Sad Poems on Death to Help Process Grief

Updated November 5, 2018
Sad young woman sitting on bed

It's only natural to feel sad when someone you care about passes away. Instead of trying to keep the grief at bay, it's healthier to release it via some sad death poems and allow yourself to process your feelings. Some people find it helpful to express their feelings through poetry, but if you don't feel up to writing poems about death, reading a few written by someone else may help you find the release you need.

Sorrowful Poems About Death and Dying

A sad poem about death can offer some comfort to those who are grieving. They can be shared with others who are also suffering as they express words and feelings that are sometimes difficult to express on your own.

After the Funeral

by Kelly Roper

The funeral is over,
And everyone has gone home.
It's just me and my thoughts now,
And I'm sitting here alone.

The house seems so quiet,
and I'm not sure what to do.
I can't remember how I lived
Before the day that I met you.

Maybe I should just stop thinking.
And take myself to bed.
I'll crawl beneath the covers,
And lay down my weary head.

Tomorrow is a new day,
The first of many that I'll face
Without you here beside me,
Without your strength, your wit, your grace.

I'll try to carry on
Or at least I'll try to exist.
Until one day you reach for me,
And guide me into death's mist.

Tears on My Pillow

by Kelly Roper

Tears on my pillow poem

Tears on my pillow,
I can't count how many I've cried.
I feel so awfully hollow,
Almost like it's me that died.

How long will I feel so empty,
Will this heartache ever end?
How long will I have to wait,
Until we meet in Heaven, my friend?

Conversation Interrupted

by Kelly Roper

There's so much left unspoken,
Too soon for our conversation to end.
I thought we'd have so many more years,
And so much more time to spend.

I wasn't finished with my "I love yous,"
I had a million more to go.
You were my life, my lover, my friend,
And I wanted you to know.

I'm not ready to let you go
Off into that brilliant light.
I'd rather have kept you here with me,
And hung on with all my might.

But it's too late, death has stolen you away
And there's nothing left I can do.
So I'll have to be patient until the day comes
When I can talk again with you.

Death Has Parted Us

by Kelly Roper

Death has parted us my dear,
Something no mortal could do.
And I am left behind now,
Feeling oh so lost and blue.

No more will I rise each morning,
To see your dear, sweet face,
To hear you say good morning,
And fold me in your embrace.

We've kissed our final good night,
And we've said our last goodbye.
And now there's nothing for me to do
But remember you my love, and cry.

Untimely Death of a Child

by Kelly Roper

Untimely death of a child poem

A life so young and full of hope,
Cut down in its shining prime.
The death of a child never seems right,
A child should have so much more time.

A child should laugh and play and sing,
Not listen to the death knell ring.
Oh death, you are a heartless thing
To steal the life of a child.

I Thought We Had More Time

by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff

You brought me into this world,
And you raised me up strong.
I thought we had more time,
But I know now I was wrong.

If I could see you one more time,
See your much-loved face.
If only I could tell you thanks
And feel your sweet embrace.

Did you know how much I love you
Before you had to pass?
If we only had more time,
I wouldn't have to ask.

Why did I have to wait?
You're gone, and it's too late.
I worry about you not knowing,
And my tears will not stop flowing.

Death snatched you away,
And I must bear my shame.
I can say I love you in my heart,
But it's just not the same.

I'll See You Again Someday

by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff

With your tail wagging
And your warm eyes so bright,
You were always happy to greet me,
Ever my heart's delight.

I'll no longer see you in this life
Tomorrow or today
But I know, somehow, some way,
I'll see you again someday.

We'll run straight to each other,
And my tears of joy will flow.
I'll kiss your fur and sweet, wet nose
And never let you go.

For now, I have my memories,
Your toys and an old chewed shoe.
And I have a ragged hole in my heart
Shaped exactly like you.

Short Sad Poems About Death

Short poems about death can be read in moments of need or used on keepsakes and bereavement cards.

Death's Reality

by Kelly Roper

Death's Reality Poem

Death,
The taker of life...
The bringer of sorrow...
The comforter of the afflicted...
The enemy of loved ones...
The ultimate destiny of every living being.

Shroud of Grief

by Kelly Roper

Death is like a cold, gray shroud.
It lays heavy on my shoulders,
and wraps me in its comfortless embrace.

Lost Without You

by Michele Meleen

Map without compass,
night sky without the North Star,
I'm lost without you.

You Can Never Lose a Friend

by Michele Meleen

Empty baby nursery with handmade mobile hanging over it

Friendship surpasses time,
I'm sure I'll find,
When I stop crying
That you're still here
In heart and mind.

Forever My Family

by Michele Meleen

In life and death
we're family.
Through thick and thin,
Happiness and grief.

Wherever you've gone,
I'll try to see,
You are forever my family.

The Sadness Will Pass

It may be difficult to believe it when you're in the throes of grief, but the worst of your sadness will eventually pass. Give yourself as much time as you need to work through your emotions, and just know that everything becomes more bearable with time.

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Sad Poems on Death to Help Process Grief