Irish Blessing

This poem is a very old traditional verse from Ireland in which the narrator hopes that their friends enjoy good fortune after his or her death. The poem expresses a belief that they will not be parted forever. There are several other similar poems from Ireland, but this is the most famous one. This poem is religious, but can be read at anyone’s funeral, especially for a good friend or partner.

May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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After the service

Ways to keep them close

Words like these often stay with us long after the funeral. Some families also find comfort in a keepsake at home: an urn, a cuddle stone to hold, or jewellery with a little of their ashes inside.

More Poems

The Last Invocation

A short funeral poem by American writer Walt Whitman, about the soul passing from life into death.

My Aunt

I thought I saw her face today In the sparkle of the morning sun. And then I heard the angel say, “Her work on earth

The Prophet

Short funeral poem by Khalil Gibran about what it means to die. A short verse with a powerful message for a loved one’s funeral.

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