If you’ve been asked to select or read something at a funeral, then finding the right words can be difficult. If you’re reading a poem or passage yourself, then you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the content and that it is appropriate and heartfelt. Reading something too emotional can be tough, so be mindful of how you think you will cope on the day. Don’t feel under pressure to read too much – less can be more if you have found something fitting.
We have selected a few beautiful funeral readings below, suited to saying goodbye to family members or friends of all ages. We hope these words are of comfort and provide some inspiration for the reading of your choice.
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.
Mary Frye, American poet (1904 – 2004)
If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together there is something you must always remember… You are braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we are apart I’ll always be with you.
A quote from Winnie the Pooh
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.
Clare Jones
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
Unknown Author
I thought of you with love today
but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday
and days before that too,
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name
All I have are memories
and your picture in a frame
Your memory is my keepsake
with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping
I have you in my heart.
Unknown Author
There are so many beautiful funeral readings to choose from, or you can of course write something yourself. We hope you find the perfect words to say goodbye.
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