Memorial Poem

It can be extremely difficult to find the right words to say to honour a loved one’s life, there’s so much that you’d like to say, but can’t quite work out the right wording. 

Memorial poems allow you to express your emotions and feelings and put them into words. There are many different memorial poems to choose from that have various tones to them, some of them can be positive and uplifting, some can be humorous, and others can provide quiet reflection. 

We have compiled a collection of memorial poems that are suitable for memorial and funeral services. You will find both classic poems that have stood the test of time and more recent ones. We hope that these poems can offer you some comfort and capture the spirit of your loved one.   

Why is a poem so helpful when dealing with loss?

Poetry has a unique ability to express complex emotions and ideas in a concise and evocative way, which can make it particularly poignant when dealing with loss. Poets often use metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to communicate deep feelings of grief, sorrow, and longing, which can resonate with readers who are also struggling with loss.

Poetry can also create a sense of shared experience and understanding, which can be comforting when dealing with difficult emotions. Additionally, the rhythm and musicality of poetry can provide a sense of solace and healing through the soothing effect of language. Some people find it helpful to read a poem that describes their feelings exactly or to write their own poem as a form of self-expression.

What types of poems can help with grief and bereavement?

There are many different types of poems that address grief and bereavement. Some examples include:

Elegy

A traditional form of poetry that expresses mourning and sorrow for a loss, often for a person who has died.

Haiku

A traditional form of Japanese poetry that uses a strict syllable count to convey a sense of nature and the fleetingness of life.

Eulogy

A poem or speech that praises or commemorates the life of someone who has died.

Lament

A poem that expresses deep sorrow or grief, often for a tragic event or loss.

Requiem

A type of poem or song that is written in memory of the dead, often for use in a funeral service.

Memorial

A poem that honours the memory of someone who has died, often focusing on their positive qualities and the impact they had on the lives of others.

Poem of solace

Poems that are meant to bring comfort to the reader, often convey a message of hope and reassurance in the face of loss.

Free verse

Poems that do not conform to a specific rhyme or meter, allow the poet to express emotions in a more free and spontaneous way.

These are just a few examples, and many other forms of poetry can also be used to express grief and bereavement. Poets often use a combination of traditional forms and free verse to create a unique and personal expression of loss.

Which poets have written poems about grief and bereavement?

Many famous poets throughout history have written about grief and bereavement. Here are a few examples:

1. W.H. Auden: Wrote several poems about grief, loss and death, including “Stop All the Clocks” and “Funeral Blues” which are famous for their poignant evocation of loss and sorrow.
2. Emily Dickinson: Many of Dickinson’s poems explore themes of death and grief, often using imagery of nature to express the finality of loss and the cyclical nature of life.
3. Langston Hughes: He wrote several poems that deal with grief and bereavement, including “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Mother to Son”
4. Rainer Maria Rilke: His poems often deal with themes of grief and loss, with a focus on the beauty and transience of life.
5. Milton: Milton’s poem “Lycidas” is an elegy, a poem of mourning and sorrow, written in memory of a close friend who drowned.
6. Yeats: W.B. Yeats wrote several poems about grief, loss, and death, including “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death” and “When You Are Old”
7. Rumi: Rumi’s poems often deal with themes of love, loss, and spiritual transcendence, including “The Guest House” which is famous for its message of welcoming all emotions as a guest in the heart.

These are just a few examples, there are many other poets throughout history who have written about grief and bereavement, and their works continue to be read and appreciated for their ability to express the complexities of human emotions.