It can feel overwhelming trying to choose a poem or reading for a funeral. In this blog, we share just a few lovely modern options for readings for funerals that you may not have heard of - recommended by our funeral directors, celebrants and other members of the Poppy’s community. All the choices are non-religious.
First though, it’s worth bearing in mind:
- There’s no wrong choice for a reading at a funeral – if it works for you and feels right for the person who died, it’s a good choice.
- If a traditional poem doesn’t feel quite right why not consider a snippet from a beloved song, a text or voice note from the person who has died, or a quote from their favourite film?
Out of respect for each poet’s intellectual property, we have not replicated the poems in full but have shared a link to the full text as shared by the poet or with permission. Where we could not find the poem shared with permission of the author, typing it into a search engine should bring up the full text.
1. ‘The Dash’ - Linda Ellis
‘…what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.’
A poem about the birth and date dates that appear on an order of service or a gravestone. In this gentle poem, Linda Ellis reminds us that the unassuming ‘dash’ between those dates really represents the whole life of a person.
Read The Dash in full here, or you can hear the author reciting it here.
2. ‘Love letter from the afterlife’ - Andrea Gibson
‘My love, I was so wrong. Dying is the opposite of leaving…’
Poet Andrea Gibson died last year from ovarian cancer. They wrote and documented their journey through life and illness with a courage and candour that inspired thousands around the world. This poem is a beautifully unstructured, modern take on the idea that the ones we love never really leave us.
Love Letter from the Afterlife: A Poetic Journey of Comfort and Healing
3. 'Still' - Char March
‘Listen. There is this silence now…’
‘Still’ offers just a few poignant words for those moments when no words can suffice. It can be a beautiful tribute in the case of sudden, young and unexpected deaths.
Find out more about March on her website.
Search for ‘Still’ on Google.
4. ‘Death (if I should go)’ - Joyce Grenfell
In this short, sweet and witty poem, Grenfell tells those who survive her not to ‘speak in a Sunday voice but be the usual selves that I have known’.
A perfect choice for the funeral of someone who told it like it is.
Search 'Death (if I should go)' on Google.
5. ‘Adrift’ - Mark Nepo
A beautiful poem that begins and ends with the same line - ‘everything is beautiful and I am so sad’.
'Adrift’ plays with the interplay between love and grief. This could be a lovely choice for a person who considered themselves ‘spiritual, but not religious’.
Reproduced in full with permission here:
Adrift - Grateful.org
6. ‘Farewell my friends’ - Gitanjali Ghei
Gitanjali was a young poet from India who died of cancer aged 16 in 1977. Gitanjali left behind a collection of profound and heart-wrenching poetry. ‘Farewell, my friends’ offers gratitude to all the people who loved the person that has died, and is perfect for someone whom you feel lived and died without regrets, even in challenging circumstances.
Read in full on Good Reads
7. ‘Afterglow’ - Helen Lowrie Marshall
‘I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles…’
This short uplifting poem speaks from the voice of the person who has died, reminding people that they would want you to remember the happy times as an afterglow. A lovely choice for a service with a ‘celebration of life’ feeling.
Search for ‘Afterglow’ on Google.
8. ‘Funeral’ - Rupi Kaur
Beloved contemporary poet Rupi Kaur manages to strike a triumphant tone in this short verse. It plays with the common theme that her funeral should be a celebration – ending ‘I have won at this game called life’.
Pithy and powerful words perfect for the funeral of a person who you feel lived fully.
Read here on Kaur's Instagram.
Explore your own funeral wishes with a free 45-minute My Funeral Wishes consultation with Poppy’s.
If you’re ready to organise a funeral, we’re here for you. Get in touch with us.
