Poems and Readings
There are many poems that can be sourced for your loved ones service, below are just some examples, but you can always add that extra special touch by writing your own poem or reading, a fitting tribute to a very special person.
The Dash Between
by Ron Tranmer©
I knelt there at the headstone
of one I love and cried.
Name, with dates of birth and death
were perfectly inscribed.
I pondered these two dates
and how little they both mean
when compared to the tiny dash
that lies there in between.
The dash serves as an emblem
of our time here on the earth,
and although small, it stands for all
our years of life, and worth.
And our worth will be determined
by how we live each day.
We can fill our dash with goodness,
or waste our life away.
To ourselves, as well as others,
let’s be honest, kind and true,
and every day, live the way
we know God wants us to.
May we look for opportunities
to do a worthy deed,
and reach out with compassion
to those who are in need.
For If our hearts are full of love
throughout our journey here,
we’ll be loved by all who knew us
and our memory they’ll hold dear.
And when we die, these memories
will bring grateful, loving tears,
to all whose lives were touched
by the dash between our years.
Wandering Round the Garden (with A Plant Pot In My Hand)
(by Keith Thompson and with thanks to Douglas Patterson)
We all enjoy our gardens, we like to see them nice;
With some folks it’s a virtue, with others it’s a vice.
To satisfy our cravings we all buy plants galore
And even when our garden’s full, we go on buying more!
That’s why I’m wandering round the garden with a plant pot in my hand
There must be a corner somewhere where this plant would look real grand
So if you’re a plant collector, I know you’ll understand
Why I’m wandering round the garden with a plant pot in my hand.
Life is all uncertainties, we have our ups and downs.
Sometimes we are happy, sometimes there are frowns.
But when depression strikes me, I don’t go down the pub,
Just to the Garden Centre where I buy another shrub.
I order lots of catalogues, collect them by the score,
I order all the plants I need – and then I order more
But when, in time, the plants arrive, things never go to order.
I look around the garden and I’ve filled up every border.
I go to lots of garden clubs; they give me good advice –
They say this is the plant I need, it really would look nice.
But when I get the monster home my joy turns into gloom.
I look around the garden and there isn’t any room
You’ll see me in the evening, and every day at dawn,
Pacing madly round the garden, wearing out the lawn.
And then at last I find the spot where I think would look the best,
But when the darn thing comes to flower it clashes with the rest.
So I wrote to Garden Answers to tell them of my plight.
I knew they would find the answer and they would put me right.
And now I’ve got the answer, I know just what to do.
They told me how to split my plant and make it into two!
So now
I’m wandering round the garden with two plant pots in my hand…..
Afterglow
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;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep
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 stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there.
I did not die.
Mary Frye
Death Is Nothing At All
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!
Canon Henry Scott-Holland
Instructions
When I have moved beyond you in the adventure of life,
Gather in some pleasant place and there remember me
With spoken words, old and new.
Let a tear if you will, but let a smile come quickly
For I have loved the laughter of life.
Do not linger too long with your solemnities.
Go eat and talk, and when you can;
Follow a woodland trail, climb a high mountain,
Walk along the wild seashore,
Chew the thoughts of some book
Which challenges your soul.
Use your hands some bright day
To make a thing of beauty
Or to lift someone’s heavy load.
Though you mention not my name,
Though no thought of me crosses your mind,
I shall be with you,
For these have been the realities of my life for me.
And when you face some crisis with anguish.
When you walk alone with courage,
When you choose your path of right,
I shall be very close to you.
I have followed the valleys,
I have climbed the heights of life.
By Arnold Crompton
We Remember Him (We Remember Her)
When we are weary and in need of strength,
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember him.
When we have a joy we crave to share
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
When we have achievements that are based on his
We remember him.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember him.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember him.
At the rising of the sun and at its setting,
We remember him.
As long as we live, he too will live
For he is now a part of us,
As we remember him.
Remember
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.
Christina Rosetti
Our memories build a special bridge
When loved ones have to part
To help us feel were with them still
And soothe a grieving heart
They span the years and warm our lives
Preserving ties that bind
Our memories build a special bridge
And bring us peace of mind
Emily Mathews
There is no night without a dawning
No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing ….
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day
Helen Steiner Rice
You’ve just walked on ahead of me
And I’ve got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try and cope the best I can
But I’m missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of me
Don’t worry I’ll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine.
If I should die before the rest of you
If I should die before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor, when I’m gone, speak in a Sunday voice,
But be the usual selves that I have known.
Weep if you must
Parting is hell.
But life goes on.
So sing as well.
Joyce Grenfell
If I should die and
Leave you here awhile
Be not like others sore undone,
Who keep long vigils
By the silent dust and weep.
For my sake turn again
To life and smile
Nerving thy heart
And trembling hand to do
Something to comfort
Other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear
Unfinished Tasks of mine,
And I, perchance
May therein comfort you.
Mary Lee Hall
When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget..
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember
And haply may forget.
Christina Rossetti
At every turning of my life
I came across
Good friends,
Friends who stood by me
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell
My friends
I smile and
Bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears
For I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad
Do think of me
For that’s what I’ll like.
When you live in the hearts
Of those you love
Remember then
You never die.
Rabindranath Tagore
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
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 his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words 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?
Anonymous
Your Spirit
By Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach
I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
When life separates us
I’ll know it is only your soul
Saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me
To appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom
And will remember what you taught me so well’
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
I will think of your endless love for your family.
When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence
I will think of your courage for your country.
No matter where I am
Your spirit will be beside me
For I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
By Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Epitaph
By Merrit Malloy
When I die
give what’s left of me away
to children
and old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
cry for your brother
walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms
around anyone
and give them
what you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
something better
than words
or sounds.
Look for me
in the people I’ve known
or loved,
and if you cannot give me away,
at least let me live on your eyes
and not on your mind.
You can love me most
by letting
hands touch hands,
by letting
bodies touch bodies,
and by letting go
of children
that need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
people do.
So, when all that’s left of me
is love,
give me away.
I’ll see you at home
in the earth.
~
Her Smile
Author Unknown
(This poem can be modified for gender)
Though her smile is gone forever
and her hand I cannot touch
I still have so many memories
Of the one I loved so much.
Her memory is now my keepsake
Which with I’ll never part.
God has her in her keeping
I have her in my heart.
Sadly missed, but never forgotten.
~
His Journey’s Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
(This poem can be modified for gender)
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
~
Life Goes On
By Joyce Grenfell
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower
Nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I am gone
Speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves
That I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So…sing as well
~
There is No Light Without a Dawning
By Helen Steiner Rice
No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing…
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day.
~
I Carry Your Heart With Me (I Carry It In My Heart)
By E. E. Cummings
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere
I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart).
~
He is Gone (Remember Me)
By David Harkins
(This poem can be modified for gender)
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he 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 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.
~
In My Mind
By Jenn Farrell
Somewhere in my dreams tonight
I’ll see you standing there
You look at me with a smile
“Life isn’t always fair”
You say you were chosen for his garden
His preciously hand picked bouquet
“God really needed me,
That’s why I couldn’t stay”
It’s said to be that angels
Are sent from above
I’ve always had my angel
My [relation to deceased] — whose heart was filled with love
Wherever the ocean meets the sky
There will be memories of you and I
When I look up at the sky so blue
All I see are visions of you
“While there’s a heart in me, you’ll be a part of me.”
~
When I Must Leave You
By Helen Steiner Rice
When I must leave you
For a little while;
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,
But start out bravely
With a gallant smile;
And for my sake
And for my name
Live on and do
all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways,
Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near;
And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
~
It Will Never Be Goodbye…
Author Unknown
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.
~
The Broken Chain
By Ron Tranmer
We little knew the day that
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
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide,
And though 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.
~
Away
By James Whitcomb Riley
(Poem can be modified for gender)
I cannot say and I will not say
That he is dead, he is just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of hand
He has wandered into an unknown land;
And left us dreaming how very fair
Its needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you — oh you, who the wildest yearn
From the old-time step and the glad return —
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of there, as the love of here
Think of him still the same way, I say;
He is not dead, he is just away.
~
She’s in the Sun, the Wind, the Rain
By Christy Ann Martine
(This poem can be modified for gender)
She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain,
she’s in the air you breathe
with every breath you take.
She sings a song of hope and cheer,
there’s no more pain, no more fear.
You’ll see her in the clouds above,
hear her whisper words of love,
you’ll be together before long,
until then, listen for her song.
~
Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?
Author Unknown
(This poem can be modified for gender)
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 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.
~
I’ll Be There
Author Unknown
There was no time to say goodbye
But this I ask – please do not cry
Remember me as you think best
The happy time – forget the rest.
Look for me and I’ll be there
And you will find me everywhere
In the gentle touch of breeze
That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.
In the scent and colour of flowers
That gave to me such happy hours
On sunny days under sunny skies of blue
Just think of me, I’ll be with you.
In winter when there’s cloud or mist
The rain will give to you my kiss
As wood smoke lingers in the air
Look for me and I’ll be there.
Where seagulls cry above the sea
And surf rolls in so endlessly
Among towering trees that soar above
In all these things that i once loved
Look for me and I’ll be there
You’ll feel my presence everywhere.
~
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
By David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me and I am not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me
I know how much you love me as much as I love you
And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand
That Jesus came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place is ready in heaven far above
And that I 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 it wasn’t my time to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do
It seems 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 have stayed for just a little while
I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realize that this could never be
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss come tomorrow
I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven’s gate and felt so much at home
As 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 it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow but today will always last
And since each day’s the same here 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 here in your heart.
~
Fallen Limb
Author Unknown
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.
~
Crossing the Bar
By Lord Alfred Tennyson
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 crost the bar.
Should You Go First
By A.A. Rowswell
Should you go first and I remain
to walk the road alone
I’ll live in memory’s garden, dear
with happy days we’ve known
in Spring I’ll wait for roses red,
when fades the lilacs blue,
in early fall, when brown leaves call
I’ll catch a glimpse of you
Should you go first, and I remain
for battles to be fought,
each thing you’ve touched along the way
will be a hallowed spot
I’ll hear your voice;
I’ll see your smile,
though blindly I may grope
the memory of your helping hand
will buoy me on with hope
Should you go first and I remain
to finish with the scroll,
no length’ning shadows ahall creep in
to make this life seem droll
We’ve known so much of happiness
we’ve had our cup of joy,
and memory is one gift of God
that death cannot destroy
Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I’d have you do;
walk slowly down that long, lone path,
for soon I’ll follow you
I’ll want to know each step you take
that I may walk the same,
for some day down that lonely road
you’ll hear me call your name
~
Warm Summer Sun
By Mark Twain
Warm summer sun, shine kindly here;
Warm southern wind, blow softly here;
Green sod above, lie light, lie light;
Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.
~
Memories in the Heart
Author Unknown
(This poem can be modified for gender)
Feel no guilt in laughter, she knows how much you care
Feel no sorrow in a smile that she’s not here to share
You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to
She’d hope that you can carry on, the way you always do
So talk about the good times and the ways you showed you cared
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared
Let memories surround you.
A word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day
That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here
And fills you with the feelings that she is always near
For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart
And she will live forever locked safe within your heart
~
Consolation
By Robert Louis Stevenson
(This poem can be modified for gender)
Though he, that ever kind and true,
Kept stoutly step by step with you,
Your whole long, gusty lifetime through,
Be gone a while before,
Be now a moment gone before,
Yet, doubt not, soon the seasons shall restore
Your friend to you.
He has but turned the corner — still
He pushes on with right good will,
Through mire and marsh, by heugh and hill,
That self-same arduous way —
That self-same upland, hopeful way,
That you and he through many a doubtful day
Attempted still.
He is not dead, this friend — not dead,
But in the path we mortals tread
Got some few, trifling steps ahead
And nearer to the end;
So that you too, once past the bend,
Shall meet again, as face to face, this friend
You fancy dead.
Push gaily on, strong heart! The while
You travel forward mile by mile,
He loiters with a backward smile
Till you can overtake,
And strains his eyes to search his wake,
Or whistling, as he sees you through the brake,
Waits on a stile.
I Will Love Death
By Sri Chinmoy
I know I will love death.
Why?
Because death too
Is God’s creation
And because death reminds me
Of the existence of her sister:
Infinity’s Life immortal.
~
Death
By Rainer Maria Rilke
Before us great Death stands
Our fate held close within his quiet hands.
When with proud joy we lift Life’s red wine
To drink deep of the mystic shining cup
And ecstasy through all our being leaps —
Death bows his head and weeps.
~
For Katrina’s Sun Dial
By Henry Van Dyke
Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is
Eternity.
~
A Parting Guest
By James Whitcomb Riley
What delightful guests are they
Life and Love!
Lingering I turn away,
This late hour, yet glad enough
They have not witheld from me
Their high hospitality.
So with face lit with delight
And all gratitude, I stay
Yet to press their hands and say,
“Thanks. So fine a time! Goodnight.
~
Turn Again to Life
By Mary Lee Hall
If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand
to do something to comfort other hearts than mine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I perchance may therein comfort you.
~
How Wonderful is Death
From Queen Mab, Percy Byssche Shelley
How wonderful is Death,
Death, and his brother Sleep!
One, pale as yonder waning moon
With lips of lurid blue;
The other, rosy as the morn
When throned on ocean’s wave
It blushes o’er the world;
Yet both so passing wonderful!
~
If I Should Go
By Joyce Grenfell
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So sing as well.
~
All Nature Has a Feeling
By John Clare
All nature has a feeling: woods, fields, brooks
Are life eternal: and in silence they
Speak happiness beyond the reach of books;
There’s nothing mortal in them; their decay
Is the green life of change; to pass away
And come again in blooms revivified.
Its birth was heaven, eternal it its stay,
And with the sun and moon shall still abide
Beneath their day and night and heaven wide.
~
Inside Our Dreams
By Jeanne Willis
Where do people go to when they die?
Somewhere down below or in the sky?
‘I can’t be sure,’ said Grandad, ‘but it seems
They simply set up home inside our dreams.’
~
Farewell
By Anne Bronte
Farewell to Thee! But not farewell
To all my fondest thoughts of Thee;
Within my heart they still shall dwell
And they shall cheer and comfort me.
Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live
And men more true Thou wert one;
Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,
Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.
~
He That Is Down Needs Fear No Fall
By John Bunyan
He that is down needs fear no fall,
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much;
And, Lord, contentment will I crave,
Because Thou savest such.
Fullness to such a burden is
That go on pilgrimage:
Here little, and hereafter bliss,
Is best from age to age.
~
If Only
Author Unknown
If only we could see the splendour of the land
To which our loved ones are called from you and me
We’d understand
If only we could hear the welcome they receive
From old familiar voices all so dear
We would not grieve
If only we could know the reason why they went
We’d smile and wipe away the tears that flow
And wait content.
I Fall Asleep
By Samuel Butler
I fall asleep in the full and certain hope
That my slumber shall not be broken;
And that though I be all-forgetting,
Yet shall I not be forgotten,
But continue that life in the thoughts and deeds
of those I loved.
~
If I Should Go Tomorrow
Author Unknown
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.
~
Light
By Francis Bourdillon
The night has a thousand eyes.
And the day but one;
Yet the light of the bright world dies
With the dying sun.
The mind has a thousand eyes.
And the heart but one:
Yet the light of a whole life dies
When love is done.
~
No Night Without You
By Helen Steiner Rice
There is no night without a dawning
No winter without a spring
And beyond the dark horizon
Our hearts will once more sing…
For those who leave us for a while
Have only gone away
Out of a restless, care worn world
Into a brighter day.
~
Peace My Heart
By Rabindranath Tagore
Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light your way.
~
Songs of the Death of Children
By Friedrich Ruckert
You must not shut the night inside you,
But endlessly in light the dark immerse.
A tiny lamp has gone out in my tent –
I bless the flame that warms the universe.
~
Silent Tear
Author Unknown
Each night we shed a silent tear,
As we speak to you in prayer.
To let you know we love you,
And just how much we care.
Take our million teardrops,
Wrap them up in love,
Then ask the wind to carry them,
To you in heaven above.
~
The New Life’s Salutation
By Anna Barabauld
Life, we’ve been long together
Through pleasant and through cloudy weather;
‘Tis hard to part when friends are dear,
Perhaps ’twill cost a sigh, a tear;
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time:
Say not “Good night,” but in some brighter clime
Bid me “Good morning.”
DJ POEM
The mix of X’s life has gently faded
The final track is played; there is no more.
No longer will his beats and rhythms stir us
To get get us all up dancing on the floor.
But in his life there were so many moments That brought a room to life with tracks he played
We loved his playlist and his choice of music We remember how we tapped and how we swayed.
But today we know the beat lives on inside us The music of his life goes on and on In the memories of everyone who knew him And in that way “x” never will be gone
“To those I love and Those who love me”
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears
Be thankful for our many beautiful years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave me happiness
I thank you for your love you each have shown
But now it’s time for me to travel on alone.
So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It’s only for a time that we must part
So, bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t 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’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you, soft and dear.
Leeds United
When I first set eyes on Leeds United
And wherever they did roam
A love affair, a flame ignited
With Elland Road my home
Up and up, and what a story
Other teams, we did not fear
That team in white creating glory
For the county of Yorkshire
In sixty-one, a legend came
Fulfilling all supporters needs
Sir Don Revie was his name
And trophies came to Leeds
Bremner, Hunter, Giles and Clarke
All legends we did see
Lorimer and Gray on the park
And Charles, who went to Italy
Charlton, Strachan, Garry Mac
Were fine players indeed
Martyn and Lucas at the back
And super Gary Speed
My chest is swelled, my kit all white
It will be like this forever
Our past is great, our future bright
We’re marching on together
Black and White Minstrel
Pam Ayres
I fell for a Black and White Minstrel
He tickled me under the chin
What I wanted to say, was you go away
But I actually said was Oh! Come in
In a minute I was captivated
I had not a second to think
What I could not erase as I gazed in his face
Was what does he look like pink
We went to his lodgings in Clapham
Ostensively we went for tea,
only I kept on looking at him, and he kept sorta looking at me
And the thing with a black and white minstrel
They are not like a man who is clean
If you cover your chest with a pearly white vest
You can very soon see where he’s been
He sang me Old them Golden slippers
He danced me a pulsating dance
With his muscular thighs, and his white circled eyes
A maiden like me stood no chance
He tore off his Gold lama jacket
And likewise his silver top hat
He cared not a fig, as he tore of his wig,
And I can’t tell you no more than that
But, to early the traffic grew louder
And I knew it had to be dawn
I reached for my black and white minstrel
But my black and white minstrel had gone.
I sat on my own all the morning
Not wanting to understand
That I simply had been a play thing
I was only a prawn in his hand
To this day I still cherish the pillow
Where my Black and white minstrel did lie
There was one place he layed his black face
And one where he laid his white eye
My black and white minstrel has left me
Gone with never goodbye
But my heart will be with him in Clapham
Til the Waters of Swanney run dry.
Feel no guilt in laughter
Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to
He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here
And fills you with the feeling that he is always near
For if you keep those memories, you will never be apart
And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.
He is Gone
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 cant see him
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
David Harkins
She is Gone
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 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
David Harkins
A Poem for Mum
Mum, you were just a girl, so many years ago.
You had your loves and dreams and you watched us come and go.
You watched us make the same mistakes that you had made before,
But that just made you hold us tight and love us even more.
We haven't always thought about the things that you have seen.
To us you've just been Mum, no thought of who you've been.
But we remember now in love, your life from start to end,
And we're just glad we knew you as our Mum and as a friend.
A Poem for Nan
She wasn't like other Nans, spoiling kids with sweets.
If you stepped out of line that slipper was off her feet!
She never was a pushover, the final word was hers.
If you dared to argue back , she'd ring your bloody ears!
She had her own opinions and she made her feelings known.
And when it came to Grandad, she could always pick a bone.
But she was someone I could depend on whenever things turned bad.
And someone I could talk to if I was feeling sad.
She was someone who'd stand up for me, no matter what I'd done.
Someone who always loved me, like a second Mum.
I'm going to miss my dear old Nan, more and more each day.
I think the world's a sadder place since she passed away.
D-DAY - ARMADA
Rank after relentless rank they came,
Facing guns, bombs and flame,
Six thousand craft, ten lanes wide,
Advancing in the ripping tide.
Seven hundred warships too,
Armed and set with a job to do
Fast mine sweepers at the van,
Fighter squadrons weaved and ran.
Twenty miles across the beam,
The greatest convoy ever seen,
Endless columns of surging craft,
Landing ships with shallow draft,
Liners, ferries, packed with troops,
Attack transports, army groups.
Barrage balloons on display,
Spread across this vast array,
Red Cross vessels, laden tankers,
Ancient tubs missing anchors.
Coast guard cutters, motor boats,
Painted out in grey topcoats.
Channel steamers, out from Dover,
Modern freighters steaming over,
Winking lights as morse is spoke,
Rusty coasters belching smoke,
Swarms of tugs, rolling tramps,
Packed with stores, guns and tanks.
They sailed this day for liberty
To crush the foe and set us free.
Joe Earl
From Me to You
I made this little thing for you
With two sticks and some string
I worked on it for quite some time
It’s a very special thing
Choosing a pattern took awhile
But I finally found the one
It spoke of you and begged to be
Given to you when it was done
The yarn is precious and very soft
No acrylic for you, my dear
If you take care and treat it right
It will last you many a year
But, do not fear to put it to use
Enjoy it all the more
I would rather see it worn threadbare
Than forgotten in your drawer
This gift of love from me to you
Is more than yarn in knots
In every stitch there is the thought
“I love you lots and lots!”
A Mother's Love - Poem by Helen Steiner Rice
A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.
Helen Steiner Rice
We Had a Wonderful Mother
By an Unknown Author
(Modified to read “mother” instead of grandmother)
We had a wonderful mother,
One who never really grew old;
Her smile was made of sunshine,
And her heart was solid gold;
Her eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in her cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful mother,
And that’s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
She’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
She will like what she sees.
Weep Not For Me
By an Unknown Author
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
Her Journey’s Just Begun
By an Unknown Author
Don’t think of her as gone away
her journey’s just begun
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days or years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much.
Journey's End
REST YOUR HEAD, MY WEARY TRAVELLER
THIS EARTHLY JOURNEY IS AT END
SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE WHO'LL MOURN YOU
AQUAINTANCE, FAMILY, FRIEND
STEADFAST WIFE AND NOBLE MOTHER
ALL YOUR DUTIES ARE COMPLETE
YOUR REWARD A NEW ADVENTURE
TAKE THIS GIFT AND BE AT PEACE
LEAVE BEHIND THE TEARS OF LOVED ONES
LAY YOUR HEAVY BURDEN DOWN
CAST ASIDE YOUR WORN OUT BODY
PAIN AND SUFFERING NOW BEGONE
JUST AHEAD SOMEONE IS WAITING
WHO HAS PASSED THROUGH HEAVEN'S DOOR
ANTICIPATING YOUR ARRIVAL
A CELEBRATION IS IN STORE
PREPARE TO STEP BEYOND THE THRESHOLD
SEPARATING LIFE FROM DEATH
ANSWERS TO ALL OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THIS AND MORE YOU SHALL POSSESS
THOUGHTS OF YOU WILL BRING US COMFORT
YOU'RE IN OUR HEARTS, YOU ARE NOT GONE
AND IN OUR TIME WE'LL COME TO JOIN YOU
ONE LAST FAREWELL AND JOURNEY ON
Sharon Catley
Weep Not For Me
By an Unknown Author
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
Her Journey’s Just Begun
By an Unknown Author
Don’t think of her as gone away
her journey’s just begun
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days or years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much.
Journey's End
REST YOUR HEAD, MY WEARY TRAVELLER
THIS EARTHLY JOURNEY IS AT END
SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE WHO'LL MOURN YOU
AQUAINTANCE, FAMILY, FRIEND
STEADFAST WIFE AND NOBLE MOTHER
ALL YOUR DUTIES ARE COMPLETE
YOUR REWARD A NEW ADVENTURE
TAKE THIS GIFT AND BE AT PEACE
LEAVE BEHIND THE TEARS OF LOVED ONES
LAY YOUR HEAVY BURDEN DOWN
CAST ASIDE YOUR WORN OUT BODY
PAIN AND SUFFERING NOW BEGONE
JUST AHEAD SOMEONE IS WAITING
WHO HAS PASSED THROUGH HEAVEN'S DOOR
ANTICIPATING YOUR ARRIVAL
A CELEBRATION IS IN STORE
PREPARE TO STEP BEYOND THE THRESHOLD
SEPARATING LIFE FROM DEATH
ANSWERS TO ALL OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THIS AND MORE YOU SHALL POSSESS
THOUGHTS OF YOU WILL BRING US COMFORT
YOU'RE IN OUR HEARTS, YOU ARE NOT GONE
AND IN OUR TIME WE'LL COME TO JOIN YOU
ONE LAST FAREWELL AND JOURNEY ON
Sharon Catley
His Journey’s Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
Weep Not For Me
By an Unknown Author
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
Memories of Dad
Author Unknown
I will take this special moment
To turn my thoughts to Dad
Thank him for the home he gave
For all the things we had.
We think about the fleeting years
Too quickly, gone for good
It seems like only yesterday
I’d go back if I could.
A time when Dad was always there,
No matter what the weather.
Always strong when things went wrong
He held our lives together.
He strived so hard from day to day
And never once complained.
With steady hands, he worked so hard
And kept the family name.
He taught us that hard work pays off,
You reap just what you sow.
He said that if you tend your crops,
Your field will overflow.
My life has been bountiful
He taught me how to give
In his firm and steadfast way
He taught me how to live.
Dad dwells among the angels now
He left us much too soon
He glides across a golden field
Above the harvest moon.
I see him in the summer rain,
He rides upon the wind
And when my path is beaten down
He picks me up again.
A Letter from Heaven - Anon
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all to let you know that i arrived o.k.
I'm writing this from heaven, here i dwell with god above.
Please do not be unhappy just because i'm out of sight.
Remember that i'm with you every morning, noon, and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and he said, I welcome you.
Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be there later on.
I need you here so badly, you're part of my big plan
There's so much that we have to do to help our mortal man
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do,
and foremost on the list was to watch and care for you.
I will be beside you everyday and week and year,
And when you're sad, I'm standing there to wipe away each tear.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,
because you're only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry - it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all what God has planned,
But if were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er,
I am closer to you now than I ever was before.
And to my many friends, trust God knows what is best,
I am still not very far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb.
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for yours too
that as you give unto the world, so the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow or in pain,
then you can say to god at night, my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you are walking on the street and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when you feel that gentle breeze or the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you great big hug or just a soft embrace.
And when its time for you to go from that body to be free,
remember you're not going, you are coming here to me.
And I will always love you from the land way up above,
we'll be in touch again soon,
P.s. god sends his love.
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’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you have shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he’s 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’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
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’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
or you can be full of the love you have 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’s 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’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Anon
Child of Mine
"I'll lend you for a little time a child of Mine," He said,
"For you to love while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead."
"It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for Me?"
"He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay, since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn."
"I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you."
"Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, thy will be done!"
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Anon
We see but dimly
We see but dimly through the mists and vapors;
Amid these earthly damps
What seem to us but sad, funeral tapers
May be heaven's distant lamps.
Longfellow (1819-1892)
GONE FROM MY SIGHT
"I am standing upon the seashore. 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.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then some one at my side says: 'There, she is gone!'
'Gone where?'
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when some one at my side says: 'There, she is gone!'
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
'Here she comes!'
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
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's glint 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 soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Anon
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 which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we 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 on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
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.
Canon Henry Scott Holland
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I’m gone speak in a
Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
parting is hell.
But life goes on
So sing as well.
Joyce Grenfell
9) There Is No Death
There is no death.
The dust we tread shall change between the showers
To golden grain or rainbow tinted flowers.
And ever near us though unseen,
The Immortal spirits tread
Through all the boundless universe in life
There are no dead
A. Perry
The Measure of a Man
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, not 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 bit in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
Anon
We must not weep at an end.
We must not weep an an end
for there is no end
We are not what we were
We cannot lose what we have gained
We have met, we have touched each other with smiles
Exchanged unknown emotions
We have embraced without shame
We have met for a reason
A brief interlude in time
And so we part, the purpose done....
David Burrows
The Unknown Shore
Sometime at Eve when the tide is low
I shall slip my moorings and sail away
With no response to a friendly hail
In the silent hush of the twilight pale
When the night stoops down to embrace the day
And the voices call in the water's flow
Sometime at Eve When the water is low
I shall slip my moorings and sail away.
Through purple shadows
That darkly trail o'er the ebbing tide
And the Unknown Sea,
And a ripple of waters' to tell the tale
Of a lonely voyager sailing away
To mystic isles
Where at anchor lay
The craft of those who had sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea
To the Unknown Shore
A few who watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy bay
Some friendly barques were anchored near
Some loving souls my heart held dear
In silent sorrow will drop a tear
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In mooring sheltered from the storm and gale
And greeted friends who had sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea
To the Unknown Shore
Anon
Farewell my friends
Farewell my friends
It was beautiful
As long as it lasted
The journey of my life
I have no regrets
Whatsoever save
The pain I’ll leave behind
Those dear hearts
Who love and care
And the heavy with sleep
Ever moist eyes
The smile in spite of a
Lump in the throat
And the strings pulling
At the heart and soul
The strong arms
That held me up
When my own strength
Let me down
Each morsel that I was
Fed with was full of love
At every turning of my life
I came across
Good friends
Friends who stood by me
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell
Farewell
My friends
I smile and
Bid you goodbye
No, shed no tears
For I need them not
All I need is your smile
If you feel sad
Do think of me
For that’s what I’ll like
When you live in the hearts
Of those you love
Remember then…
You never die.
Gitanjali
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone 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 that you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Christina Rossetti
I am there
Look for me when the tide is high
And the gulls are wheeling overhead
When the autumn wind sweeps the cloudy sky
And one by one the leaves are shed
Look for me when the trees are bare
And the stars are bright in the frosty sky
When the morning mist hangs on the air
And shorter darker days pass by.
I am there, where the river flows
And salmon leap to a silver moon
Where the insects hum and the tall grass grows
And sunlight warms the afternoon
I am there in the busy street
I take you hand in the city square
In the market place where the people meet
In your quiet room – I am there
I am the love you cannot see
And all I ask is – look for me.
Iris Hesselden
BLESSINGS
Celtic Blessing
May peace guard the door of your house
The door of your heart
May the road rise to meet you
And the sun stand at your shoulder.
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall softly on your fields
May life itself befriend you each day, each night
Each step of your journey
May the peace of the spirit be with you
And with your children.
From the day that we have here today
Until we meet again
May the light of love shine forth on you,
on those for whom you care and on those who care for you.
May you be ever blessed with peace and understanding as you travel on,
and may you come to the end of your journey in gentleness and joy.
Military Blessing
In the rising of the sun
and in its going down
We remember him (her)
In the blowing of the wind
and in the chill of winter
We remember him
In the opening of buds
and in the warmth of summer
we remember him
In the rustling of leaves
and in the beauty of the autumn
We remember him
In the beginning of the year
and when it ends
We remember him.
Gaelic Blessing
Deep peace of the blazing sun to you,
Deep peace of the radiant moon to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the flowing wind to you,
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
This Heritage
She is not dead,
she who leaves us this great heritage of remembered joy.
She still lives in our hearts,
in the happiness we knew, in the dreams we shared.
She still breathes,
in the lingering fragrance windblown, from her favoriate flowers.
she still smiles,
in the moonlights silver
and laughs in the sunlights gold.
She still speaks,
in the echoes of words we’ve heard her say again and again.
She still moves, in the rhythm of waving grasses,
and in the dance of the tossing branches.
She is not dead:
her memory is warm in our hearts,
comfort in our sorrow.
she is not apart from us, but a part of us.
For love is eternal
and those we love shall be with us
throughout all eternity.
Anon
One at Rest
Think of me as one at rest,
for me you should not weep,
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts,
For I am just asleep.
The living, thinking me that was,
Is now forever still.
And life goes on without me
As time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now
Because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it, friend
For none of us can stay.
Those of you who liked me
I sincerely thank you all,
And those of you who loved me,
I thank you most of all
The answer to lifes riddle
In life I never knew
I go with hope that now I will,
And even so will you.
Oh Foolish, foolish me that was,
I who was once small,
To have wondered, even worried,
At the mystery of it all.
And in my fleeting lifespan
As time went rushing by,
I found some time to hesitate,
To laugh, to love, to cry.
Matteres it now if time began.
or if time will ever cease?
I was here, and I used it all
And now I am at peace.
Anon
A Song
When I am dead my dearest
Sing no sad songs for me
Plant thou no roses at my head
Nor shady cypress tree
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet
And if thou wilt, remember
And if thou wilt, forget.
I shall not see the shadows
I shall not feel the rain
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set
Haply I may remember
And haply may forget
Anon
Miss me but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set on me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little..but not too 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 Masters plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sad of heart,
go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me..but let me go.
Anon
The Rose Beyond The Wall
A rose once grew where all could see,
sheltered beside a garden wall,
And, as the days passed swiftly by,
it spread its branches, straight and tall....
One day, a beam of light shone through
a crevice that had opened wide ~
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
then passed beyond to the other side...
Now, you who deeply feel its loss,
be comforted ~ the rose blooms there ~
Its beauty even greater now,
nurtured by God's own loving care
Anon
SONG IX, FROM TWELVE SONGS
Stop all the clocks, cut of the telephone.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin, let the mouners come.
Let the airplance circle, mourning overhead,
Scribbling in the sky, “he is dead”
Put crepe bows round the necks of the public doves;
Let traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my north, my south, my east and west;
My working week, my Sunday best;
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song.
I thought that love would last forever, ...I was wrong.
The stars are now wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Put away the ocean and sweeo up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
W.H. Auden
Farewell
I'm sorry I had to go,
I really wanted to stay
But God sent down the Angels
To summon me away.
They said: "There's a job
That only you can do,
But you need to be with us
To really see it through."
I'm sorry there wasn't time
For me to say goodbye,
But some day in the future
You'll know the reason why.
Just remember that I love you
More than words can ever say,
And I'll be watching over you,
Just a loving thought away.
Carol Pool - Circles of Life
AFTER GLOW
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.
Anon
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
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 to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it up with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh 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 lenghten it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.
Anon
The Final Journey
Well it’s sure been a bit of a week,
but don’t sit there with that tear on your cheek,
as while you’ve been crying, since you heard of me dying
for me things have never been bleak.
So I wrote you this rhyme to tell of my time
at the Undertakers since I’ve been dead,
I’ve had so much fun, even has my hair done,
And I slept in a nice wooden bed.
They looked after me awfully well
Washed, and dressed me, and ‘boy’ I looked swell
though I felt a bit silly, cos their gowns were quite frilly
but they covered my modesty well.
Then they fastened my box, with a lid and some locks
on the top was a shiney gold plaque.
Then they lifted each side, for my final ride
in the hearse with the smart men in black.
In procession we rode, to my final abode,
in a sparkly black limosine car
The journey was slow, although not far to go,
and I felt like a real superstar.
When we got to the Chapel, I listened with glee
of all the great stories they all told of me.
So please don’t be sad now my journey is done,
but remember my humour, my laughter and fun.
Can be adapted for either Parent
My Fathers Garden
My father kept a garden,
A garden of the heart,
he planted all the good things there
That gave my life it’s start.
He turned me into sunshine
and encouaged me to dream
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self esteem
And when the winds and rain came
He protected me enough
but not too much much because he knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough
His constant good example
always taught me right from wrong
markers for my pathway
That will last a lifetime long
I am now my Fathers garden,
I am his legacy
And I hope today he feels the love reflected back from me.
MUM
Why so soon should we be parted?
To leave us all here broken hearted
You gave to us the gift of life
And kept us safe from harm and strife
So much love you had to give
which gives us now the strenght to,live
without having you by our side
And to have loved you, fills our hearts with pride
You were our rock, our guide
best friend and mother
Unique, there will never be quite another
To a better place now
you have gone
From this world, yet
Your spirit will forever live on
All the joyous times we laughed together
Will be with us always and forever
So many memories in our hearts
We’ll never really be apart.
Mothers Touch
Mum (Dad)
I dreamed of you last night
you stretched out your arms and hugged me tight
And just for a moment there it seemed
that your touch was real, not just a dream.
I had talked to the Lord just hours before
And told him “Lord, there is nothing more
that could satisfy or comfort me
than for my mothers face to see”
God heard my prayer and through his grace
I looked once more upon your face
I felt your hug, your love, your touch
The very things I needed so much.
There is a void in my life still,
A place that no one else can fill.
But precious memories I have of you
And I have god to lean on too.
So Mum, until that glorious day
We walk hand in hand in Heaven I’ll pray
That once again through God’s loving grace
I’ll feel your touch and see your face.
Growing Old
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing old, and will someday be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject, and on every occasion.Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs;
Make me thoughtful, but not moody, helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all -
but thou knowest lord that I still want a few friends at the end!
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless detail - give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips on aches and pains; -
They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for growing humility and a lessening
cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.
Teach me that glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet.
I want to be a saint, but not one who is hard to live with - for a sour old person is one of crowning works of the Devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people, and please give me the grace to tell them so!!
Special Memories
“I’ll feel no guilt in laughter, you know how much I cared,
I’ll feel no sorrow in a smile that your not here to share.
I’d probably grieve forever but you would not want me to,
you’d hope that I could carry on the way I always do.
So I’ll talk about the good times, and the ways you showed you cared,
The days we spent together, all the things we shared.
I’ll let memories surround me, a word someone may say -
will suddenly re-capture a time, an hour, a day,
that brings you back so clearly as though you were still here,
and fill me with the feelings that you are always near.
For if I keep those memories, we will never be apart,
and you will live forever, locked safe within my heart” (Anon)
Footprints
One night I had a dream.
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with God,
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonged to me and the other to God.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at times along the path of life
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned God about it.
“God, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way,
but I noticed that during the most troubled times in my life there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I needed you most, you would leave me.”
God replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering -when you see only one set of footprints it was then that I carried you.”
“To those I love and Those who love me”
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears
Be thankful for our many beautiful years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave me happiness
I thank you for your love you each have shown
But now it’s time for me to travel on alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It’s only for a time that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t 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’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear
All my love around you, soft and dear.
And then when you must come this way alone
I’ll greet you with a smile and say
“Welcome Home”.
Mothers
You only have one Mother
So patient kind and true
No other friend in all the world
Will be the same as you
When other friends forsake you
To her you can return
For all her loving kindness
She asks nothing in return
As we look upon her picture
Sweet memories we recall
Of a face so full of sunshine
And a smile for one and all
Her life was love and labour
Her love for the family - True
She did her best for everyone
And now says:-
God Bless you
GRANDMOTHER
The bright needles clicked
the old woman’s hands
quick, dextrous and expert
were a blur of colour
“Your new gloves are finished”
she eased them on to
my short plump fingers
“Now you can play in the snow”
I ran into the street, excited
the gloves soft, warm, dry
were a magical source
of safety and love.
Time drew on
my winters grew colder
the snow fell thicker
today my gloves
are faded and thread-bare.
Her needles are silent
and my hands are cold.
39) God only takes The Best
God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
And whispered “Come to Me”.
With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A Golden Heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best
When tomorrow starts without me
When tomorrow starts without me and I am not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are 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 loved me, as much as I loved you,
And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too,
But, when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand ,
That angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
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
“The Traveller”
A traveller set out one day to see the world of life,
he knew along the way there may be moments full of strife.
But he was young and full of dreams, and oh, so very strong
He doubted there was much that really could go wrong.
His car was new, all bright and shining,
engine perfect, seats all clean with leather lining,
oil and water, fuel and tyres, they were all just right
and in the blue sky up above, the sun was shining bright.
So off he drove, his heart and pulse were beating fast
“How long” he said “can this perfection last”?
The road had many turns to choose
So he stepped on the gas, not a moment to lose.
He respected his car, for this was his shell
He had regular checks to see all was well
There were the times, when parts would fail
But soon he would be right back on his trail.
He travelled each day, and sometimes at night,
with each new sunrise a wondrous sight.
Most things made him happy, though a few made him sad,
but he tackled it all - the good and the bad.
After many long years, the car started to tire
the paintwork was rusty, engine harder to fire.
The travellers hopes, had each day been met,
As the sunrises faded, he watched the sun set.
“It’s time to go home now” the traveller sighed
I have No regrets for the things that I’ve tried.
My journey has led me to so many places,
I’ve learned such a lot and kicked over the traces
The engine then spluttered and started to stall
The car had done well and given its all.
He took out the key and opened the door,
with a smile on his face, he had ended his tour.
Gloria Kivlichan
When I must leave you
When I must leave you
for a little while.
Please do not grieve
and shed wild tears,
and hug your sorrow
to you through the years.
But start out bravely
with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
live on and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
but fill each waking hour in
useful ways,
reach out your hand
in comfort and in cheer
and I in turn will comfort you
and hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die,
for I am waiting
for you in the sky.
Helen Steiner Rice
I have seen death too often to believe in death
It is not an ending, but a withdrawal
As one who finishes a long journey.
Stills the motor
Turns off the lights
Steps from the car
And walks up the path
To the home that awaits him
Source unknown
Life and death are one
Life and death are one,
even as the sea and river are one
In the depth of your hopes and desires
lies your silent knowledge of the beyond,
And like seeds dreaming beneath the
snow your heart dreams of spring
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden
the gate to eternity.
For what is it to die but to stand
naked in the wind and melt into the sun
And what is it to cease breathing but
to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and
expand and seek (God) unencumbered
Only when you drink from the river of
silence shall you indeed sing,
And when you have reached the mountain
top, then you shall begin to climb,
And when the earth shall claim your
limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Kahlil Gibran
IF
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
WARNING
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandles, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple
A woman is a success
(This Poem can be adapted for man or woman)
A Woman is a success…
Who has lived well,
Laughed often and loved much
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and women
And the love of children;
Who has filled her niche and accomplished her tasks;
Who leaves the world better than she found it,
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty
Or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others
And gave the very best she had.
A Place Where Children Are
What kind of place would heaven be,
With all its streets of gold, if all the souls,
That dwell up there like yours and mine, were old
How strange would heaven's music
sound when harps begin to ring,
If children were not gathered round
to help the angels sing.
I'M EVERYPLACE
Don't mourn for me I'm still here, though you don't see I'm right by your side each night and day And within your heart I long to stay
My body is gone but I'm always near I'm everything you feel, see or hear My spirit is free, but I'll never depart As long as you keep me alive in your heart
I'll never wander out of your sight I'm the brightest star on a summer night I'll never be beyond your reach I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach
I'm the colourful leaves when fall comes around And the pure white snow that blankets the ground I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond The clear cool water in a quiet pond
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in spring The first warm raindrop that April will bring I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine And you'll see that the face in the moon is mine
When you start thinking there's no one to love you You can talk to me through the Lord above you I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees And you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep I'm the smile you see on a baby's face Just look for me, I'm everyplace... Author unknown
Ever close in mind and heart
No further away than a picture,
a smile or remembered phrase,
Our loved ones live on in memory
So close in so many ways.
For how often does a sunset
bring nostalgic thoughts to mind
of moments that our loved ones shared
in days now left behind!
How often has a flower
or a crystal autumn sky
brought golden recollections
of happy days gone by!
Yes, memory has a magic way
of keeping loved ones near.
Ever close in mind and heart
are the ones we hold most dear.
Psalm for the dying
My friends and loved ones, I am about to leave; my last breath does not say 'goodbye', for my love for you is truly timeless, beyond the touch of death.
I leave myself to your memory, with love. I leave my thoughts, my laughter, my dreams to you whom I have treasured beyond gold and precious gems. I give you what no thief can ever
steal - the precious memories of our times together, the tender, love-filled moments, the successes we have shared, the hard times that brought us closer together, and the roads we have walked side
by side.
I leave you also a solemn promise that after I am home in the bosom of God, I will still be present, whenever and wherever you call on me. My energy will be drawn to you by the magnet of our friendship and our love. And all I take with me as I leave is your love and friendship, and the
millions of memories of all that we have shared.
And so fear not, nor grieve at my departure, you whom I have loved so much - for my roots and yours are forever intertwined.
adapted from 'A Psalm for the Dying' by Edward Hayes
Little Angels (1)- Author Unknown
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with the death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold,
So He picks a rosebud, before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few
To make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult still somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs, we who are left behind
Must realize God loves children, Angels are hard to find.
Little Angels (2)- Author Unknown
Change the name, age and gender for your own situation
God sent an angel to the earth...
The sweetest angel too
and for such a tiny little thing,
she had so much to do.
She knew she did not have
much time upon this earth to stay,
so she did not waste a second;
she got started right away.
Her eyes were bright and sparkly,
she took in every turn.
She did not miss a single thing,
because Angel came to learn!
God sent her here to touch the
hearts of those he could not reach...
She taught them courage, strength and faith,
because Angel came to teach.
Her tiny little body
was so full of God above,
you felt it when you held her,
because came to love.
In eleven short months she managed
what many never will.
When she went home to Jesus,
her purpose was fulfilled.
She learned and taught, loved and played,
she learned her lessons well.
I know he was so proud of her
when she went home to dwell.
But when I miss her OH-SO-MUCH,
I can almost hear him say,
please understand, her work was done...
did not come to stay
Even though she’s resting now,
she’s just beyond your view,
In peace she sleeps contented that -
her love will help you though.
So look for her in rainbows
and in every sunny day
And then she can remind you that she’s never far away
A Silent Tear
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"
Remember Only My Best
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can any frowns –
And remember only my smile.
Forget any dark words spoken,
But remember the good I have done.
Forget that there ever was heartache,
Just remember the laughter and fun.
Forget that I stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way;
Remember – I fought some hard battles,
And won some, by close of the day.
So do not grieve for my going,
And don’t be sad for a day,
But in Summer just gather some flowers
And come to the place where I lay,
And then in the shade of the evening,
When the sun paints the sky in the west;
Stand for a moment beside me –
And remember only my best.
Anon
Legacy of love
A wife, a mother, a grandmother too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.
Gone Fishing
I thought I’d better let you know the reason I’ve gone missing,
I’m where there’s ten pound angel fish
That's right I’ve just gone fishing.
A man named Peter at some gates
Asked if I’d had permission,
My anglers license got me in
And now I’m happy fishing.
The waters here are crystal clear,
Better than the river 'Cam' or Severn
You get a bite at every cast
by this lovely river in Heaven.
My old (pal's) or (dad’s) casting by my side
And my dear (nan) mum’s cheek I’m kissin,
Don’t worry all I’m happy here;
Yes! I’ve simply just gone fishin. (Anon - adapted by Simon Whittaker)
JIGSAW
Wouldn’t stay without you, couldn’t bear to be apart, We shared so much together we shared a beating heart.
Lover, partner, best friend, the true light of my life, So fortunate to find you, and be your loving wife We were a two-piece jigsaw, a real perfect fit, Whatever gave us trouble, we’d both face up to it.
A stronger bond, you’d never find, joined from head to toe, Couldn’t be without you, couldn’t cope to see you go.
So our loved ones now will miss us, and tears passed, no doubt, But I hope it gives them comfort now, for now I’m not without.
I’m back there with my lover, the one I did adore, Two pieces back together, again a whole jigsaw.