Softly woo away her breath,
Gentle death!
Let her leave thee with no strife,
Tender, mournful, murmuring life!
She hath seen her happy day,—
She hath had her bud and blossom;
Now she pales and shrinks away,
Earth, into thy gentle bosom! She hath done her bidding here,
Angels dear!
Bear her perfect soul above.
Seraph of the skies,—sweet love!
Good she was, and fair in youth;
And her mind was seen to soar.
And her heart was wed to truth:
Take her, then, forevermore,—
Forever—evermore—
Funeral Blues
This poem by W.H. Auden is a popular choice for funerals and can be recited in memory of a dad, mum or granddad or nan.