Free Obituary Poems

From LoveToKnow Dying

One way to personalize a listing of an individual's passing is to include a free obituary poem in the notice.

Poetry brings solace to the grieving soul.

Defining Poetry

Poetry, over the ages, is some of the most heart-felt and beautiful words ever expressed. Wordsworth defined poetry as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. Dylan Thomas said that poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes my toenails twinkle, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing. Emily Dickinson said, If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire ever can warm me, I know that is poetry.

Lines from poems can evoke many emotions such as love, joy, gratitude, fear, woe, and sorrow. Poetry often offers comfort, solace, and peace.

Many find comfort in the Bible's book of Psalms. The poetry found here has been meaningful to many over the ages because of its references to God taking care of humans and of his provision.

Losing a Loved One

When a loved one dies, emotions run like a roller coaster. Funeral plans, burial and cremation costs can cause much stress. In addition to these, family members realize the need to place an obituary in the newspaper. Thinking about having to come up with something to write can add more stress to family members who are struggling with emotions.

Writing an Obituary

What should this announcement of the death of a dear mother or beloved [[Grieving a Spouse|spouse] say? By viewing some samples of obituaries you can get a clearer idea of what traditionally is placed in an obit. By searching and scanning the Internet, you will have some guidance on how to write an obituary and where to send it. Typically obits include:

Name of deceased
Age at time of death
Birth and death dates
Schooling or education
Accomplishments or biographical sketch
Immediate family members still living and deceased
Funeral arrangements, date, time and location
Where to send gifts or donations in memory

Poetry in an Obit

In addition to the typical components of an obit, you can also include poetry. Poetry reflects some feelings about the deceased. You may want to pen your own verses, include a poem that was meaningful to your loved one, or use one from a renowned poet. There are many free poems to choose from written by famous poets, including poems by:

William Blake
Robert Burns
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Lewis Carroll
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Robert Browning
Geoffrey Chaucer

Samples of Free Obituary Poems

Take some time to peruse the Internet as well as your local public library for poetry you think would be appropriate and appreciated.

This classic selection by William Blake is often quoted due to its simple style and innocent and religious context.

The Lamb

"Little lamb, who made thee?

Does thou know who made thee,

Gave thee life, and bid thee feed

By the stream and o'er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,

Softest clothing, woolly, bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,

Making all the vales rejoice?

Little lamb, who made thee?

Does thou know who made thee?

Little lamb, I'll tell thee;

Little lamb, I'll tell thee:

He is called by thy name,

For He calls Himself a Lamb.

He is meek, and He is mild,

He became a little child.

I a child, and thou a lamb,

We are called by His name.

Little lamb, God bless thee!

Little lamb, God bless thee!"

Keep in Mind

Check with your local newspaper about the cost of including a lengthy obituary. A concise printing about the death of a person may have a certain fee. If you choose to add a poem, the cost may increase. However, if you feel it is important to add a poem to the announcement, by all means, include the selection and freely pay the extra cost. Most newspapers determine cost by the inches it takes to print something.