Heartfelt Poems About Death and Loss of Loved Ones
When someone dies, the bereaved needs comfort from close friends. Different people have different ways of expressing showing their empathy and expressing sympathy in memorial services. However, some methods are common to every community.
Heartfelt poems about death and the loss of a loved one can be used for a funeral, eulogy, or memorial service. Poetry about the death and celebration of the life of family and friends can express things the way we want when we do not have the words.
Benefits of Sharing Poems to Comfort Those Grieving
One of the best ways to offer this support is to narrate funeral poems. Among its benefits include;
1. They Offer Comfort
They serve a great purpose in comforting the grieving family. Poetry in funerals is excellent in that; they provide the truth about the human condition. It helps to express our feelings to the mourning family.
2. Cultivates Empathy
It also helps to develop empathy by reminding us that we share a common destiny. It helps us to feel joy in pain, to laugh at our tears, as well as fearing our mortality. It also helps us to honor the celebration of life of the dead. In such a way, we can connect with loved ones in a better way.
Choosing Poems About Death for Eulogies, Funerals, etc
However, funeral poems are available in large numbers. Some of these works are great, while others might not deliver the feelings intended. So, therefore, there is a need to select poems about death thoughtfully. You don’t want to make people feel hurt more than they are already. But how do you go about choosing the right verse?
1. Write Your Own
If you’re a good poet, you can consider writing a poem for the family. The good thing with writing is that you can write what is in your heart. You know your feelings, and therefore, you convey your sincere thoughts. However, if you aren’t a professional poet, it’s possible that you can find yourself at a loss for words. So, it’s good that you read the poem to your friends and get their thoughts before you read it at a funeral.
2. Use Previously Written Content
One of the best places where you can great content is online sites like PoetrySoup. They will offer a variety of samples from which you can select the best example that suits you. You can use the PoetrySoup search engine to find poems that can suit your words of grief. The good thing with choosing written poems is that you don't have to write your own from scratch. That saves you time and resources, but may not express the feeling in your heart. However, you can use them as a template for creating your own expressive words.
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 sun 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.
What delightful hosts are they --
Life and Love!
Lingeringly I turn away,
This late hour, yet glad enough
They have not withheld from me
Their high hospitality.
So, with face lit with delight
And all gratitude, I stay
Yet to press their hands and say,
"Thanks.
-- So fine a time! Good night."
Things You Should Never Say When Someone Dies
When someone dies, there are some things that you should not talk about or say. Such applies to your poem or epitaph. For example:
- “How is it going?” Such a statement will only receive a one-word answer, which is “Okay.” That cuts the communication you intended to have with the grief-stricken person.
- “He / She are in a better place” is another phrase that you should always avoid as it doesn’t reduce the pain. “I’m sorry for the sufferings” could be a better compliment.
- Avoid “if you need my help, let me know” statement. Giving out this statement keeps bereaved in the responsibility to ask for help, which should not be the case. Also, do not ask
- "How can I help?" It feels as if you’re adding another burden on the bereaved on making decisions.
- ‘’How did he or she die?” really, how did he die? Such should never come from your mouth to the family. It feels hurting to explain the incident, and that is the last thing that these people want to think.
These are some of the things that you should never say when someone dies, especially to those who are grieving.
How to Express Sympathy
Now that you know some of the things that you shouldn’t say in a funeral or to those grieving, how do we express sympathy to the family?
1. Use of sympathy cards
Most of us will consider sending a sympathy card. For you to make sure that you do it correctly, the card should carry within it condolences, willingness to help, and a sympathetic closing. Also, you should consider making your text as brief as possible.
Long messages can be annoying and even can say hurtful things without your knowledge. In the card, it’s also good to do some life appreciation for the dead. Acknowledge the goodness of his or her presence in this world.
2. Use Follow Up Texts
You can consider sending similar text messages for follow-ups on the grieving ones to ensure that they don’t feel lonely.
During a bereavement period, your friends need your sincere support. As seen, one of the best ways to show your support is via poems. However, you should note of things to say and not say. Also, learn of how to express your sympathy to the bereaved.