Classic Funeral Poems for Dad
"To Sleep" by John KeatsO soft embalmer of the still midnight,Shutting, with careful fingers and benign,Our gloom-pleas’d eyes, embower’d from the light,Enshaded in forgetfulness divine:O soothest Sleep! if so it please thee, closeIn midst of this thine hymn my willing eyes,Or wait the “Amen,” ere thy poppy throwsAround my bed its lulling charities.Then save me, or the passed day will shineUpon my pillow, breeding many woes,—Save me from curious Conscience, that still lordsIts strength for darkness, burrowing like a mole;Turn the key deftly in the oiled wards,And seal the hushed Casket of my Soul.
“A Meeting” by Edith WhartonOn a sheer peak of joy we meet;Below us hums the abyss;Death either way allures our feetIf we take one step amiss.One moment let us drink the blueTranscendent air together—Then down where the same old work's to doIn the same dull daily weather.We may not wait . . . yet look below!How part? On this keen ridgeBut one may pass. They call you—go!My life shall be your bridge.
“Happy the Man,” by John DrydenHappy the man, and happy he alone,He who can call today his own:He who, secure within, can say,Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.Be fair or foul or rain or shineThe joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.Not Heaven itself upon the past has power,But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.
"Funeral Blues" by W.H. AudenStop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,Silence the pianos and with muffled drumBring out the coffin, let the mourners come.Let aeroplanes circle moaning overheadScribbling on the sky the message 'He is Dead'.Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
“Warm Summer Sun,” by Mark TwainWarm 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.
Funeral Poems for Dad from Daughter
“Life Lessons” by Joanna FuchsYou may have thought I didn’t see,Or that I hadn’t heard,Life lessons that you taught to me,But I got every word.Perhaps you thought I missed it all,And that we’d grow apart,But Dad, I picked up everything,It’s written on my heart.Without you, Dad, I wouldn’t beThe person I am today;You built a strong foundationNo one can take away.I’ve grown up with your values,And I’m very glad I did;So here’s to you, dear father,From your forever grateful kid.
“The Gift” by Li-Young LeeTo pull the metal splinter from my palmmy father recited a story in a low voice.I watched his lovely face and not the blade.Before the story ended, he’d removedthe iron sliver I thought I’d die from.I can’t remember the tale,but hear his voice still, a wellof dark water, a prayer.And I recall his hands,two measures of tendernesshe laid against my face,the flames of disciplinehe raised above my head.Had you entered that afternoonyou would have thought you saw a manplanting something in a boy’s palm,a silver tear, a tiny flame.Had you followed that boyyou would have arrived here,where I bend over my wife’s right hand.Look how I shave her thumbnail downso carefully she feels no pain.Watch as I lift the splinter out.I was seven when my fathertook my hand like this,and I did not hold that shardbetween my fingers and think,Metal that will bury me,christen it Little Assassin,Ore Going Deep for My Heart.And I did not lift up my wound and cry,Death visited here!I did what a child doeswhen he’s given something to keep.I kissed my father.
“Father” by Ella Wheeler WilcoxHe never made a fortune, or a noiseIn the world where men are seeking after fame;But he had a healthy brood of girls and boysWho loved the very ground on which he trod.They thought him just little short of God;Oh you should have heard the way they said his name—'Father.’There seemed to be a loving little prayerIn their voices, even when they called him 'Dad'Though the man was never heard of anywhere,As a hero, yet somehow understoodHe was doing well his part and making good;And you knew it, by the way his children hadOf saying 'Father.'He gave them neither eminence nor wealth,But he gave them blood untainted with a vice,And opulence of undiluted health.He was honest, and unpurchable and kind;He was clean in heart, and body, and in mind.So he made them heirs to riches without price—This father.He never preached or scolded; and the rod—Well, he used it as a turning pole in play.But he showed the tender sympathy of God.To his children in their troubles, and their joys.He was always chum and comrade with his boys,And his daughters -- oh, you ought to hear them say'Father.'Now I think of all achievements 'tis the leastTo perpetuate the species; it is doneBy the insect and the serpent, and the beast.But the man who keeps his body, and his thought,Worth bestowing on an offspring love-begot,Then the highest earthly glory he was won,When in pride a grown-up daughter or a sonSays 'That's Father.'
Funeral Poems for Dad from Son
“If,” by Rudyard KiplingIf you can keep your head when all about youAre 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 DisasterAnd treat those two impostors just the same;If you can bear to hear the truth you've spokenTwisted 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 winningsAnd 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 sinewTo serve your turn long after they are gone,And so hold on when there is nothing in youExcept 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,If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,If all men count with you, but none too much;If you can fill the unforgiving minuteWith sixty seconds' worth of distance run,Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!
“A Poem for Dad,” by J. Allen ShawDad, I am often told I am just like you.I am honored beyond measure if that is true.You were the best example of what a man should be.I am overwhelmed that someone would say that of me.I never told you enough how proud I am to be called your son,Now that you are gone, I want to tell everyone.You gave me much more than a name,Someday, I hope my son says the same.
“Star Dad” by Karl FuchsI love you, Dad, and want you to know,I feel your love wherever I go.Whenever I've problems, you're there to assist,The ways you have helped me would make quite a list.Your wisdom and knowledge have shown me the way,And I'm thankful for you as I live day by day.I don't tell you enough how important you are,In my universe you're a bright shining star.
Funny Funeral Poems for Dad
“Pardon Me for Not Getting Up” by AnonymousOh dear, if you’re reading this right now,I must have given up the ghost.I hope you can forgive me forbeingSuch a stiff and unwelcominghost.Just talk amongst yourself myfriends,And share a toast or two.For I am sure you will rememberwellHow I loved to drink with you.Don’t worry about mourning me,I was never easy to offend.Feel free to share a story at myexpenseAnd we’ll have a good laugh atthe end.
“The Fisherman’s Prayer” by UnknownOur fisherman Who art on riverbanksAngler be thy nameThy fishing season comesThy casting will be doneThe weather will be heavenly.Give us this day lots of bitesAnd forgive us our laughterAs we forgive you, your Lies about the one that got away.Lead us to a shoal of fishAnd deliver us a big catchFor thine is the carpThe Pike and the Trout Forever and ever,Amen.
“Death” by Joe BrainardDeath is a funny thing. Most people are afraid of it, and yet they don't even know what it is.Perhaps we can clear this up.What is death?Death is it. That's it. Finished. "Finito." Over and out. No more.Death is many different things to many different people. I think it is safe to say, however, that most people don't like it.Why?Because they are afraid of it.Why are they afraid of it?Because they don't understand it.I think that the best way to try to understand death is to think about it a lot. Try to come to terms with it. Try to really understand it. Give it a chance!Sometimes it helps if we try to visualize things.Try to visualize, for example, someone sneaking up behind your back and hitting you over the head with a giant hammer.Some people prefer to think of death as a more spiritual thing. Where the soul somehow separates itself from the mess and goes on living forever somewhere else. Heaven and hell being the most traditional choices.Death has a very black reputation but, actually, to die is a perfectly normal thing to do. And it's so wholesome: being a very important part of' nature's big picture. Trees die, don't they? And flowers?I think it's always nice to know that you are not alone. Even in death.Let's think about ants for a minute. Millions of ants die every day, and do we care? No. And I'm sure that ants feel the same way about us.But suppose—just suppose—that we didn't have to die. That wouldn't be so great either. If a 90-year-old man can hardly stand up, can you imagine what it would be like to be 500 years old?Another comforting thought about death is that 80 years or so after you die nobody who knew you will still be alive to miss you.And after you're dead, you won't even know it.
Short Funeral Poems for Dad
"Away" by James Whitcomb RileyThink of him faring on, as dearIn the love of There as the love of Here.Think of him still as the same. I say,He is not dead—he is just away.
"Sanctum" by Beulah B. MalkinI built a tiny garden In a corner of my heart. I kept it just for lovely things and bade all else depart. And ever was there music, And flowers blossomed fair; And never was it perfect until you entered there.
"When At Your Heart Should Be Sad" by Sir Walter RaleighWhen at heart you should be sad, pondering the joys we had, listen and keep very still. If the lowing from the hill or the toiling of a bell, do not serve to break the spell, Listen: you may be allowed to hear my laughter from a cloud.
Non-Religious Funeral Poems for Dad
“Under the Harvest Moon” by Carl SandburgUnder the harvest moon, When the soft silverDrips shimmeringOver the garden nights,Death, the gray mocker,Comes and whispers to youAs a beautiful friendWho remembers.Under the summer rosesWhen the flagrant crimsonLurks in the duskOf the wild red leaves,Love, with little hands,Comes and touches youWith a thousand memories,And asks youBeautiful, unanswerable questions.
“Dear Old Dad” by Patience StrongWe miss him in his gardenDoing odd jobs here and there.We miss him at the tableWhen we see the empty chair.We miss him at the firesidewhen we gather round the blaze.We miss him, – oh, we miss himIn a hundred different ways.When troubles came the familyWould always turn to him.He always had a cheery wordWhen things were looking grim…And now he’s gone we know he wouldn’tWant us to be sad –But life can never be the sameWithout the Dear Old Dad.
“Not A Day Goes By, Dad” by Author UnknownNot a day goes by, dadThat you don’t cross our minds.Not all of you departedWhen you left our earth behind.In our hearts there is a placeThat only you can hold;Filled with loving memoriesMore precious than gold.We know you can still hear us, Dad,So please know that this is true:Everything we are todayIs all because of you.
Christian Funeral Poems for Dad
“Another Leaf Has Fallen” by UnknownAnother leaf has fallen,another soul has gone.But still we have God’s promises,in every robin’s song.For he is in His heaven,and though He takes away,He always leaves to mortals,the bright sun’s kindly ray.He leaves the fragrant blossoms,and lovely forest, green.And gives us new found comfort,when we on Him will lean.
Death Be Not Proud (Holy Sonnet X) by John DonneDeath, be not proud, though some have called theeMighty and dreadful, for thou are not so;For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrowDie not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,And soonest our best men with thee do go,Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.Thou’art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,And poppy’or charms can make us sleep as wellAnd better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?One short sleep past, we wake eternally,And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
“Saying Goodbye” by Grace Noll CrowellAs this day of sorrow comes,tears in our eyes, loneliness in our hearts,we say goodbye.Thank You for sharing your life with us,without you, we will not knowthe love of God for us.For you are a blessing in our eyes.We thank the Lord for sharing you with us.He has given us a great gift that we will never forget.Even as the sun sets and the rain falls down.God is indeed amazing, for knowing who we need.
Ways to Cope With Grief
Speak to him whenever you want to feel connected. When dealing with the death of your dad, it’s important to remember that just because he’s not around physically doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to say hello to him, in your mind or out loud. If you’re making a meal you know he’d love or doing an activity he enjoyed, tell him that you’re thinking of him. It’ll help with feelings of grief and provide a continued sense of being connected to him. If speaking out loud doesn’t feel natural, try writing down messages, poems, or letters to your dad. A grief journal is a good way to process feelings of condolences and loss for your dad and be a reminder of how much he means to you.
Plant a tree in his honor. If you have the space, plant a tree as a memorial marker to celebrate your dad’s memory. You can make the tree feel even more personal by adding a memorial plaque with his name and/or likeness. The tree provides a good place for you to visit and reflect on his life and how important he still is in your life. You can also add a memorial plaque to a bench, flower bed, or anywhere you know held a special place for him.
Perform acts of kindness that would make him proud. Part of being a father is teaching your children about kindness, compassion, and courage. Show him you listened to his lessons by volunteering your time to causes that mattered to him. If he loved animals, put in some hours at an animal shelter; if he was a veteran, make time to volunteer at a veteran’s home. His legacy will live on in the good deeds you do.
Make a memory jar. One way of remembering all the wonderful things about your dad (and coping with his loss) is to make or buy a memory jar you can fill with little notes. On them, write one unique memory of your father that comes to mind—going fishing with him when you were a kid, Sunday dinners together, or the way he consoled you when you needed it. It’s likely you’ll never run out of memories, so fill up your memory jar any time you want to. You can even put out a memory jar at his funeral if you’d like mourners to add their favorite memory to the jar. You can read them as part of your eulogy so everyone feels connected to him.
Try out his favorite hobby. If your dad was an avid cook, learn how to make his favorite dish, or spend time playing golf if he enjoyed it too. Dive into whatever hobbies he loved most or spend more time with them if you love them too. It’s a thoughtful way to keep your dad’s memory alive while doing the things he enjoyed most.
Plan an annual celebration in his honor. On the anniversary of his death, gather family, friends, and loved ones together to celebrate his life with a picnic, outing, dinner, or party that he would truly enjoy. Serve his favorite dishes, play music he loved, and take the opportunity to talk about him. Tell fun stories and reminisce with old photos, videos, or home movies that remind everyone how amazing he was.
Sprinkle his ashes somewhere special. Even if you decide to keep your dad’s ashes, it can be a meaningful experience to spread some of them in a place that mattered to him. It might be in his hometown, his favorite vacation spot, or on the ocean. Gather a few people and take the time to reflect on who he was and how he’ll always be around spiritually.
Plant a memorial garden. A garden of flowers you plant to remember your dad is a living part of nature that can keep his memory alive. Choose colorful, vivid flowers that make you smile every time you see them and think of him. You can also plant perennial flowers that will continue to come up every season without you having to replant them. If you don’t have outdoor access, you can create an indoor garden memorial for your dad with indoor plants and flowers.
Create a keepsake. Make or buy a personalized memorial keepsake that helps you remember your dad’s life. Collect simple everyday objects to keep a memorial area for him, including candles and photographs. EXPERT TIP Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Ken Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA. Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Even just lighting a candle can honor your dad’s life. A thank you or acknowledgement like ‘I'm lighting this candle on behalf of this person’ is a symbolic daily practice of remembering or celebrating the deceased.
Make a playlist of his favorite songs. When you need a pick-me-up, you can listen to a playlist that includes tons of songs that meant something to him. They could be from his childhood, hold an important place in the events of his life, or just be songs you love that make you think of him. A playlist acts like a musical eulogy can help you cope with loss and pain, and make you feel closer to your dad spiritually even as you grieve.
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