I am a mother of three with a growing tribe of grandchildren. I consider myself blessed that I have never had to compose funeral poetry for a child. However, I remember talking to a lady of 99 who had buried two of her children – albeit in their sixties. She told me
No-one should outlive their children”
I cannot imagine what it is like to have to let go of a child, I count myself very fortunate in that. However there are so many who do, and finding words at such a time is impossible. To want to scream and rant at the universe for the injustice of life and yet to have to hold it together for the sake of other people – I salute you. My heart breaks for you. And I know that that is of no comfort – your grief is yours and no-one can carry that burden. Don’t let anyone tell you how it should be done; you will do it your way and that, for you, is perfect.
Following are some small verses which could allow you to attempt to express your own emotions poetically at the funeral of a child.
Bless you!
FUNERAL POETRY FOR CHILDREN
You Were Our Wings
Like a bud that never flowered Or a caterpillar who never grew wings Your life never blossomed. But, Little One, always know that you were our flowering, You were our wings. We saw the universe through you And you will live on through us.
Until We Meet Again
Little One We thought your future was with us But the Angels called you home So we had to let you go. We will hold you in our hearts Until we meet again.
Holding You
I only held you for a short while And letting you go broke my heart. But the bonds of love are strong And as long as my heart beats, I will hold you inside it. So we can rest and heal together, Together we will grow. And when I smile, you will smile, When I laugh I will feel your laughter too. And when I cry, I will feel your hand reach for mine To tell me that all is well.
The Raindrop
Every life is as a raindrop, Weaving its way from the mystical cloud towards the ground. Hitting the earth as running water, tumbling and raging until it returns home. Or as a gentle soothing balm which nourishes and cools as it goes. Some raindrops bask in the sun, lighting the world with a rainbow. You were such a raindrop, And the world is a greyer place without your colours.
The Seasons
Like a bud in spring, You came to us ready to blossom into a summer flower. But, for you, autumn came early, And the promise of blooms faded away. We are left with the cold depths of winter, Numb with icy pain. Rejoice in the sun little one And when we meet again, we can walk amongst the green meadows, And laugh in colour-filled heavenly gardens.
A Golden Dawn
Your smile lit up our lives - A golden dawn which banished night. But The Lord called you back into his arms And, like a bird, you took flight. On angels’ wings you soared towards home Free of suffering and pain, Leaving us with memories Until we can hold you again. In that gloried, heavenly realm The Lord will mend each broken heart In another golden sunrise Never again to part.
Fly High, Little One
Like delicate spring blossom You made the tree of life a special place, But you were destined to leave us And you flew free in the warm breeze To realms we can only dream of. Fly high little one, Laugh with the winds, dance in the rain. Brush the hearts of those who need comfort With a silky petal and the scent of hope. Kiss their tears away with your smile. Be the Angel you were born to be.