10 Non-Religious Funeral Poems For Dad

Losing a father is one of life’s most challenging experiences. As we navigate our grief, finding the right words to honor his memory can provide comfort and solace. While many seek religious verses, this article focuses on non-religious funeral poems for dad for those seeking comforting poems that are suitable for any funeral. This article explores ten heartfelt non-religious funeral poems for Dad, offering a way to pay tribute to his life and legacy.

Table of contents

Why Choose a Non-Religious Funeral Poem for Dad?
How to Choose the Right Funeral Poem For Your Father
10 Non-Religious Funeral Poems for Dad
Personalized Funeral Poems for Dad
Tips for Reading a Funeral Poem
Conclusion & FAQs

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Why Choose a Non-Religious Funeral Poem for Dad?

Picking a non-religious funeral poem for your dad is a personal choice. If your father was an Atheist or non-denominational then you and your family may feel that it is more appropriate to choose a poem that does not mention any Gods or religious connections. It is perfectly acceptable to choose a poem that has no religious connections for a funeral.

Funeral poems have a special ability to forge an emotional connection between the speaker and the audience. They can express complex feelings in a way that simple words cannot, offering comfort and understanding to those in mourning.

When we are grieving or lose someone suddenly it can sometimes feel impossible to find the words we need to pay tribute to them. A funeral poem can help you pay an emotional tribute to your father.

How to Choose the Right Non-Religious Funeral Poem for Your Dad

When choosing a funeral poem for your father, here are some things to consider so that you choose the perfect poem.

Consider the Personality of Your Father & the Tone of the Poem

Think about what made your father unique. Was he humorous, serious or philosophical? The poem you choose should reflect his personality and the essence of who he was.

Poems come in all shapes and forms and if your father was a man with a strong sense of humour you may want to use a poem which is humorous to pay tribute to your father. Alternatively, if your father was a very philosophical man you may want to use a poem which incorporates his beliefs and strong connection with philosophy.

Reflect on The Memories You Have Of Your Father

Your relationship with your father will guide you in selecting a poem. You may want to choose a poem that talks about childhood memories or a poem that incorporates your father’s bond with your grandchildren. You may have memories of how hard your father worked or maybe how he was a protector and a provider for both his children and your mother.

Deciding on how you want to portray your father within the poem will help you select a poem that perfectly reflects your bond and the memories you have of him.

10 Non-Religious Funeral Poems for Dad

Below we have picked 10 non-religious funeral poems suitable for your dad’s funeral. These poems do not mention religion.

1. “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye

This timeless poem reassures mourners that their loved one’s spirit has left and that they can now be remembered in nature. Its comforting message can provide solace during a difficult time.

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.

2. “When I’m Gone” by Lyman Hancock

This poem speaks from the perspective of the deceased, encouraging loved ones to remember the good times and to live life fully despite their loss.

When I’ve come to the end of my journey

and I have traveled my very last mile

Forget if you can that I’ve frowned

Remember only my smile…

Forgive unkind words I have spoken

Remember some good I have done

Forget I ever had heartache

And remember only our fun…

Forget that I’ve stumbled and fumbled

And sometimes fell by the way

Remember: I fought some hard battles

But had you at the close of my day…

Do not grieve for my going

I would not have you sad this day

But in time gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay…

Perhaps in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the West

Come stand a few moments above me

Remembering only the best…

3. “His Journey’s Just Begun” by Ellen Brenneman

Ellen Brenneman’s poem offers a modern take on the continuation of life beyond death without mentioning religion. This poem is suitable for someone who was agnositic and did not have any religious beliefs when it came to organised religions. It provides a hopeful message that can be very comforting.

Don’t think of him as gone away–

his journey’s just begun;

life holds so many facets–

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing that we could know today,

how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…

For nothing loved is ever lost–

and he was loved so much

4. “Afterglow” by Helen Lowrie Marshall

“Afterglow” is a short funeral poem suitable for a father’s funeral that focuses on celebrating a life well-lived. It is an uplifting choice that encourages focusing on positive memories.

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow 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.

5. A Father’s Love

A Father’s Love is a poem which reflects on the love a father has for his children. It talks about the sacrifices parents make for us and how they are always around to comfort us and look after us although we rarely see any of the troubles they go through themselves.

A father’s love is endless,

He doesn’t let us see;

The pain he feels when we are sad,

The lonely nights when he’s had;

To leave his family to make our lives,

A little better for you and me.

A father’s love is endless,

In his heart he holds the key;

To our worries and our troubles,

He makes them go away on the double;

He works and toils without complaint,

Just to see us live carefree.

A father’s love is endless,

Though it may not always show;

He cares and protects us every day,

In his own special way;

A love so deep and strong,

It follows us wherever we go.

A father’s love is endless,

Even when he’s not around;

His lessons and his guidance,

In our hearts are always found;

We cherish every moment,

With the love that we have crowned.

6. He Is Gone – David Harkins

David Harkins’ poem “He Is Gone” is about accepting the loss of a loved one while celebrating their life and the memories shared. It encourages mourners to remember the joy and love the deceased brought into their lives, offering a message of solace and emotional healing. The poem’s comforting and uplifting tone helps to shift the focus from sorrow to appreciation of the time spent together.

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love that 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 him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

7. “A Song of Living” by Amelia Burr

“A Song of Living” by Amelia Burr is an uplifting poem that celebrates the joy and richness of life. It reflects on the fulfillment the speaker found in living and suggests that although the physical presence is gone, the essence and spirit of the loved one continue to endure. The poem encourages readers to cherish every moment and find comfort in the enduring impact of the departed’s life.

Because I have loved life,

I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have sent up my gladness on wings,to be lost in the blue of the sky.

I have run and leaped with the rain,

I have taken the wind to my breast.

My cheek like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.

Because I have loved life,I shall have no sorrow to die.

I have kissed young love on the lips,

I have heard his song to the end,

I have struck my hand like a sealin the loyal hand of a friend.

I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.

I have longed for death in the darknessand risen alive out of hell.

Because I have loved life,

I shall have no sorrow to die.

I gave a share of my soul to the world,when and where my course is run.

I know that another shall finish the task I surely must leave undone.

I know that no flower, nor flintwas in vain on the path I trod.

Because I have loved life,I shall have no sorrow to die.

8. “Only a Dad” by Edgar Albert Guest

“Only a Dad” by Edgar Albert Guest is a heartfelt tribute to the everyday sacrifices and unwavering love of a father. The poem emphasizes the father’s tireless dedication, hard work, and selflessness in providing for his family without seeking recognition. It celebrates the quiet yet profound impact a father has on his loved ones’ lives.

Only a dad with a tired face,

Coming home from the daily race,

Bringing little of gold or fame

To show how well he has played the game;

But glad in his heart that his own rejoice

To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four,

One of ten million men or more

Plodding along in the daily strife,

Bearing the whips and the scorns of life,

With never a whimper of pain or hate,

For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,

Merely one of the surging crowd

Toiling, striving from day to day,

Facing whatever may come his way,

Silent whenever the harsh condemn,

And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all

To smooth the way for his children small,

Doing with courage stern and grim,

The deeds that his father did for him.

This is the line that for him I pen:

Only a dad, but the best of men.

9. “Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden

“Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden is a poignant poem that powerfully conveys deep sorrow and grief after the death of a loved one. The speaker’s calls to stop all activities and silence all sounds symbolize the world coming to a standstill due to their overwhelming loss. The poem captures the profound emotional devastation and the sense that life has lost its meaning.

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 crepe 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.

10. “Dad” by Judy Burnette

“Dad” by Judy Burnette is a heartfelt poem that honors the memory of a father by reflecting on cherished memories and the lasting impact he had on his loved ones. It emphasizes the deep love, guidance, and support he provided, celebrating his enduring presence in their hearts even after his passing.

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 there’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts,

and the love we will always have for you.

Personalized Funeral Poems for Dad

If you cannot find a poem that suits your dad’s unique life then you could write your own poem. A funeral poem does not have to be written by a famous poet. You can create your own poem which reflects your own unique bond you had with your father.

Creating a personalized poem can be a deeply therapeutic and meaningful process. Reflect on your father’s life, his quirks, and the special moments you shared. Your own words can be the most powerful tribute

.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes and Memories

When writing your poem, consider including specific anecdotes and memories that highlight your father’s character and your relationship. This personal touch can make the poem uniquely special.

This free AI tool can help you write your own unique poem about your father once you tell it what memories or themes you want the poem to speak about.

Tips for Reading a Funeral Poem

Practice Beforehand

Rehearse the poem several times before the funeral. Familiarity with the words will help you deliver them more naturally and confidently. Practicing in front of the mirror, although it can feel awkward at first, will help you build the confidence you need to read your poem in front of an audience.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

When you practice reading a poem out loud it will help you feel confident in the speed you read your poem. Speaking slowly and clearly ensures that everyone can understand and appreciate the poem you have picked.

Emotional Preparation

It’s natural to feel emotional while reading a poem at a funeral. Take deep breaths and try to stay composed. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to pause and take a moment.

Conclusion

Honoring your father with a funeral poem is a beautiful way to celebrate his life and legacy. Funeral poems can provide comfort, evoke cherished memories, and offer a sense of peace. In times of loss, the right words can make all the difference, helping us to navigate our grief and find solace.

FAQs

How long should a funeral poem be?

A funeral poem can be as short or as long as you feel is appropriate. It should be long enough to convey your sentiments but not so long that it overwhelms the service.

Can I modify an existing poem?

Yes, you can modify an existing poem to better fit your father’s personality or your personal memories. Just ensure that the changes respect the original intent of the poem.

Is it okay to have more than one poem read at the funeral?

Absolutely. Multiple poems can be read at different points during the service, offering varied reflections on your father’s life.

Should I read the poem myself or have someone else do it?

It depends on your comfort level. If you feel too emotional, it might be best to have someone else read it. However, reading it yourself can be a deeply personal tribute.

What if I get emotional while reading?

It’s completely natural to get emotional. If you need to pause, take a deep breath, and continue when you’re ready. The audience will understand and support you.