Cancer Poems For Funerals

The Importance of a Sister

By Shiva Sharma

A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,
No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart.
She is a joy that cannot be taken away,
Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.

A friend who helps you through difficult times,
Her comforting words are worth much more than dimes.
A partner who fills your life with laughs and smile,
These memories last for miles and miles.

When she is by your side, the world is filled with life,
When she is not around, your days are full of strife.
A sister is a blessing, who fills your heart with love,
She flies with you in life with the beauty of a dove.

A companion to whom you can express your feelings,
She doesn’t let you get bored at family dealings.
Whether you are having your ups or downs,
She always helps you with a smile and never frowns.

With a sister you cannot have a grudge,
She is as sweet as chocolate and as smooth as fudge.
Having a sister is not just a trend,
It is knowing you can always turn to her, your best friend.

~

We love this next funeral poem. While it was originally written for a mom, we modified it for a sister who is now an angel in disguise, always protecting us.

I Never Saw Your Wings (Modified)

How is it that I never saw your wings
when you were here with me?
When you closed your eyes and soared
to the Heavens I could hear the
faint flutter of you wings as you left.
Your body no longer on this side
Your spirit here eternally I see your halo shine.
I close my eyes and see the multi-coloured wings
surround me in my saddest moments and my happiest times.
Sister my angel God has given you your assignment
always my sister forever my angel.
You fly into my dreams and when I am asleep
I feel your wings brush against my face wiping away
the tears I shed since I can no longer hold
you in my arms but in my heart.
You earned those wings dear sister
and you will always be my angel eternal.

~

This poem reflects the unconditional love and special relationship you had with your sister since childhood. The words are a perfect way to thank your sister for her friendship and love.

This would be an appropriate poem to read at a funeral or memorial service, and even a celebration of life ceremony.

To My Sister…

By Allison Chambers Coxsey

I’m blessed to call you sister,
I also call you friend;
You’ve loved me unconditionally,
And stood through thick and thin.

You’ve shared my joys and sorrows,
My laughter and my tears.
You’ve been my inspiration,
As we grew up through the years.

When we were little children
We laughed and played together;
Then growing up you stood by me,
Through good and stormy weather.

There’s something God has given us,
That’s more than family;
He’s placed a love for you, my Sister,
Deep down in the heart of me.

~

This touching and uplifting poem provides comfort to guests attending a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. It reflects on the beautiful life of your sister and expresses gratitude that she has “found peace at the end of the day.”

The Final Flight

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his 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’ve found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things too I 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 lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

~

This heart-wrenching funeral poem reflects on the deep sorrow that comes from losing a beloved sister. While she is gone, she will never be forgotten.

Lose You

By Adriana

Never thought I’d lose you,
But here I am,
Standing alone,
Without you by my side,
We’re sisters for life,
We promised,
But now you’re gone,
I don’t know what to do,
Without you,
I’m going crazy,
I’m trying to hold on,
To keep strong,
But it just doesn’t feel right,
I’m waiting here,
My arms wide open,
Tears running down my face,
Ready for your return,
Even if it takes forever,
My sister…

~

We absolutely love this next poem for remembering a beloved sister. This poem eloquently conveys what our loved ones who have passed away would want us to know: grieve for me, but do not be consumed by grief; instead, focus on the love and joy I brought into your life.

This touching funeral poem is suitable for a traditional funeral service, memorial service, or celebration of life service. It would be a beautiful tribute to a sister who died.

Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free!

Miss me a little – but not for long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.

For this 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 bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.

~

This next funeral poem for sister provides comfort in knowing that even though she is no longer with us, she can still be seen in the sunset or night sky, if you take the time to look for her.

From Me

By Anna Williams

If you see a sunset, it’s me, smiling
from behind it.
If I go away far, and you see a star
if you find it, I’m inside it.
You can fold it, and hold it forever,
if you hide it.
If our words and worlds sever
if ever I lose you.
If two thousand light-years or seven
confuse you;
Remember me. Here and in Heaven
I’ll see you.
I’ll be beguiling my filing, still smiling
to see you.
When mountains, magenta and moulded
turn red,
like you said,
You’ll find the feeling you folded
not dead.
You’ll steal the swirling sky, turning
with me.
You won’t be bounded, but burning
and free.

~

“Weep Not For Me” reassures us that a beloved sister is at peace, and encourages us to dwell on her beautiful life, not on how she died. This funeral poem for sister is appropriate for all types of service, from a traditional and religious funeral, to a less formal celebration of life gathering.

Weep Not For Me

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

~

When looking for a poem to read in memory of a sister, you should consider the following famous funeral poem written by Mary Elizabeth Frye in the 1930’s. It is a beautiful tribute to a sister who died, but who shall always be with you.

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.

~

God’s Garden

By Melissa Shreve

God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place

Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best
He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never get well on Earth again

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
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.

~

When you have lost a beloved sister, there isn’t a day that goes by when you don’t think: “I miss my sister. I wish she was still here.” This next poem is written in the voice of the person who has passed, and reminds us that our sister would want us to remember her with happiness, love and joy.

This inspirational poem would be perfect for a sister’s celebration of life or memorial service.

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 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

~

Remembering my sister will sometimes make me smile, and other times make me cry. This touching poem uses powerful imagery to reflect the mixed emotions that we feel when we are grieving.

I Know Not Why

By Morris Rosenfeld

I lift mine eyes against the sky,
The clouds are weeping, so am I;
I lift mine eyes again on high,
The sun is smiling, so am I.
Why do I smile? Why do I weep?
I do not know; it lies too deep.

I hear the winds of autumn sigh,
They break my heart, they make me cry;
I hear the birds of lovely spring,
My hopes revive, I help them sing.
Why do I sing? Why do I cry?
It lies so deep, I know not why.

~

We should remind ourselves that our dear sister is destined for heaven. Life is just a temporary stopping place on the way to eternity. This comforting poem is perfect for a religious funeral or memorial service for a sister.

Poem of Life

Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what’s to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay…
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey’s quicker,
For some the journey’s slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We’ll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.

~

This next funeral poem is a beautiful tribute to a sister that died. It reminds us to focus on the incredible and beautiful life of a sister instead of focusing on the pain of her loss.

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’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 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.

~

If your sister was also a wife, mother, and grandmother, this next funeral poem is taylor-made for her. It beautifully captures how thankful we all are for her love and her legacy.

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.

~

This next funeral poem offers comfort to those that lost a sister to a long illness. She is now at peace, free from suffering and sickness. We look forward to being reunited with her in heaven one day.

Sleep, My Sister

By T. Hutchinson

I wish you sweet sleep, my sister dear.
Although there’s so much that you’ve left bare
I hate that you had to endure such pain
On my mind, your saddened eyes have left a stain.

I want to know what crossed your mind
Unspoken words you’ve left behind
Undone things we’ll never do
No sharing thoughts you never knew.

A peace has fallen upon your head
A taste of sorrow we have been fed
It really is like a hole in our lives
One swiftly dug but carved out by knives.

But I have hope that those sleeping will rise
The Bible says that God will open their eyes.
No suffering, sickness, yes not even pain,
Those who did good, eternal life they’ll gain.

So… sleep on my sister, sleep tight
For now with you the sky is night.
But after night will come daybreak
Therefore I will wait hoping to see you awake.

~

This heartfelt poem captures the deep grief of pain and emptiness we feel after the loss of a sister. Life will never be the same without her.

If Only You Could Have Stayed

By Catherine Lamberton

Constantly thinking,
never to be the same,
the tears fall quickly
just hearing your name.

Silence is golden
yet not anymore
silence brings thoughts
I just can’t ignore.

The nights are sleepless,
dreams out of reach.
Crying in my pillow
to you I beseech.

Surrounded by family,
I still feel alone.
My heart is so empty,
this pain I must own.

I wish I could hug you
and just see your face.
But now I have memories
to stand in your place.

Gone but not forgotten,
that’s what they say.
Of course that is true…
but if only you could of stayed.

~

This funeral poem for sister describes the emotions you feel while grieving her loss, but it also ends with a promise to remember her forever. This poem would be a wonderful way to honour your sister’s memory at a funeral or memorial service.

In Our Minds

We stand motionless,
consumed in grief.
Sorrow has arrived,
with smiles thief.

We’re gathered here,
to mourn and cry.
Our questions pointing,
at the clear blue sky.

Why did you go,
why did you leave,
Life without you,
is so hard to conceive.

Our hearts are damaged,
and scarred severely.
We shall miss you,
much more than dearly.

For having you in our lives,
we’ve all been blessed.
But now the time has arrived,
for you to rest.

We promise to cherish,
our memories of you.
You shall live in our minds,
and all that we do.

~

If you were lucky enough to consider your sister to be your best friend, this next poem gives tribute to that special bond. It would be a meaningful poem to read at her funeral service, memorial service, or celebration of life ceremony.

Sister and Best Friend

The moment I realized,
my sister just died.
My hands cradled my face,
and I frantically cried.

Why did this happen,
and how could this be.
She had so much to live for,
we could all clearly see.

My heart simply dropped,
and felt a sharp pain.
My tears fell instantly,
Like a severe August rain.

I was truly lucky,
to have a sister like her.
Countless others,
nod and concur.

I will miss our talks,
and her comforting voice.
And those random moments,
where we’d mutually rejoice.

Rest in peace,
Sister and best friend,
My deepest love,
to the sky I shall send.

~

“Broken Chain” is a funeral poem that would be appropriate for a religious service. This poem describes the passing of a loved one as a break in your family chain. Although your family may feel broken after the passing of a sister, this poem reassures you that God will mend your family one day when you are all reunited in heaven.

Broken Chain

By Ron Tranmer

We little knew that morning
God was 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 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,

~

This spiritual poem provides us with comfort when mourning the loss of a beloved sister. Although her journey on earth is over, it is only one part of her journey.

Her Journey’s Just Begun

By Ellen Brenneman

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.

~

This next funeral poem is a beloved classic. It mourns a sister who is no longer with us, but who will never be forgotten. It is often read at religious funeral or memorial services.

Dear Sister in Heaven

I sit here and ponder how very much
I’d like to talk with you today,
there are so many things
that we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you care for me,
and how much I care for you,
and each time I think of you,
I know you’ll miss me too.
An angel came and took you by the hand, and said
your place was ready in heaven, far above…
and you had to leave behind, all those you dearly loved.
You had so much to live for, you had so much to do…
It still seems impossible that God was taking you.
And though your life on earth is past, in Heaven it starts anew.
You’ll live for all eternity, just as God has promised you.
And though you’ve walked through Heaven’s gate,
we’re never far apart,
for every time I think of you
you’re right here, deep within my heart.

~

This next gorgeous poem was submitted to us by an Love Lives On reader and we absolutely love it. It was written in memory of his first wife who passed away from Lupus but is applicable to anyone grieving the loss of a sister.

Last Journey

By Timothy Coote

There is a train at the station
With a seat reserved just for me
I’m excited about its destination
As I’ve heard it sets you free

The trials and tribulations
The pain and stress we breathe
Don’t exist were I am going
Only happiness I believe

I hope that you will be there
To wish me on my way
It’s not a journey you can join in
It’s not your time today

There’ll be many destinations
Some are happy, some are sad
Each one a brief reminder
Of the great times that we’ve had

Many friends I know are waiting
Who took an earlier train
To greet and reassure me
That nothing has really changed

We’ll take the time together
To catch up on the past
To build a new beginning
One that will always last

One day you’ll take your journey
On the train just like me
And i promise that I’ll be there
At the station and you will see

That Life is just a journey
Enriched by those you meet
No one can take that from you
It’s always yours to keep’

But now as no seat is vacant
You will have to muddle through
Make sure you fulfill your ambitions
As you know I’ll be watching you

And if there’s an occasion
To mention who you knew
Speak kindly of that person
As one day it will be you

Now i can’t except this ending
And as it’s time for me to leave
Please make haste to the reception
To enjoy my drinks, they’re free!

~

Funeral Poems for Grandfather

• By nitin

• 2427 Views

I am 24 years old and I lost my grandad last year to cancer. Growing up I wasn’t really as close to my grandad as I was to my Nan but over the last few years I did get really close to him. He only found out he had cancer about 10 weeks before he went and my Nan spent the last 4 weeks of his life looking after him because she wouldn’t allow him to go in a hospice as he wouldn’t have wanted to. The cancer robbed him of his pride and dignity then eventually his life. He just seemed to give up when he was fitted with a colostomy bag. He told me the day before he went that he was ready. I believe I am truely blessed to have had him in my family.
Goodbye Granddad

Funeral Poems for Grandfather

Sarah Harrison

So heaven has received another angel
The night sky another star
Your life has become a loving memory
I know you will never be far.
I know you are watching over me
As my life goes on
I will treasure the memories I have of you
I cant believe you’re gone.
You were a loving caring grandad
You were there for me a lot
You will always hold a place in my heart
A loving treasured spot.
You were really one in a million
A cut above the rest
All that knew you would agree
You simply were the best.
So grandad I will say goodbye
I love and miss you with all my heart
But as long as I have my loving memories
We will never be too far apart.
written for Billy Harrison died 26th July 2007
goodbye grandad SIMPLY THE BEST.

Grandfather

Weep not for me though I am 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 now all is 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.

A reminder that your Gramps/Grandma has not always been old!

Grandma/Grandpa, you were just a girl/boy,
So many years ago.
You had your loves and had your dreams,
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 all the more.

We haven’t always thought about
The things that you have seen.
To us you’ve just been ‘Grandma/Grandpa’,
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 Grandma/Grandpa, and as Friend.

My Father

by Anita Guindon

He was a jolly little man full of fun and laughter,
He played jokes on his fellow men
And to him it did not matter.
Education
he had not,
But what he learned he never forgot.
He wrote what he knew all about cancer
so that someday, there will be an answer.
He joined the Canadian Medical Corps.
And served in the Second World War.
He risked his life, to save others,
This man, that I call my Father.
Seein’ my Father in me is the title of a song
Which I can relate to as I do see my Father in me.
I have a French accent just like my Father,
I love walking, just like my Father,
I love being with people, just like my father.
But most of all, is my love for children, like my Father.

As We Look Back

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

Dad

We’ll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace,
you always gave us.
You being there
for Mom and us
through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We’ll always remember
you Dad because
they’ll never be another one
to replace you in our hearts,
and the love we will always
have for you.

The Child Is Father To The Man

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

‘The child is father to the man.’
How can he be? The words are wild.
Suck any sense from that who can:
‘The child is father to the man.’
No; what the poet did write ran,
‘The man is father to the child.’
‘The child is father to the man!’
How can he be? The words are wild.

To My Father

by Georgia Harkness

A giant pine, magnificent and old
Stood staunch against the sky and all around
Shed beauty, grace and power.
Within its fold birds safely reared their young.
The velvet ground beneath was gentle,
and the cooling shade gave cheer to passers by.
Its towering arms a landmark stood, erect and unafraid,
As if to say, "Fear naught from life’s alarms".

It fell one day.
Where it had dauntless stood was loneliness and void.
But men who passed paid tribute – and said,
"To know this life was good,
It left it’s mark on me. Its work stands fast".
And so it lives. Such life no bonds can hold –
This giant pine, magnificent and old.

A Successful Man

That man is a success –
who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of
children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he 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 best he had.

Your Spirit – A Tribute to My Father

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.

Moments Before

by Kelly Horn

Moments before our walk that afternoon,
I realized the path ended too soon.
Not long enough to hold his hand,
this amazing person, this loving man.
Not long enough to engage his eyes
and remember his always brimming with pride.
Not long enough to stand by his side,
as he was by mine after every rough tide.
Not long enough to laugh with him still,
after every bad joke,
after every tough hill.
Not long enough to walk with this man,
who has taught me to be the person I am.
Not long enough as we walked by his wife,
to thank them both for my wonderful life.
In all the walks I’ve taken in my life,
first as a girl and now as a wife,
I’ll remember that walk I took with my father
and always wish it could have been longer.

A Love Like No Other

Paula M. Newman

From the time I was born
I guess you would know
Ten perfect fingers
Ten little toes
When you first put your finger in my tiny hand that’s when I first knew
You were my papa no one else would do
As I grow older
and reach for the sky
My Papa is still there
to keep that twinkle in my eye
When I need someone to hold me
you never say I’m too big
You pick me up and squeeze me
and whisper you’re my little kid
Most other people don’t understand me
or maybe just not as well
That’s why you’re the one I run to
when I have something to tell
I love you Papa
as you can see
I’m so glad
that you’re a part of me

Angler’s Prayer

God grant that I may fish for trout Until my dying day:
And when I come to my last cast
I’ll then most humbly pray
When, in the Lord’s safe landing net I’m perfectly asleep
That in His mercy I’ll be judged
As good enough to keep.

My Father, My Father

by Dakota Ellerton

My father, my father,
I love he,
my father, my father,
made me see,
how beautiful this world really can be.
My father, my father,
said to me,
my daughter my daughter,
come see me,
i wont be around forever, and i have things that must be.
My father, my father,
dont die on me.

Fathers are Wonderful People

by Helen Steiner Rice

Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should…

For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills…

And Father struggles daily
To live up to "HIS IMAGE"
As protector and provider
And "hero or the scrimmage"…

And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,

But if you look inside Dad’s heart,
Where no one else can see
You’ll find he’s sentimental
And as "soft" as he can be…

But he’s so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife…

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness…

And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
He’s a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE.

Dad

We’ll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace,
you always gave us.
You being there
for Mom and us
through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We’ll always remember
you Dad because
they’ll never be another one
to replace you in our hearts,
and the love we will always
have for you.

A final journeying

by Ivan Donn Carswell

Steve is gone,
I hardly can believe
the man wont cry again,
I cannot credit that
his energy wont bloom
and burst the candid pane
that kept us so aware of just
how much he really, really cared.

I grieve for Bindi Sue
and Robert who’ll despair,
for Terri who has lost the man
with whom she shared a life
of loved eminence; and where
bereaved will gather to declare
their love we’ll find a solitary kind
of saddened solace there.

I think I understand how friends
would wander without light,
I think I comprehend their loss
of sight, I know despite the pain
they feel a powerful sense of
omnipresent guidance in their
waking hours, and though he’s gone
his spirit towers to guide us all.

And through a pall of sadness
feel he still walks tall and talks
to us with commonsense and
passion deep to stir our souls.

A loving larrikin with whom
we share profound beliefs,
and though bereaved we join
to make our voices heard and call
a joyous final journeying of
Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin.
Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can go 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 Rossetti

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

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 lightening 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.

Dylan Thomas

Book of Ecclesiastes – A Time For Everything

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; 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;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

The Bible, King James Version

Epitaph Upon A Child That Died

Here she lies, a pretty bud,
Lately made of flesh and blood:
Who as soon as fell fast asleep
As her little eyes did peep.
Give her strewings, but not stir
The earth that lightly covers her.

Robert Herrick

My Precious Son

Unendingly I mourn my precious son
Too early yet this earthly home he left,
Perfidious sleep confounded nature’s order
To leave his loves perpetually bereft.

Those golden dreams and aspirations,
The seed of yesterday a withered bloom,
Those baubles which are cause to celebrate
In death now mock us gently from his tomb.

How treacherous death does steal on youth’s exuberance,
To wreak such havoc from the ecstasy of life,
Where once was only joy and future promise
Tormented hearts endure eternal strife.

Pamela Davies

Look for me in Rainbows

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.

Music and lyrics: Conn Bernard . Vicki Brown

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 glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

Mary Frye

Turn Again To Life

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 thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I perchance may therein comfort you.

Mary Lee Hall

Funeral Blues

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

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

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

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

WH Auden

Epitaph on a Friend

An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d;
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.

Robert Burns

By Herself and Her Friends

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

So go and run free

So go and run free with the angels
Dance around the golden clouds
For the lord has chosen you to be with him
And we should feel nothing but proud
Although he has taken you from us
And our pain a lifetime will last
Your memory will never escape us
But make us glad for the time we did have
Your face will always be hidden
Deep inside our hearts
Each precious moment you gave us
Shall never, ever depart
So go and run free with the angels
As they sing so tenderly
And please be sure to tell them
To take good care of you for me

For Katrina’s Sun Dial

Time is too slow for those that wait,
Too swift for those that fear,
Too long for those that grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is Eternity.

Henry Van Dyke

Inside Our Dreams

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.’

Jeanne Willis

Where do they go to?

Where do they go to, the people who leave?
Are they around us, in the cool evening breeze?
Do they still hear us, and watch us each day?
I’d like you to think of them with us that way.

Where do they go to, when no longer here?
I think that they stay with us, calming our fear
Loving us always, holding our hands
Walking beside us, on grass or on sand.

Where do they go to, well it’s my belief
They watch us and help us to cope with our grief
They comfort and stay with us, through each of our days
Guiding us always through life’s mortal maze.

KevF – 21st August 2007

Happiness

Happiness is silent, or speaks equivocally for friends,
Grief is explicit and her song never ends,
Happiness is like England, and will not state a case,
Grief, like Guilt, rushes in and talks apace.

Stevie Smith

Dead Woman

If suddenly you do not exist, if suddenly you are not living, I shall go on living.
I do not dare, I do not dare to write it, if you die. I shall go on living.
Because where a man has no voice, there shall be my voice
Where blacks are beaten, I can not be dead. When my brothers go to jail I shall go with them. When victory, not my victory, but the great victory arrives, even though I am mute I must speak: I shall see it come even though I am blind.
No, forgive me, if you are not living, if you, beloved, my love, if you have died.

Pablo Neruda

I will wait for you…

I will wait for you…
Though we never had a chance to say goodbye,
Remember me…
When winter snows are falling through a quiet sky
I’ll remember you
When, in our darkest hour,
You held my hand and prayed I wouldn’t go,
But a silent voice called out to me;
My time had come, and I had to travel Home…

Since then, I know your life has never been the same,
For I visit you each day:
So many times I’ve felt your pain:
I’ve watched you cry:
And I’ve heard you call my name…

But now, further along life’s road I stand
In a timeless world, just beyond your sight,
Waiting for the day when I can take your hand and bring you across
to this land of Golden Light…

Till then, remember me, you understand-and try not to cry.
But if you do:
Let your tears fall
For the happiness and joy we knew,
And for the special love we shared,
For love can never die.

Stephen O’Brien

The Final Flight

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his 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’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I 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’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Not In Vain

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Emily Dickinson

To The Glory of Phil

I wonder if there are many slightly mad people. Who would think me so?
Yet I can sit on the floor in my study sorting my papers, saying to myself,
"I am going to succeed in what I do for the glory of Phil.
I will tell no one but hug the knowledge to myself."

And I usually look as I pass the cemetery on my way home from work because, one day,
long after I am dead, I will see him walking down the sloping driveway,
away from the circle of flowers, towards the road.

Geoffrey Davies

Angel Moms

We have shared our tears and our sorrow,
We have given encouragement to each other,
Given hope for a brighter tomorrow,
We share the title of grieving mother.

Some of us lost older daughters or sons,
Who we watched grow over the years,
Some have lost their babies before their lives begun,
But no matter the age, we cry the same tears.

We understand each others pain,
The bond we share is very strong,
With each other there is no need to explain,
The path we walk is hard and long.

Our children brought us together,
They didn’t want us on this journey alone,
They knew we needed each other,
To survive the pain of them being gone.

So take my hand my friend,
We may stumble and fall along the way,
But we’ll get up and try again,
Because together we can make it day by day.

We can give each other hope,
We’ll create a place where we belong,
Together we will find ways to cope,
Because we are Angel Moms and together we are strong!

Judi Walker

Don’t Cry for me

Don’t cry for me now I have died, for I’m still here I’m by your side,
My body’s gone but my soul’s is here, please don’t shed another tear,
I am still here I’m all around, only my body lies in the ground.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost, that nips your toes.
I am the sun ,bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.
I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
I am the laughter, I am the mirth.
I am the bird, up in the sky,
I am the cloud, that’s drifting by.
I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.

Granddad
By Sarah Cooper

Good night God bless, now it’s time to rest as you had your last goodbyes.
We can’t believe the time has come for us to say goodbye.

How many time have we herd them say you might not live and thrive,
but how many time have you shown them wrong by being here alive.

We can’t believe you where her one day and gone the following day,
Why why why was this ok for you to take our GRANDAD away.

Garden For My Granddad

a new flower,
a new bird,
another step,
a new word.

he’s seen them,
he has seen them all,
he was there in summer,
and there in fall.

he make sure it looks beautiful,
it is his pride,
he watches us,
and with laughter he cried.

he helped them bloom,
made them colour,
cherished there smiles,
and defiantly made them fuller.

he did his best,
but he has not stopped,
he will never rest,
until they have fully flowered.

Thank-you granddad
I love you
see-you in a while crocodile!

I’ll Be There
By 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 Jamie Leigh Dale

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.

Our Grandad
It broke our hearts to leave you
although you never went alone
as a part of us went with you
the day god took you home

words cant describe how much we’ll miss you
our lives wont feel complete
and we all cant wait for that day
that day where we will meet

if love could build a staircase
and memories could build a lane
we would march right up to heaven
and bring you home again

but you are now with the angels
the angels in the sky
and to know your watching over us,
it helps me not to cry

I love you always grandpa,
rest in peace.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you never went alone,
for a part of us went with you,
the day god took you home.

A million times we missed you,
A million times we cried,
If love could have saved you,
you never would have died.

To the grave you travel,
Our flowers placed with care,
No-one knows the heartache,
as we turn to leave you there.

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories could make a lane,
we would walk right up to heaven,
and bring you home again.

We love you Granddad,
sleep well in heaven with the angels.

By Ferney

There will always be the vivid image of my Granddad with his socks and sandals, the hat that never came off his head and his liquorice-stick-filled pockets.
He always had a smile on his face and made me laugh. He liked talking to anyone who went past. Everyone who knew him would be touched in 1 way or another.
My granddad was a good dad, husband, brother uncle and grandfather. My granddad will suffer no longer. I know this is hard but it will make us all stronger.

Great Grandad Tom

My Nanny rang at ten past seven,
To tell my Daddy, that you’d gone to heaven.
To play with Josh, and Luke and Jake,
Take them for a walk, by a beautiful lake.

But there were tears in Daddy’s eyes,
As he remembered you, as you were in life.
He told me of the time, when he came round with Mummy,
How you wiped a tear, when he said I was in her tummy.

He told me how proud, he was to see me,
Sit for the first time, upon your knee.
How your wonderful smile, would light up the room,
When I came around, on Friday afternoons.

There’s no-one like you,
There will never be another.
I’m sorry that you’ll not meet, my new sister or brother.

I’m so happy I knew you.
But now I’m sad that you’re gone.
My dearest, sweet, Great-Granddad Tom.

Death Of Grandfather, For My Grandpa

By Ilona Blake

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we’ve lost our Grandpa, our friend and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears
As we feel so empty and hold many fears

But ……….

Poem About The Death Of A Grandfather, Tears

By Lauren

Tears streamed down my face when I saw you that way.
I love you grandpa, I will love you everyday.
As my tears raced down my face;
I knew you’d soon be in a happier place.
My love ……….

Grandpa, I Miss You

By Amanda Dwyer

I know it hurt you
It hurt me too,
But now that you’re gone
All I know is I miss you

You were there for so long,
I never thought you would leave.
I though you had another ……….
I Never Got To Tell You Goodbye

By Emilee Reynolds

I never got to give you a hug
before an angel took your hand and gave you a tug

I never got to give you a kiss
before you made your final wish

I never got to tell you I love ……….

Grandpa, I Love You

By Ricky Ringheim

I held your hand as you looked me in the eyes and said "Son please never forget me",
Grandpa it was you who set me free.

You taught me how to tame a bird from the wild,
My happiest ……….

Goodbye Grandad

By Vanessa Kershaw

the clock is ticking
and time is passing by
I love him very much
and this is my goodbye

he put on his brave face
told me there was nothing wrong
he thought I never knew
but I ……….

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