When your loved one passes away, and you are preparing to fulfil their wishes to have them cremated, and then their ashes scattered from a unique scattering urn, there are many things you need to think about. One that you may not have given much thought to yet, but that is important, is what you might choose to say during the scattering ceremony. This is the last time you will officially be able to say goodbye to them, meaning the ceremony will be very emotional, which could make it difficult to select the best words to say to mark the occasion.
One of the best ways to mark the occasion is by reciting a poem during the ashes-scattering ceremony. Often, this will be a favourite poem of the deceased or one that means a lot to you and symbolises their life or your relationship with them. However, if they do not have a favourite poem, you may be unsure what to recite. That is where we can help you.
In the following post, we will look at some of the most beautiful and famous poems that people have selected in the past to mark the occasion of scattering the ashes of their loved ones.
Why Use Poetry to Mark The Scattering of Ashes?
Poetry is a beautiful form of literature that can not only be a great source of comfort in times of distress and grief. It can help you to express your grief and the love you have for your deceased loved one. Especially if you have trouble finding the right words to say on your own. Some poems related to grief and death have been known to have healing qualities. These poems can help remind us why we loved that person, find meaning in losing them, and evoke empathy in anyone who hears them. Moreover, they help us come to terms, be honest about our pain, and allow us to give in to our emotions, an essential part of the grieving process.
Scattering ashes poetry doesn't always have to be sad and emotional; some are comforting and positive, while others are hilarious. You will find that some offer philosophical musings on life and death, while others are particularly personal and intimate.
If you or the deceased were religious, some religious poems and prayers can be recited at a scattering ceremony.
To help you find the right poem for the ashes scattering ceremony of your deceased loved one. We will highlight some popular and famous options in different categories based on the type of tone and mood you may want for the event.
Most Popular Scattering Ashes Poems
Based on how often they are recited at funerals, cremations and scattering ashes ceremonies, the following are some of the most famous poetry choices.
Poem The Star
A light went out on Earth for me
The day we said goodbye
And on that day, a star was born
The brightest in the sky
Reaching through the darkness
With its rays of purest white
Lighting up the Heavens
As it once lit up my life
With beams of love to heal
The broken heart you left behind
Where always in my memory
Your lovely star will shine
Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep
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
Leave Me In Peace
When I'm dead, cry for me a little,
Think of me sometimes – but not too much
Think of me now and again – as I was in life
At some moments, it is pleasant to recall, but not for too long
Leave me in peace, and I will leave you in peace
And while you live, let your thoughts be for the living
Humorous Scattering Ashes Poems
Fun and humour should not be inappropriate at a funeral or scattering ashes ceremony because you will celebrate the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. As long as you make sure it is dignified and not going to cause any offence to those in attendance, there is no reason why you can't read a humorous poem. To give you some ideas of your options in this respect, we have put together some famous funny poems related to death for your ashes scattering ceremony.
I Must Go Down to The Sea Again by Spike Milligan
I must go down to the sea again
To the lonely sea and the sky
I left my shoes and socks there –
I wonder if they're dry
I Didn't Go To Church Today by Ogden Nash
I didn't go to church today
I trust the Lord to understand
The surf was swirling blue and white
The children swirling on the sand
He knows; he knows how brief my stay
How brief this spell of summer weather
He knows when I am said and done
We'll have plenty of time together
Pardon Me for Not Getting Up by Kelly Roper
Oh dear, if you're reading this right now
I must have given up the ghost
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host
Just talk amongst yourself, my friends
And share a toast or two
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you
Don't worry about mourning me
I was never easy to offend
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we'll have a good laugh at the end
Life-Affirming and Comforting Scattering Ashes Poems
There is no escaping that sadness will be a considerable part of any ashes-scattering ceremony. It is also a time when people deeply think about life and death. That doesn't mean, though, that things need to be depressing. Although your loved one has passed, you can still keep things positive and life-affirming in the choice of poem you recite during the ceremony. The following section will highlight some poems that fit this brief. Many are written from the deceased's perspective and include a message for the living.
Life Well Lived
A life well-lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It's filled with moments sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years
A life well-lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure
Alone, I Will Not Be
My comfort will come from the sea
The stillness of calm waves will gently drift by
I will be as one with the sea
When the sun sets on the ocean blue, remember me as I will always remember you.
As the sun rises…go live life as full as can be
Apart…you and me…but be at peace for I am free
If I Should Go Tomorrow
If I should go tomorrow
It would never be goodbye
For I have left my heart with you
So don't you ever cry
The love that's deep within me
Shall reach you from the stars
You'll feel it from the heavens
And it will heal the scars
Religious/Christian Scattering Ashes Poems
When you or your loved one has religious or Christian beliefs, including at least one religious-related poem may be a good idea. We have provided a couple of the most popular of this kind below.
Psalm 23:1 – 4
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Another Leaf Has Fallen
Another leaf has fallen, another soul has gone
But still, we have God's promises
In every robin's song
For he is in His Heaven
And though He takes away
He always leaves to mortals
The bright sun's kindly ray
He leaves the fragrant blossoms
And lovely forest, green
And gives us new found comfort
When we on Him will lean
The Lord's Prayer/Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Tips to Help You Choose the Best Scattering Ashes Ceremony Poem
Planning funerals down to the most minute details is more commonplace than ever. With that in mind, as we have mentioned before, some people have specific poems they want to read during their funeral or ashes scattering ceremony. If they haven't, you may be unsure which poem is right to read at the event. The following section will highlight some tips that can help you.
Don't feel you must choose a poem about death, funerals or scattering ashes. Just be sure it says something important about your connection to the deceased or their connection to everyone in attendance, and that it is appropriate for the event.
Think about the deceased's personality and the kind of poem they might have enjoyed and appreciated. Look at collections of the most popular remembrance poetry and the ones we have included in this piece, and choose the right one. Perhaps it reminds you of them, or they enjoyed it.
Think about the atmosphere and mood you want to produce from the ashes scattering ceremony. When it connects with its audience, poetry can be very moving and emotional. They can cause people to feel positivity and reflect on the deceased's life and all other thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Remember that some older poems that use Old English or feature phrases that are tricky to pronounce could be hard to read, especially when you are very emotional. With that in mind, it is best to choose a poem you will be able to read well. If there is a difficult one you want to include, you should practice it. Sometimes, it's better to choose a shorter poem rather than a longer one, as you need to consider the attention span of your audience.
Write your Own Scattering Ashes Poem
Another option, if you want to give it a more intimate and personal feel, is to write your own scattering ashes ceremony. You may have searched and searched and can't find a suitable existing poem that perfectly reflects how you feel about your loved one or represents them. If you decide to write your own, you can borrow and take inspiration from existing poems and put your own spin on them. It's also a good idea to speak to family and friends for memories, stories and ideas that could help you with the poem.
Don't get bogged down with worrying about the rhymes or structure. You can edit it when you are done if you want. It is best to just let the words flow.
There is a lot of comfort and joy that can be gained from a poem that has been written with the deceased in mind.
You will find that you need to know the poem they really wanted to read, or they already had a favourite poem to find or write the perfect poem for the ashes scattering ceremony. You will also struggle to find the best way to read it. However, by putting a certain degree of time and thought into deciding which poem you should read or by writing a poem for the ceremony, you can say goodbye and memorialise the deceased's life worthily and importantly.
Do you want to know what else to consider during a scattering? Read our blog on Scattering Ashes Ceremony Ideas.
