Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?

A short funeral verse about celebrating a loved one’s life and remembering the good that they did during their time on earth.

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

Share:

More Poems

Wish You Were Here

Three months have passed. I’ll never forget the day Someone rang to tell me That you’d gone away. The hurt is the same, Like an

Seasons Of Grief

Shall I wither and fall like an autumn leaf, From this deep sorrow – from this painful grief? How can I go on or find

Untitled

A funeral poem by Bishop Brent, using the metaphor of a ship sailing over the horizon to describe passing from this life to the next.