Memorial card verses: 15 short poems and quotes of sympathy
Are you looking for a poem or quotation to include in a sympathy card? Explore some of our favourites.
When a person dies, there are many ways to express sympathy. You could send flowers, a text message or a gift. Many people, however, choose to express sympathy through a card.
It's never been easier to buy a memorial card – and more often than not, a simple message will do. In some cases, however, you may want to add a memorial poem or quote.
It's not always easy to choose the right text, however. You may find yourself overwhelmed with choice. Alternatively, you could feel like you're looking for a needle in a haystack. Either way, a bit of guidance can go a long way.
That's why we've put together a selection of short poems, quotes and Bible verses that you could include in a sympathy card.
But before we look at the examples, what should you look for in a memorial card verse?
How to choose a memorial card verse
Here at Akshardham Funeral Directors, we don't believe there are right or wrong ways to grieve or express sympathy. If you're speaking from the heart and thinking about how it will be received, your card is likely to be fine.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is length. Many grieving relatives receive a lot of sympathy cards. Unless you were very close, they're unlikely to want a lengthy message or lengthy quote. Instead, it can be best to choose shorter verses.
On top of this, it can be helpful to think about what you want to say to the recipient. Are you offering them consolation or simply expressing sympathy? Do they believe in an afterlife? Do they have a favourite type of poem or favourite poet?
You might also want to consider whether you'll get the poem printed on a sympathy card or whether to write it out yourself. Some prefer the second option, as it shows more care at a difficult time. However, both methods can be appropriate.
Keeping these things in mind can up your chances of choosing a short poem or quote for a sympathy card with success.
Short poems
As a general rule, you don't want a short poem in a sympathy card to be longer than around eight lines. This helps you express your sympathy without cluttering up the page.
1. "Music, when soft voices die" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory -
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the belovèd's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
2. Excerpt from "On Another's Sorrow" by William Blake
Think not thou canst sigh a sigh,
And thy Maker is not by:
Think not thou canst weep a tear,
And thy Maker is not near.
3. "Warm Summer Sun" by Mark Twain
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
4. "Taking Leave of a Friend" by Li Po (translated by Ezra Pound)
Blue mountains to the north of the walls,
White river winding about them;
Here we must make separation
And go out through a thousand miles of dead grass.
Mind like a floating wide cloud,
Sunset like the parting of old acquaintances
Who bow over their clasped hands at a distance.
Our horses neigh to each other
as we are departing.
5. Excerpt from "Ode: Intimations Of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood" by William Wordsworth
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind…
Quotes
There are a huge number of quotes that could be included in a memorial card. One way to find them is to search for a key word like "grief", "death" or "sympathy" on a site like Goodreads.
Here are five quotes that might work for you.
"Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim." – Vicki Harrison
"Grief, when it comes, is nothing like we expect it to be." – Joan Didion
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell
"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The gray rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it." – J.R.R. Tolkien
Bible verses
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." – Psalm 46:1
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." – Isaiah 43:2
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." – Psalm 147:3
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18
At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we've helped families arrange funeral services in London since 2021. Do you need our support to plan a funeral? We can provide step-by-step advice and support to help you arrange the send-off you want. Please call at any time on 020 8355 7876. Our lines are always open.
