POEMS AND READINGS

Please scroll through this page to view some useful poems and readings:

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Although You Have Gone

Although we cannot hold you near and touch your loving face

You've left a part of your sweet soul in every little face

For as we watch the children grow amongst our family tree

We see a smile, expression, that speaks of one so dear.

We see you in their faces, in every laugh and play

They are a part of you, a part of us that will never fade away

So although we miss you dearly and wish you were here today

We thank you for your gift to us, that leaves its mark today

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.

Until we meet again, Author Unknown

We think about you always

We talk about you still,

You have never been forgotten Dad

And you never will.

We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you will remain,

To walk and guide us through our lives

Until we meet again.

Sometimes by Maggie Dent

Sometimes, on our journey through life we meet people who leave footprints on our minds.

They challenge us to see things differently and to question our personal reality.

Sometimes on our journey through life we meet people who leave footprints on our hearts.

They create a safe place for us to open our hearts to feel loved and special.

Then sometimes, on our journey through life we meet people who leave footprints on our souls.

They share themselves with us so profoundly that they touch the very essence of who we are in that secret quiet place.

NAME has left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts and souls of all who knew and loved her.

May we always remember the beauty of her love, her kindness and the special way she touched our lives.

One Last Kiss by Marty Pijanowski

I have fought the feelings and emotions inside

That fills and empties me, like a fast rolling tide.

There are moments of pain,of sorrow and hate,

Leaving me to ponder many hours of late.

I love you, honey, it's your presence I miss.

And I terribly long for that one last kiss.

But the greatest pain of all that hurts me so deep,

Is after giving you my love, I can't have yours to keep.

To have you by my side, always longing for more,

And have you feel the same, to mutually adore.

You see, my love, I have given you my heart

And revealed the depths of my soul,

And now I am left feeling hopelessly empty,

Paying this immeasurable toll.

It's selfish, I know to feel this way,

But it's how I feel, each and every day

Always hoping and praying, for the next time we meet

For you to allow me, once again to feel complete.

And rest assured, I WILL see you again,

For it's not a question of if, but a question of when.

And when that time comes, I'll be in total bliss,

For no longer will I wait, for that one last kiss.

Miss Me, But Let Me Go by Betty Miller

When I come to the end of the road,

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in gloom-filled rooms,

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 Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And busy your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me - but let me go.

The Broken Chain, Ron Tranmer

We little knew that day,

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.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And although 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.

Silent Strong Dad, Author Unknown

He never looks for praises

He's never one to boast

He just goes on quietly working

For those he loves the most

His dreams are seldom spoken

His wants are very few

And most of the time his worries

Will go unspoken too

He's there.... A firm foundation

Through all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold to

In times of stress and strife

A true friend we can turn to

When times are good or bad

One of our greatest blessings,

The man that we call Dad.

We will miss you so much Dad.

God Saw You Getting Tired, Author Unknown

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

and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.

She is Gone by David Harkins

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.

​

Do not stand at my grave and weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye

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 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.

We Remember Them by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer

At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.

When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.

When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.

For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.

Hold On, My Friend, by L.R.Knost

In your worst moments

when all that is good

and right in the world

seems so far away

and hope is no more

than a distant dream,

remember these things,

my friend:

The stars remain steadfast in their spaces

and the moon still guides the tides in their paces

and the planets are still lined up in their places

and you're loved as you are...

because that is what grace is.

Please hold tight. Don't let go.

Try to breathe through the pain.

Like the sun every morning, hope will rise once again.

Hold on, my friend. Hold on.

To One in Sorrow by Grace Noll Crowell

Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,

And let me take your hand.

I, who have known a sorrow such as yours,

Can understand.

Let me come in -- I would be very still

Beside you in your grief;

I would not bid you cease your weeping, friend,

Tears can bring relief.

Let me come in -- I would only breathe a prayer,

And hold your hand,

For I have known a sorrow such as yours,

And understand.

Heartache by Dally Messenger:

The hurt is almost unbearable –

Yet we will live through it.

It is because we now feel such deep pain,

It is because the inner ache is so great,

That we realise how much we loved her.

And yet the agony inside

Gives us a strange comfort.

It tells us how much we loved her.

We really would not want to feel any other way –

Because the grief and heartache we feel

Bears witness to the depth of our love.

We know that thoughts of her,

Will ever bring us comfort.

I Am Always With You by Linda Rogers

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 too many tears

But be thankful we had so many good years

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you’ve give me in happiness

I thank you for the love that you have shown

But now it is time I travelled on alone

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust

That it is only for while that we must part

So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on

And if you need me, call me and I will come

Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you come this way alone

I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home”.

Death is Nothing at All by Canon Henry Scott Holland

I have only slipped away into the next room

I am I, and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other

That we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used

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 trace of a showdown 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 but waiting for you

For an interval

Somewhere very near

Just around the corner.

All is well.

A Message From Heaven

Perhaps you aren't ready yet to have to say goodbye...

Perhaps you've thought of things you wish you'd said--well, so have I.

For one thing, I'd have told you not to worry about me...

I'm with the Lord in Heaven now, you knew that's where I'd be.

I'm sorry that you're feeling sad, for I'm so happy now....

I've asked the Lord to ease the hurt and comfort you somehow.

It's hard at the beginning, but I know you'll make it through...

I hope it helps to know that I'll be waiting here for you.

For NAME by Pam Nelson

Some people light up rooms with their laughter

Others can brighten the world with a smile.

Many will make you feel happy

By sitting nearby for a while.

Some folk can cheer up a cold day

With just a few words or a glance.

Others can make things seem better

If you just give them half of a chance.

But there are those whose whole life is a blessing,

Not just a moment, a smile or a word.

They make all around them feel special,

No person ignored or unheard.

They give all they have and then give more,

While helping somebody get through.

It’s not about thanks or for mention,

It’s something that’s in them they do.

And when it’s time that they sadly must leave us

We grieve … but also we smile.

We give thanks that our lives were connected

And were tucked in their heart for a while.

Goodbye Mum

Dear Mum – you were a person

Quite apart from all the rest

You gave your never ending love

You did your very best.

You listened to our problems

And all our joys you shared

And any time we needed you

We always found you there.

Always there to lend a hand

In everything we’d do

You’d help us guide us, comfort us

With a love that was so true.

We took so much for granted

And though we tried to show we cared

We’ve only realised your value

Now we find that you’re not there.

So when you look down on us,

And you ask the reason “Why”

You see how much we’re hurting

And you see how much we cry.

Well, it’s just because we love you,

And it’s SO HARD to let go

Of the dearest, and the kindest,

Precious Mum, we’ll ever know.

We miss so much a lady

Who lies peaceful now and still

She showed us how to fight in life

She showed she had a will.

She showed us courage and compassion

We won’t forget her lovely face

She did so much for all of us

She is impossible to replace.

She truly was the family key

It’s hard to see another

She was the force behind us all

Above all, she was our mother.

Fallen Limb

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 when we’re together again.

Today

There’s a place that lies within you

A place I’d like you to go

When you feel you can’t take any more sorrow

There is something I’d like you to know

There is comfort in your memories

When you think of me

Just go to that place inside your heart

Look and you shall see

I’m still there, I’ve never left

Even though I had to die

Think of the peace that I have now

Just smile for me, don’t cry

I don’t feel pain any more

It is beautiful where I reside

Reunited with the ones l’ve loved

Until you are by my side

I wish I could make it better for you

If there was only something I could do

But I have to wait until we are reunited

Then you will understand too

We will all be waiting until you come

Then we will all rejoice and sing

The only tears that will be there

Are the ones that happiness brings

So to my family, friends and those I loved

When the sky seems dark and grey

Just remember that I loved you all

And don’t be sad for me today

A Death Has Occurred by Paul Irion 

A death as occurred and everything is changed.

We are painfully aware that life can never be the same again,

That yesterday is over, that relationships once rich have ended.

But there is another way to look upon this truth.

If life now went on the same,

Without the presence of the one who had died, we could only conclude that the life we remember made no contribution, filled no space, meant nothing.

The fact that this person left behind a place that cannot be filled is a high tribute to this individual.

Life can be the same after a trinket has been lost, but never after the loss of a treasure.

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW by Julie Hutton

YESTERDAY

You were in our midst - a loving, caring person.

A pillar; a rock; a devoted and adored friend.

Without our knowledge, you brought closure to your darkness.

How we wish we could have looked deep into your eyes and willed you to stay;

cemented your soul to ours; saved you from torment.

TODAY

There is a void. Disbelief. An absence.

Gone from our lives, is what we cherished the most.

Empty, puzzled and bereft, we suffer our loss together.

Your burden of sadness has shifted to us.

We search for answers in the hope that by sharing and understanding, we can somehow retrospectively lessen your anguish.

Rest now, released from your pain.

TOMORROW

We will trudge on carefully and slowly, negotiating a safe route through an unknown path.

We will try to let go of our anger, and any regrets; we will try not to lose our way.

We will accept what we cannot change. We will be calm.

We will hope for happiness.

We will remember you, with love.

The Train of Life

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents,

And we believe they will always travel by our side.

As time goes by, other people will board the train.

And they will be significant, our brothers, sisters, friends, children, and even the love of your life.

However at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey called life alone.

Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum.

Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize that they have vacated their seats.

This train ride will sometimes be full of joy, and sadly sometimes of sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hello’s, goodbyes and farewells.

Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers which will require that we give the best of ourselves,

The mystery to everyone is: we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down.

So we must live our lives in the best way we can, we need to love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are.

It is important to do this because when the times comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will need to continue to travel on the train of life without us…

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.

How do We Let a Mother Go - Unknown

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, acceptance and overwhelming love that we maybe weren't aware of.

Waves and waves of conflicting emotion and laughter.

Memories we hadn't bothered lately to recall come flooding back in shared company and it's all about you mum...

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, kind, fun and 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.

Every day 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.

Look For Me in Rainbows lyrics by Conn Bernard

Time for me to go now

I won't say goodbye

Look for me in rainbows

Way up in the sky

In the morning sunrise

When all the world is new

Just look for me and love me

As you know I loved you

Time for me to leave you

I won't say goodbye

Look for me in rainbows

High up in the sky

In the evening sunset

When all the world is through,

Just look for me and love me

And I'll be close to you

It won't be forever

The day will come and then

My loving arms will hold you

When we meet again

Time for us to part now

we won't say goodbye

Look for me in rainbows

shining in the sky.

Every waking moment

and all your whole life through

Just look for me and love me

as you know I loved you.

Just wish me to be near you,

And I'll be there with you.

One at Rest by Author Unknown

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep

I have no pain, no troubled thoughts, no sorrows do I keep.

The living thinking me that was, is now forever still

And life goes on without me now, 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.

For in that span of years, as time went rushing by

I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry

Matters it now if time began, if time will ever cease?

I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.

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.

The Empty Chair, Cheryl Weeks

It stands alone – so quietly in the corner of the room,

“It’s just a chair!” you say to me,

“You should get rid of it you know.”

But every time I see it – when I go into the room,

The memories keep pouring from its depths –

I still can’t let you go.

The arms that firmly held you, kept you securely in its lap,

The back so tall and straight, now empty,

Wants you to come back.

The dinners where its presence was always there for you,

It kept you safe and held you close, securely in its place.

So you see – to me it’s not JUST a chair,

It’s a part of you to me.

And one day soon, I may let go….

But just not yet – not yet.

​

Destination Unknown, Cherie Curlis

You have started upon a journey

Destination “unknown”

This trip wasn’t in your plans

You have taken it on your own

No suitcase needed to be packed

No tickets to be had

On angel’s wings you travel

To a place not on the map

There was no ‘bon voyage’

No farewell to be had

Just a quiet leaving

And for this we are so sad

But as you travel this adventure

You will not be alone

For our thoughts and prayers are with you

On that destination “unknown”

I’m Gone Now Mary M. Green

I'm gone now, but I'm still very near.

Death can never separate us.

Each time you feel a gentle breeze,

It's my hand caressing your face.

Each time the wind blows,

It carries my voice whispering your name.

When the wind blows your hair ever so slightly,

Think of it as me pushing a few stray hairs back in place.

When you feel a few raindrops fall on your face,

It's me placing soft kisses on your cheeks.

At night look up in the sky and see the stars shining so brightly.

I'm one of those stars and I'm winking at you and smiling with delight.

For never forget you will always be close to my heart.

In Memory of My Mother

Somewhere in my heart beneath all my grief and pain,

Is a smile I still wear at the sound of your dear name.

The precious word is ‘MOTHER’, she was my world you see,

But now my heart is breaking cause she’s no longer here with me.

God chose her for His angel to watch me from above,

To guide me and advise me and know that I’m still loved.

The day she had to leave me when her life on earth was through,

God had better plans for her, for this, I surely knew.

When I think of her kind heart and all those loving years,

My memories surround me and I can’t hold back the tears.

She truly was my best friend, someone I could confide in,

She always had a tender touch and a warm and gentle grin.

I want to thank you Mum for teaching me so well,

And though the time has come that I must bid you this farewell.

I’ll remember all you’ve taught me and make you proud you’ll see.

Thank you my Dear Mum for all the love you showed me.

Although you’ve left this earth and now you’ve taken flight,

I know that you are here with me each morning, noon and night.

​

A Life Well Lived

A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace

from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.

It’s filled with moments sweet and sad, with smiles and sometimes tears,

with friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years.

A life well-lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure,

A loving, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.

The Legacy of Love

A wife, a mother, a grandma 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

"What Can You say"

What can you say

To someone who has always been one of

The most essential parts of your world;

Someone who took you by the hand

When you were little

And helped to show the way.

What do you say to someone

Who stood by to help you grow,

Providing love, strength, and support

So you could become the person

You are today?

What can you say to let them know

That they are the best there is,

And that you hope you’ve inherited

Some of their wisdom and their strength?

What words would you say

If you ever got the chance?

Maybe you'd just say,

I love you NAME,

and hope they understands.

Ecclesiastes 3

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die:

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to break down, and a time to build up:

A time to weep, and a time to laugh:

A time to mourn and a time to dance:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3

Remember Me by Christina Rossetti

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

Then that you should remember and be sad.

I am Here

Please 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 warm summer’s night.

I’ll never be beyond your reach

I’m the warm damp sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colourful leaves when winter comes round

And the pure raindrops that blanket 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 the 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 noone to love you

Talk to me and I will listen.

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 stranger’s face.

Just look for me…I’m everyplace

A Bird in the Mist

At times like this,

We may look through books for the perfect words

To give form to our feelings,

Make the thoughts complete,

Set the matter at rest.

Yet, in the hours of searching,

Each piece is rejected - too precise, too difficult, too sweet

Too harsh, implying what we do not wish to say.

But, look into the grey wide sky,

And thoughts will come like this:

Remember me when I loved you most and you loved me most.

Remember me when I was my bravest and I did you right.

Then let that be our secret bond.

And, let us rise in the morning and enjoy the light.

And I know that the bird in the mist is returning to the sun.

​