In loving memory of Mum with poems and readings to honour her

Losing your mother is an irreplaceable loss, one that leaves a void in your heart that know one will ever quite fill. During such a challenging time, finding the right words to say goodbye can be both comforting and cathartic. In this article, we'll explore several touching funeral poems and readings designed to help you honour and remember your beloved mum.

Choosing the perfect words for farewell

In the wake of losing your mother, it's often difficult to find the right words to express your emotions. However, carefully selected funeral poems and readings can serve as a source of solace and a means of paying tribute to your cherished mum. Below are some beautiful poems and readings, each with its own unique message of remembrance.

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 sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn's 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.  

Mary Elizabeth Frye's poignant words remind us that our loved ones continue to exist in the beauty of the world around us, even after they are gone.

A Mother's Love by Helen Steiner Rice

A Mother's love is something

that no one can explain,

It is made of deep devotion

and of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish

and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it

or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving

when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters

even though the heart is breaking . . .

It believes beyond believing

when the world around condemns,

And it glows with all the beauty

of the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining,

it defies all explanation,

And it still remains a secret

like the mysteries of creation . . .

A many splendoured miracle man cannot understand And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.  Helen Steiner Rice beautifully captures the nurturing and eternal love of a mother in her poem.  

RELATED ARTICLE: How to write a eulogy for Mother: Celebrating the unconditional love of a Mum

She is Gone by Author Unknown

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived.  

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back Or you can open your eyes and see all she has left.  

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared  

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday  

You can remember her and only that she is gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on  

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.  

This anonymous poem reflects on the choice we have in how we remember and grieve for our loved ones. It encourages us to cherish the memories and celebrate the life they lived.

Remember Me by David Harkins

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.  

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,

Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.  

You can remember him and only that he's gone,

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what he'd want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.  

David Harkins' poem "Remember Me" underscores that the best way to honour our loved ones is to live a life filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.    

RELATED ARTICLE: Beautiful funeral poems and readings for Mum

Selecting the right poem or reading

Choosing the right poem or reading to remember your mum is a deeply personal decision. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we hope these considerations help in some way.  

Reflect on her personality: Think about your mother's character and what she loved. Select a poem or reading that resonates with that.  

Emotional impact: Consider how each poem or reading makes you feel. It should evoke emotions and memories that celebrate your mother's life.  

Length and structure: Keep the length and structure of the poem or reading in mind to ensure it fits well within the funeral service.  

Spiritual or secular: Decide whether you want a spiritual or secular reading based on your beliefs and your mother's.   The loss of a mother is a profound and life-altering experience. While no words can fully heal the pain, carefully chosen funeral poems and readings can provide solace, remembrance and a heartfelt tribute to your beloved mum and the special bond you shared.  

To find support:  

Beyond Blue provides Australians with information and support to improve their mental health. Call 1300 22 46 36 or visit beyondblue.org.au for more information.  

Lifeline Australia provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for more information.  

GriefLine listens, cares and supports people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Call 1300 845 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.  

MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.  

Kids Helpline is a free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service Australia wide specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.  

Life Supports Counselling provides Australians with experienced counsellors & psychologists in their local area Australia-wide. Call 1300 735... .