remembering loved ones poems

Remembering Loved Ones: Poems to Honor and Cherish

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. It’s natural to want to find ways to remember and honor them, and one powerful way to do so is through poetry. Remembrance Poems have a unique ability to capture emotions and memories, providing comfort and solace in times of grief. In this collection, we’ve gathered a selection of poems that celebrate the lives of our loved ones and offer a source of strength and remembrance.

Poems to Remember Loved Ones

“Remember Me” by Margaret Mead

Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no longer hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day-by-day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards, remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Then you should remember and be sad.

“Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

“Remembering” by Dorianne Laux

What is it like up there

where you are not?

More milk, more salt,

more shining shoes—

the bulk of your absence

dresses the air.

The day you died

the fox was in the road

with its slick face.

The eyes stared it down.

“The Day is Done” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The day is done, and the darkness

Falls from the wings of Night,

As a feather is wafted downward

From an eagle in his flight.

I see the lights of the village

Gleam through the rain and the mist,

And a feeling of sadness comes o’er me

That my soul cannot resist:

A feeling of sadness and longing,

That is not akin to pain,

And resembles sorrow only

As the mist resembles the rain.

“In Remembrance” by Maya Angelou

When I’m gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you’ve given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,

But now it is time I traveled alone.

Honoring Their Memory

Create a Memorial

Consider creating a memorial for your loved one. This could be a physical memorial, such as a plaque or tree planted in their honor, or a digital memorial, such as a website or social media page where friends and family can share memories and photos.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree in memory of your loved one can be a beautiful way to honor their life. Trees symbolize strength, growth, and renewal, making them a fitting tribute to someone who has passed away.

Share Memories

Sharing memories of your loved one can be a cathartic experience. Gather friends and family together to share stories, photos, and mementos. This can help keep their memory alive and provide comfort to those who are grieving.

Create a Memory Book

Create a memory book filled with photos, letters, and other mementos that remind you of your loved one. This can be a comforting keepsake that you can look back on whenever you want to feel close to them.

Donate in Their Honor

Consider donating to a charity or cause that is important to your loved one. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and continue their legacy of giving back.