Funeral Speech (Eulogy) Poems

This is the Poem I wrote for for my Mother Outlaw and read at her funeral, she was a wonderful person who was taken from us suddenly and tragically, this poem sums up our relationship.

To Daphne From Bobby

"How we fought,
We argued and bickered.
How we talked,
We agreed and we sniggered.

How I hated the way that you told me each day
To behave, to stop messing about.
And then with a grin you would 'put the knife in'
Just to watch me holler and shout.

You drove me Mad, you were Scary
Your top lip was hairy,
Your eyes bright, full of light and of love.
And now that you're gone I miss you so much
That I cry for the though of your touch.

You were sad sometime lonely but this was just only
To make out you were hard as a nutter.
But when things got bad you would give all you had
To help those whose life was a flutter.

And now you're gone and we're left all alone
And bereft in a world that is drifting.
I can't help but think that you'll kick up a stink
'cause you're left out, you're the one that is missing."

Robert.D.Gales.Esq,.

If it helps anyone else with their grief, please read it at someone's funeral.

Hi, my dad died last thursday, after a long battle with lung cancer, he was a proud proud scotsman living in england, there was a rabbie burns poem listed below "my heart is in the highlands" which i really like but I feel his heart was here too!

i would love a rabbie burns poem to read at the funeral but i know nothing about poetry, can anyone help me find something suitable.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I was at a funeral th eother day and part of the graveside words was this thought about the year of birth and the year of death with the dash inbetween representing life. Anyone know where the text for that is?

I read of a reverend who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the next date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For the dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth,
and now, only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, for you to now arrange.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel,
And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash might only last a while.
So when your eulogy is being read and with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be pleased with the things they say about how you spent your dash.

I used the last verse of this beautiful free verse poem for my mother-in-law with whom I was particularly close. It captured my thoughts and feeling so eloquently. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute.

Originally Posted by lori

My mother recently passed away, and in trying to find something appropriate I came upon this resource. It helped and I'd like to share the poem I wrote in hopes it helps someone else.

My Mother's name was Vera Boast and she was loved dearly..


How do we let a mother go?
How do we say 'I'm ready now
to go on without you'?
How can we ever have a clue of what that really means?

And of a sudden
The moment is upon us, and there's no turning back.

And then we know what grief is, .
and guilt and love and things undone.

Try to prepare and we will fail in some way, be it subtle or looming .

But there is peace too.
Peace and acceptance and overwhelming love that we maybe weren't aware of.
Waves and waves of conflicting emotion,
And laughter too,
and memories we hadn't bothered lately to recall
come flooding back in shared company..

and it's all about you mom

And there's gratitude.. so much of that, that we had you, such a wonderful mother
Bright and shining, nobody's fool,
Independent, but humble too;
Smart, and kind, and fun.

Adventurous..

A part of you has passed away, but much is carried everyday within us, and will as long as we are here.

This may be a final tribute,
A day to celebrate your life and say goodbyes;
But it's not final.
Everyday I'll celebrate in some way, just by the virtue of how you shaped my life,
The absolute and incredible fortune that I knew you.
As a mother, a friend and a woman.


Lori Boast 2007

Amy,
The poem "Nothing At All" actually appears in this forum above. It is actually called "All is Well" and it is credited to Henry Scott Holland.

Originally Posted by Amy

Bob

I'm sorry to hear about your sad news. You did not specify the type of help you were looking for. I presume that you need to find a suitable poem.

This poem is a possibility it is called "Epitaph on my Ever Honoured Father" by Robert Burns

O YE whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious rev'rence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains,
The tender father, and the gen'rous friend;
The pitying heart that felt for human woe,
The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride;
The friend of man-to vice alone a foe;
For 'ev'n his failings lean'd to virtue's side.

There are also two very good poems by Dylan Thomas who wrote them when his father died. they are "Death shall have no dominion" and "Do not go gentle into that good night"

Here are some links to the Dylan Thomas poems
http://www.artofeurope.com/thomas.htm

http://www.davidpbrown.co.uk/poetry/dylan-thomas.html

I have also found this poem that may be of interest.

Death Is Nothing At All

Death is nothing at all; I have only slipped away into the next room.

Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow; life means all that it ever meant.

Why should I be out of mind only because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well.

Source unknown

Please drop a line if you need help on what to say in the speech

Kind regards

hi my nana has just passed away and all the grand children have been asked to say a speech or poem about her. i cannot find a suitable poem to talk about her. she is irish and was a very bubbly cheery lady. could you please help me.

thank you.
flo

[redheadGrrlie]

***, thank any gawd who's listening for this site!

I found your site while doing research for something to say at the dedication and distribution of my older Brother's ashes. He died almost a year ago and his dedication ceremony is mid-August.

He was a musician, avid motorcyclist, father, and generally a good natured and funny person. I'd like to send his ashes off well, and feel my own words might not suffice.

Any good song lyrics or poems that would be good for use in a beachside ashes distribution?

Help would be really appreciated. Thanks.

This is a poem by Tennyson. I am surprised that it was not cited in an earlier message as one appropriate for use in a eulogy. Although there are clear Christian connotations, the metaphor of "crossing" is primarily focused on the liminality of life and death:

"Crossing the Bar"

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 though 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 crossed the bar.

[remembrancebook]

He was a musician

A single note has a beginning and end, but it's full potential can only be heard by how they react to other notes around them.

A single person has a beginning and an end, but their true potential can only be seen by how they react to others they have influenced in their life.

Your brother would have understood.

There is a poem called "If Tomorrow Starts Without Me" it is really nice and I used if for my grandmothers funeral and will never forget it. Do a search on the net I am sure you will find it.

My colleagues died a month ago, due to all kind of problems the funeral will be tomorrow.
There will be no family as they dont want to be involved with anything. which is very sad.
So now me and my boss are taking care of the funeral and me and a colleague-friend will take care of the ceremonie it self.
I Didnt knew Ralf very well, he was a german army officer for 10 years and now working for our bank, he lived a very lonely life but to me he was a great guy and very smart and a good sence of humor.
He was only 49 yrs old and nobody expected this.
I want to say something with an impact but really dont know what or how.
I found : the song is ended but the melody lingers on very strong and will use it, but i need something a little longer, Ralf was not religious.
Is there anyone who can help me out.

Thanks in advance.
Jack

[Mr Cregline]

Deleted

My Best Friend Luke Died On Tuesday In a Car Crash He was Just 16 years old. His parents have asked me to do a reading at his funeral as they know how much i ment to him and how much he ment to me

Luke was a funny person, he made such an impact on everyones life. He was clever, loving, caring and had the most gorgeous smile you could ever imagine

Im struggling to write what i feel though, and i wanted a poem or just something that could help express what i feel for him, he was my best friend and i love him so much. and i dont no what im going to do without him so please could you help me with a poem

I lost my Grandfather 3 days ago and was present at his bedside, he would have been 95 yesturday and received an mbe in 1962.

[remembrancebook]

Caroline,

Sounds like quite a character, and quite a story.

Why not do a brief life story.with details of your Grandfather, and why he was awarded an MBE etc.

A fitting tribute to a great man.

I need help preparing a eulogy for my Mother who is currently under hospice and dying with COPD/Emphesemia. I would like to have something prepared for my husband to read at the services. She was a friend and a parent that would always listen and always willing to help when in need and always forget her needs. She has 3 children including myself and a sister and brother and husband. She has 4 grandchildren. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The past couple of weeks since I've been told that she was dying is been very overwhelming. Thanks!

I need help on writing a speech for my mother who is terminal ill with COPD/Emphesemia and undergoing hospice at this time. I've been struggling on what to say. Her wishes are just a traditional catholic funeral. She has a husband/three children/four grandchildren. If you need anymore information please advise. I supplied my email address just in case. I've never done this before. My husband will give the speech for us.

If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated.

Kathy

A very close friend passed away this past weekend after a long struggle with cancer. She was almost a mother to me growing up, and has died young leaving a four year old daughter and a six year old son. I have been searching for a poem to read and nothing seems exactly right. This is kind of an urgent request as the funeral is very soon. I want to read something positive and meaningful. Thank you, Ali

Hi i am looking to write a speech for my nana's funeral. I am only 12 but we were really close. She was a lovley person. We are not religious but can anyone help me? The funeral is soon.
Thanks a lot
Katherine x

Hi there, i need help with a speech for my great grandmother. She passed away just last night, her and i were very close.. I don't know what to say at her service, please help me out!

This was sung at a funeral of a friend of mine:

I Grieve
by Peter Gabriel

It was only one hour ago
It was all so different then
Theres nothing yet has really sunk in
Looks like it always did
This flesh and bone
Its just the way that you would tied in
Now theres no-one home

I grieve for you
You leave me
so hard to move on
Still loving whats gone
They say life carries on
Carries on and on and on and on

The news that truly shocks is the empty empty page
While the final rattle rocks its empty empty cage
And I cant handle this

I grieve for you
You leave me
Let it out and move on
Missing whats gone
They say life carries on
They say life carries on and on and on

Life carries on
In the people I meet
In everyone thats out on the street
In all the dogs and cats
In the flies and rats
In the rot and the rust
In the ashes and the dust
Life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

Its just the car that we ride in
A home we reside in
The face that we hide in
The way we are tied in
And life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

Did I dream this belief?
Or did I believe this dream?
Now I can find relief
I grieve

My pop died a few months back and i have just been recently looking for a poem that resembles him. I loved him and he loved me. He was just like a dad to me. This is my poem that i think is the right one:

I Did Not Die

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's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.

hello, on december 12 2007 my grandmother died becuase of collapsed breast cancer if there is anyone who could possbily help me find a nice bible passage or poem that would be much appreciated. She was very religious (Catholic) and the last thing i rember her saying was that "dont worry im ready to go" if that can be of any help. Any advice or suugestions would be well appreciated.
Joyce R

Hello,
Thanks for setting up this site... I think it's great. A close friend of mine lost his 14 year old daughter last weekend. She was tragically kidnapped and murdered. The wake was this evening... It was the saddest thing I've ever been a part of. The community has asked me and a few others to speak at the remembrance ceremony we are holding in the Villanova Church on Wednesday. The father (my good friend) has the strongest faith I have ever seen, and I would like to reference having faith and hope that we will see our loved ones again. Again passage that can be connected to this would be very helpful. Thank you so much for your time.

Chris

I am 15 and i really need your help!
i lost a very good mate to suicide!! and i have been asked to read at his funeral!

he was really interested in gaelic and hurling! any ideas?

wb x-00x00x00x

Hi, My granda died afew days ago, he was diagnosed with cancer a week and a half ago, so it was all very sudden, my sister and i are going to say something at the funeral next week, but were not sure what, i wondered if anyone knows any nice poems, he was a farmer, and loved the countryside.

i have been looking for a poem for my grandpa that just past away on christmas eve. i would like something short to read because im only seven. hes real outgoing and always smiling. please help! thank you

My granny died yesterday and I found some poems for my nanna to use. (For a mother)

These are the two most touching to 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.

I little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life I loved you dearly
In death I do the same.

It broke my heart to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of me went with you,
the day God called you home.

You left me peaceful memories,
your love is still my guide,
and though I cannot see you,
you are always at my side.

My family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Deleted

my friend lost her mum and asked me to find her something to read at her funeral, i just wanted to say a big thank you to your site.

Hi Amy

***! what a lovely site, you have such a powerful gift from God. Keep up the good work, God is pleased!

My Father recently passed away and not being in contact with him or any of my immediate family for 23 years has been very difficult. You may wonder why? But unless you have lived my life there is no words that can express how I feel. We can by choice choose are friends, but we can not choose are families, we are given as a gift from God to our parents and it is up to us and them to live the path or life God has coosen for us. My path has not been an easy one, but through the help, guidance and fith of God I have walked my walk. And I know that God never promise us, any where in the bible, an easy road to Calvery. What he has promised us is that when we come to paridise there will be no more pain , or tears only laughter and happiness.

I know and feel so strongly a meesage that God has guided me to your site, and I thank him.

Can you please help me to find a poem, reading or prayer, that I can leave at the grave side to say I am sorry to my Dad for not having the courage or strenght to let him know I was scared of him! He's MY DAD and know one can take that away from me or deny me the chance to prayer for him. I only found out 3 hours before he was buried, my family are still angry with me, for marrying a police officer, I think or they just never liked me, for being God's deciple, I really don't know.

I hope you can help me grieve by writing something for him and me.

Love, hugs and prayers

Angela Pender ( Liverpool)

Hi
My nana passed away on Wednesday and my mum has asked me to speak at her funeral, she was a fun loving lady and I dont want it all to be gloomy.
She was a keen bingo player and a fisty old soul, any ideas?
Mel

My wonderful father has just died. He left me this wonderful poem:

And now it is my time to go away
Don't cry.......
But now and then look into a midnight sky.......
And smile.
For I shall be back from where we all came.......
As stardust!
Brian Boorman

Hope this comforts somebody as it comforted me

Please Help Me Find A Poem For My Brother Who Died Yeesterday, I Am Devastated

Hi, One of my best friends comitted suicide a few days ago at only 16, and tomorrow is his funeral, his mum has asked me to write something, i am just wondering if you have any poems or quotes, about someone who had a troubled time
please help
thank you

Hey .. i was just wondering if you have any more speaches that would be suitable for me. I am 15, i found my mother on the 22nd of febuary i woke up for schooll .. and i guess thats all i have to say .. but if any1 has any great poems or anything it would be a great help .. thanks x

hey there, iv jus been lookin on ere for a few speeches to say at my grandads funeral which is on the 29.02.08 he died on the 22.02.08 ! he had lung cancer as he lay in hospital and we was told he had upto 2 - 3 years left to live but unfortunatly he only lived for a week so i never had chance to say good bye. so i want a speeche that tells him this. can u help me with this please ?

My father has been dead for 3 years on March 1st of this year. His Birthday will be on April 17th and I want to put something in the paper in his memory. Does anyone have a poem or something that I can use in honor of his birthday? I appreciate it so much.

she died on 3-29-08. she is my friends mom. shes my friend too. need a poem or prayer for funeral. i am so sad. she died of cancer.

I recently lost my beloved mother in March 08, i have been struggling with the fact that she has passed on as she was still only 56 years young.... i have been unable to grieve her passing... here is a poem i have used to help....

MY MOTHER MY FRIEND
(author unknown)
you were my fairy tale princess, so much larger than life. You were my angel and my witness through all my pain and strife. At times you made me angry, great words i would proclaim how someday you'd be sorry. You were the one to blame. But when i needed comforting you always found the time, Your words were more soothing than days of childhood sublime. Now the distance holds us apart, the boundaries have no end, i'll hold the memories in my heart. YOU'RE MY MOTHER, MY BEST FRIEND

I lost my dad to cancer in May 2008, although he was elderly the shock and grief were real. Here is a poem my mum chose to have read at his funeral, hope others may gain comfort as we did.

Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

Anon

Hello,

I Need Help My Mum And 2 Sisters Died 2 Days And I Need Help With A Poem Or Something i Can Read Out At Their Funeral.

Please Can You Help Me

My nana passed away from a long and hard battle with alzhimers 11 days ago and we laid her to rest yesterday.
I would like to thank the makers of this site for when she passed away i found it a huge comfort. I also found a lovely poem which i must admit i altered to suite our family situation which i read at the service. Her bravery throughout her illness gave me the strength to read it and im proud to say i didnt crack (well not till th service itself was coming to an end!)
So again thank you for the comfort what you give people is truely remarkable.

Rae x

my uncle died last week after a battle with cancer i have to write out a card for the flower but i dont know what to say on it and it is for tommorow can anyone please help

[Guest]

My son in law was sick for the past year in and out of the hospital with diabetes complications. My daughter sacrficed her life for him to make sure he had everything (that is what a wife does) He died suddenly during a routine surgery the other day. She did not get a chance to say good bye and it is tearing her up. Need help with a euolgoy & to mention my daughter as the person / rock that she was.
Thanks

[remembrancebook]

Dragonfly

The story of the dragonfly is particularly useful for those who are distressed by the fact that their loved one has not made contact with them since their death.

Eulogy Stories : Dragonfly

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.

Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.

So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!