you and travel alone
through a mystic veil to the great unknown.
With such beautiful memories
that will forever be
the way that I hope you'll remember me.
Death is nothing at all (Canon Henry Scott-Holland) 1 minute 20 seconds
This poem is also known as ‘All is well’
A shortened version is available, and follows this full version.
Death is nothing at all;
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you;
whatever we were to each other
that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name;
speak to me in the easy way you always used.
Put no difference into your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow;
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we always enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me;
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort,
without the ghost of a shadow in it.
Life means all that it ever meant;
it is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval,
somewhere very near,
Just around the corner;
all is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before;
how we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Shortened Version: 30 seconds
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we are still...
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval;
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.
Do not stand at my grave and weep (attributed to Mary Frye) 40 seconds
Suitable for a burial, or if ashes are to be interred
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 stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
Don’t weep for me (Author unknown) 1 minute 25 seconds
Don’t weep for me, for it was time
to slip life’s bonds and soar and climb
to brighter realms, well known before,
where all is light and love is law.
Do not grieve for what is past,
for bodies are not meant to last.
Expendable, their only role
a growing medium for the soul.
Don’t store my books, don’t wear my rings
or cling to clothes or other things
of sentimental value, for
you do not need them anymore.
Browse through photos for a while,
but only if they make you smile
and call to mind how much we cared,
the things we did, the times we shared;
but do not sigh and wish them back,
or dress yourself in hopeless black,
for clouds will part and larks will rise –
the wheel must turn to make us wise.
And this is how ‘twill ever be:
I’m part of you, you’re part of me.
At every dawning’s golden flare,
each velvet nightfall, I’ll be there.
On woodland walk, by tossing sea,
some elemental part of me
will ride the wind and sing its song,
for each to each we all belong.
Your happiness will set me free;
beloved, do not weep for me.
Fear no more the heat o' the sun (William Shakespeare) 1 minute 10 seconds
Fear no more the heat o' the sun;
nor the furious winter's rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
golden lads and girls all must,
as chimney sweepers come to dust.
Fear no more the frown of the great,
thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
care no more to clothe and eat;
to thee the reed is as the oak:
the sceptre, learning, physic, must
all follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash,
nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
fear not slander, censure rash;
thou hast finished joy and moan;
all lovers young, all lovers must
consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
and renownėd be thy grave!
God saw you getting tired (Author Unknown) 35 seconds
God saw you getting tired
when a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped His arms around you,
and whispered, “Come unto me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
and so he gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
he only takes the best.
So when I saw you sleeping,
so peaceful and free from pain,
I could not wish you to come back
to suffer that all again.
He is gone (David Harkins) 1 minute
(This modified version is based on an original poem by David Harkins called "Remember Me")
You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live for yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
High Flight (John Gillespie Magee, Jr) 50 seconds
This poem is also suitable for someone who served in the RAF or Air arm
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
you have not dreamed of –
Wheeled and soared and swung
high in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
my eager craft through footless halls of air...
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
where never lark or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
I am still with you (from Wings of Grace by Julie Johnson) 1 minute
If it seems that I am far away on this empty and solemn day;
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
If during the day things are going wrong
please don’t feel sad and alone;
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
When night time falls and the day is done,
if you are feeling alone and sleep won’t come,
just open your heart and know it’s true
that I am still right here with you.
Close your eyes, and feel the warm embrace;
sleep peacefully in the wings of grace.
If sadness finds you in the morning light,
if you feel alone, don’t give up trying.
Hold this feather close and know it’s true
that I am always here with you.
I Measure Every Grief... (by Emily Dickinson) 1 minute 20 seconds
I measure every grief I meet
with analytic eyes;
I wonder if it weighs like mine,
or has an easier size.
I wonder if they bore it long,
or did it just begin?
I could not tell the date of mine,
it feels so old a pain.
I wonder if it hurts to live,
and if they have to try,
and whether, could they choose between,
they would not rather die.
I wonder if when years have piled -
some thousands - on the cause
of early hurt, if such a lapse
could give them any pause;
Or would they go on aching still
through centuries above,
enlightened to a larger pain
by contrast with the love.
The grieved are many, I am told;
the reason deeper lies -
Death is but one and comes but once
and only nails the eyes.
There's grief of want, and grief of cold,
a sort they call 'despair,'
there's banishment from native eyes,
in sight of native air.
And though I may not guess the kind
correctly yet to me,
a piercing comfort it affords
in passing Calvary;
To note the fashions of the cross
of those that stand alone,
still fascinated to presume
that some are like my own.
I thank thee, God, that I have lived (Elizabeth Craven 1750 – 1828) 1 minute 20 seconds
I thank thee, God, that I have lived
in this great world and known its many joys;
the song of birds, the strong, sweet scent of hay
and cooling breezes in the secret dusk;
The flaming sunsets at the close of day,
hill, and the lonely, heather-covered moors;
music at night and moonlight on the sea,
the beat of waves upon the rocky shore,
and wild, white spray, flung high in ecstasy:
the faithful eyes of dogs, and treasured books;
the love of kin and fellowship of friends,
and all that makes life beautiful.
I thank thee, too, that there has come to me
a little sorrow and sometimes defeat,
a little heartache and loneliness
that comes with parting, and the word ‘Goodbye’;
dawn breaking after dreary hours of pain,
when I discovered that night’s gloom must yield,
and morning light break through to me again.
Because of these and other blessings poured
unasked upon my wondering head,
because I know that there is yet to come
an even richer and more glorious life,
and most of all, because thine only Son
once sacrificed life’s loveliness for me –
I thank thee, God, that I have lived.
I'm Free (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free;
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play;
tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy;
a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
ah yes, these things I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow;
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savoured much;
good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me;
God wanted me now, he set me free.
If I should go tomorrow (author unknown) 25 seconds
If I should go tomorrow
it would never be goodbye,
for I have left my heart with you,
so don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me
shall reach you from the stars;
you’ll feel it from the heavens,
and it will heal the scars.
If tears could build a stairway (author unknown) 1 minute 10 seconds
If tears could build a stairway,
and thoughts a memory lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven,
and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say good-bye;
you were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why.
My heart's still wrapped in sadness
and secret tears still flow;
what it meant to lose you
no-one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
to mourn for you no more,
to remember all the happy times;
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today
a hallowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
God knows why, with chilling touch
Death gathers those we love so much;
and what now seems so strange and dim
will all be clear, when we meet Him.
If tomorrow starts without me (attributed to David Romano) 2 minutes 20 seconds
If tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
if the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand
that an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye;
for all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared
and all the fun we had.
If I could re-live yesterday
just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you,
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realised
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
when God looked down and smiled at me
from his great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you;
today your life on earth is past,
but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
for today will always last,
and since each day's the same way,
there's no longing for the past."
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me
I'm right there, in your heart.
If You Could See Me Now (by Patsy Stambaugh Deskins) 1 minute 10 seconds
If you could see me now you wouldn’t shed a tear.
Though you may not understand why I’m no longer there.
Remember my spirit that is the real me,
because I’m still very much alive,
I’ve just been set free, Oh, if you could only see!
I have beheld our Father’s face
and I’ve touched my Saviour’s hand.
All of Heaven’s angels rejoiced as I entered the promised Land.
Beyond the gates of pearl I’ve walked on the golden streets.
I’ve touched the walls of jasper
and dipped my foot in the Crystal Sea.
The beauty is beyond words and nothing could compare,
I’ve even seen your mansion
and someday I’ll meet you there.
Let Jesus be your guide because
his Word will show you the way!
So - please don’t cry,
because we will meet again someday.
Life is but a Stopping Place (author unknown) 35 seconds
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what’s to be a resting place
along the road to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
we all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay…
Our destination is a place far greater than we know;
for some, the journey’s quicker,
for some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
we’ll claim a great reward
and find an everlasting peace
together with the Lord.
Miss me but Let me Go (Edgar Albert Guest) 50 seconds
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 we once shared;
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone;
it's all a part of the Master's plan
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
go to the friends we know,
and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds;
miss me, but let me go.
My Soul has Wings (author unknown) 20 seconds
When I die and leave behind
this earth I love, these trees, this sky,
the pounding sea, the yearly hope of spring...
Cry not for me, Rejoice!
My soul has wings
and in its freedom sings.
On a Friend (Robert Burns) 30 seconds
An honest man here lies at rest,
as e’er God with his image blest;
the friend of man, the friend of truth,
the friend of age and guide of youth:
few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
few heads with knowledge so informed;
if there is another world, he lives in bliss;
if there is none, he made the best of this.
On Dying (Bishop Charles Henry Brent) 1 minute 20 seconds
This poem is sometimes known as ‘The Ship’ or ‘Horizons’.
There is a shortened version of this poem further down.
I am standing upon that foreshore,
a ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength
and I stand and watch her until, at length,
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, "There! She's gone."
"Gone where?"
"Gone from my sight, that's all",
she is just as large in mast and spar and hull
as ever she was when she left my side;
just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of her destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at that moment
when someone at my side says,
"There! She’s gone!"
there are other eyes watching her coming
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
"Here she comes!"
And that is dying.
Yes; life is eternal and love is immortal,
and death is only an horizon.
And an horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Shortened version: 40 seconds
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea.
The setting sun tinted its sails with a golden light,
and as it disappeared from sight,
a voice at my side whispered “She is gone.”
But the sea was a narrow one.
On the farther shore,
a little band of friends had gathered
to watch and wait in happy expectation.
Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and,
at the very moment when the voice had whispered “She is gone”,
a glad shout went up in joyous welcome,
“Here she comes!”
The Plan of the Master Weaver (author unknown) 1 minutes 45 seconds
(This poem includes the text of Psalm 121)
My life is but a weaving between the Lord and me,
I may not choose the colours,
he knows what they should be;
for he can view the pattern upon the upper side,
while I can see it only on this, the underside…
Sometimes he will weave sorrow, which just seems strange to me,
but I will trust his judgement, and work on faithfully;
‘tis he who fills the shuttle, and he knows what is best,
so I shall weave in earnest, leaving to him the rest.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why -
the dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skilful hand
as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.
he will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord himself is thy keeper:
the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, neither the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:
he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth for evermore.
Poem of Life (author unknown) 45 seconds
Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what’s to be,
a resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
we all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay…
Our destination is a place,
far greater than we know.
For some the journey’s quicker,
for some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
we’ll claim a great reward,
and find an everlasting peace,
together with the Lord.
Remember me (Christina Rossetti) 50 seconds
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 planned;
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.
She is gone (David Harkins) 1 minute
(This modified version is based on an original poem by David Harkins called "Remember Me")
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
or you can do what she would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Silent Tear (author unknown) 45 seconds
Just close your eyes and you will see
all the memories that you have of me;
just sit and relax and you will find
I'm really still there inside your mind.
Don’t cry for me now I'm gone
for I am in the land of song;
there is no pain, there is no fear,
so dry away that silent tear.
Don’t think of me in the dark and cold,
for here I am, no longer old;
I'm in that place that’s filled with love
known to you all as "up above".
So Go and Run Free (author unknown) 50 seconds
So go and run free with the angels,
dance around the golden clouds,
for the Lord has chosen you to be with him
and we should feel nothing but proud.
Although he has taken you from us
and our pain a lifetime will last,
your memory will never escape us
but make us glad for the time we did have.
Your face will always be hidden
deep inside our hearts;
each precious moment you gave us
shall never, ever depart.
So go and run free with the angels
as they sing so tenderly
and please be sure to tell them
to take good care of you for me.
Song of Memory (author unknown) 30 seconds
When someone we love
passes on beyond life in the world that we know and is gone,
a beautiful sense of their presence,
like music remembered by heart, lingers on….
When someone we love
finds a wonderful home in a world only faith can reveal,
our memories can be like a song in the heart,
with the power to comfort and heal.
To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me (Mary Alice Ramish) 1 minute 20 seconds
When I am gone, release me; let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
you must not tie yourself to me with tears;
be happy that I have had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness;
I thank you for the love each has shown,
but now it is time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust;
it is only for a while that we must part,
so bless the memories in your heart.
I will not be far away, for life goes on,
so if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
and if you listen with your heart, you will hear
all of my love around you soft and clear.
Then, when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and ‘welcome home’.
When I'm Called Home (author unknown) 1 minute 25 seconds
Suitable for a burial, or if ashes are to be interred
When I'm Called Home,
when I breathe my last upon this earth,
don't be sad and filled with pain;
my purpose will be completed.
What I've longed for, I've attained;
don't shed a tear, but smile instead.
My death is not the end;
I'm still living - just on a higher plane,
with Jesus - my dearest friend.
When my earthly body is lowered
into the cold, dark, dreary ground,
it won't lie there forever,
only 'til the trumpets sound.
Please etch upon my headstone
the date God gave me birth,
but enter not the month and year
he took me from this earth.
My spirit will still be living,
for I was saved by grace;
I'll be dwelling with my Saviour
in that glorious, heavenly place.
And when the final trumpet sounds,
first the dead in Christ shall rise,
then my body that was buried
will be caught up in the skies.
It will meet there with my spirit,
and the two shall be entwined
to form the perfect body
that my precious Lord designed.
If God has not yet called you
before that final trumpet sounds,
you'll be changed and rise to meet him;
for you, too, are Heaven bound.