Using Inspiration Poems At a Funeral

In times of great loss it is often very difficult for loved ones of the deceased to put into words how they feel about them. But often a favorite poem or song of the deceased can be read and shared that will be a beautiful reminder of them, or the chosen piece will encompass their characteristics or personality. Whichever, an inspiration poem can encapsulate so many feelings, and that is why they are so often used in funerals today.

Beautiful Words During the Funeral Program
It would be a good idea to include all set readings in the funeral program so that guests can have a copy of it to keep for as long as they want. If the person reading gets emotional during the ceremony, then it would be a good idea to have someone else finish.

During a eulogy when stories about the deceased are recalled: funny moments; touching moments; any memories about them that are strong and lasting, inspiration poems add a feeling of intimacy to a funeral that more general recollections cannot. All inspiration poems carry a whisper of caring and love. They also represent the thoughts of the entire family related to the deceased.

Though there are thousands of beautiful classical inspiration poems in circulation today, in many cases a family member, who may be the very one reading the poem at the funeral, is also the writer. The content of the poem is geared toward the feelings that are still strong for the deceased, and the sadness that family members are experiencing over the loss of that loved one.

A eulogy poem was used in movie scene that brought tears to the eyes of all. By WH Auden, Funeral Blues is an example of how a piece of poetry can evoke strong emotion:

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

But if you are trying to write an inspiration poem about a loved one who has just passed away, remember to let the poem resonate with memories that are of love and are uplifting. Don’t try to say everything because your loved one's life and memories won’t be able to fit in one poem. Say the most important things and leave room for the listeners' own recall or curiosity and imagination.