Here are some popular readings and poems for a non-religious funeral: “When I Am Dead, My Dearest” by Christina Rossetti. This next funeral poem, “My Father,” is a highly personal poem about the author’s Father. So really a non-religious funeral just means These may be recited by the celebrant or by family members and friends. Welcome 3. Our website uses cookies. There are many beautiful pieces of poetry, readings and verse that can enhance a funeral service or ceremony whether it is religious or non-religious. After meeting you and talking to you about the person who has died, a humanist celebrant will be able to suggest something absolutely perfect and suited to the person you want to remember. They believe that life is based on humanity and reason, rather than religion, so they don’t allow any acts of worship as part of the ceremony. Your death, near now, is of an easy sort. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad With smiles and sometimes tears, If you’re planning a non-religious funeral, you’ll find that very little poetry about death is deeply religious in character. After being diagnosed with leukaemia and emphysema in 2010, humanist poet and broadcaster,  Clive James wrote the beautiful poem ‘Japanese Maple’ about a tree given to him by his daughter. Music 2. Our website uses cookies. A funeral poem doesn’t have to rhyme, but each line does have to be full of feeling and meaning. And saturates your brick back garden walls. Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. … He referred to the dates on the tombstone, He noted that first came the date of birth, Would you be proud of the things they say. The humanist Sigmund Freud once remarked when discussing psychology that ‘Everywhere I go, I find that a poet has been there before me.’ Great writers over centuries have captured thoughts, ideas, and feelings we thought inexpressible, or unique to our lives, and made them beautiful and memorable. Poetry brings comfort to many people and it often features in funeral ceremonies. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. "I think, no matter where you stray, That I shall go with you a … Well-chosen poems will serve as a wonderful reminder of a loved one long into the future. Again, these are not necessary to make your funeral ceremony personal and meaningful, it’s all about your choice. Humanist funeral services are usually led by a celebrant, who guides guests through the readings and music much like a vicar would in a Christian service. For me, though life continues all the same: Filling the double doors to bathe my eyes, Burned by my vision of a world that shone. Just like losing your mother the loss of a dad is a terribly difficult time. HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is a network of humanist celebrants trained and accredited by Humanists UK.We offer humanist naming, wedding or partnership, and funeral and memorial ceremonies for non-religious people. The person who has died doesn’t need to have been a ‘humanist’ to have a humanist funeral – most humanist funerals don’t really talk about humanism at all. This poem lists some of the things that people do as part of a traditional funeral, such as placing flowers at a grave site, writing sad songs, and planting … My daughter’s choice, the maple tree is new. They believe that human beings are simply another part of nature and that death is nature’s way of cleansing. Who we are. Discovering them and sharing them can bring us joy, solace, and emotional relief. We never know their value. The humanist funeral service will generally focus on the personality and achievements of the person who has passed away. Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now, ‘Just talk amongst yourself my friends, And share a toast or two.’. The ceremony is conducted by a humanist celebrant and it is both a celebration of a life and a dignified, personal farewell. Judas, the ruler of Israel, took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an … By continuing to browse the site you agree to our. Funeral Readings. As long as the content is appropriate and pays homage to the person you are honoring, there are no rules. Most funeral and memorial ceremonies contain most of these elements: 1. 25 beautiful and meaningful pieces of poetry and prose to help you say goodbye. Our skilled celebrants come from all walks of life and have great integrity, sensitivity and experience. By Annie Laurie Gaylor, with thanks to Jane Esbensen and Bonnie Gutsch. Funeral poems and readings can offer comfort or raise a smile. 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