15 Modern Funeral Poems for you to choose from

Why Should You Opt for a Modern Funeral Poem?

Having remembrance poems read out during funeral services is a sentimental way of saying a final goodbye to your loved one. It is an essential part of the service and reflects a sense of comfort in the hearts of those confronted by such a difficult time. There has been an increasing desire to have modern funeral poems read out during the service. These poems reflect the experiences of the new generations that might even be more relatable, relevant and in line with the wishes of your deceased loved one. Modern poetry is often agnostic. However, since these poems discuss ideas of loss, grief and how to overcome such times, they are fitting for the occasion. 

15 Funeral Poems to Choose from

• Death by Joe Brainarddelevs uses humor and satire to delve into how little we fathom death. This short, unconventional modern poem is the perfect fit for a deceased loved one interested in a lighthearted discussion about death through song. 
• Also titled Death, Sean Hughes’ poem was written as a visualization of what he anticipated his funeral to be like. Similar to Brainarddlev’s piece, Hughes uses comic relief to pen down a tribute to those who live a full life and would like to imagine death being just as much fun. 
• A Chant Against Death by Mervyn Morris moves away from this cheery tone to speak about the acceptance of death as a part of one’s life cycle. You must fight hard for what you believe should stay. It was written in the context of battling a terminal illness. 
• On News of a Friend’s Sudden Death by Felix Dennis speaks of experiencing a deceased loved one’s passing and how it can completely derail your frame of mind and daily life. It is a darker poem but might be a good choice if you relate to the meaning behind the story. 
• A Long Cup of Tea by Michael Ashby is a metaphorical piece that addresses the finality of death— likening life to a long cup of tea. This modern poem might be the right choice for someone who does not believe in making a fuss around death. 
• David Harkins’ She Is Gone (He Is Gone) is an uplifting poem about appreciating and celebrating one’s life. It is a wonderful poem to include as all attendees are gathered in celebration of the deceased.
• On a Tired Housewife speaks up for overworked and burdened people  whose living was a lot of hard work. If your loved one might have joked about waiting for a final break when the time would come, this piece is a lighthearted poke at that message. 
• Kelly Roper’s Pardon Me for Not Getting Up, as  the same suggests— is a satirical irony on a party host. This might be a great poem reflecting your loved one’s sense of humor and hosting skills. 
• Your Clothes by Judith Kroll is a sentimental poem that speaks of the difficulties in reconciling a relationship after losing your loved one. Clothes here are a metaphor for how the life of your loved one will always be remembered through small things. After losing your mother, you are still their daughter. The poem is focused on a mother-child dynamic, and you can use it for the service of either of your parent(s). 
• Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Frye is a poem that welcomes death as not the end of one’s life but rather, the beginning of another.
• Gone, but not Forgotten by Ellen Brenneman is similar to Mary Frye’s poem. It believes that death is not the end but rather a transition to be in a peaceful state of existence. This is an ideal rest in peace for your loved one. 
• His Mother’s Hair by April Ossman captures the bittersweet we feel when finding something that reminds us of our deceased loved one. It can happen unexpectedly at a familiar place. Here, a hairdresser remembers his mother’s death when he encounters a client's hair that looks like his mother’s. It is not simply the remembrance of that person which takes over you but also what you felt at the time of their passing. This funeral poem is a great choice if you wish to address this belief. 
• Margret Mead’s poem, Remember Me, is a poem that asks you to remember your loved one for all the good memories and the positive light they brought into your life. This is an appropriate poem to say your final goodbye to your loved one by talking about how much they mean to you. 
• Etel Adnan’s The Morning After My Death tells us that since life goes on after their death, we must bid goodbye to our loved ones who pass. This poem might act as a goodbye message you are reciting for your loved one.
• To His Mother, Whose Name Was Maria by Attilio Bertolucci is a tragic poem about the death of someone who did not have the chance to live their life to the fullest. This serious message may be appropriate to read at some funeral services.