A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Eulogy Poems that Reflect Unspoken Sentiments

Craft heartfelt eulogy poems that offer an authentic tribute to your loved one through our step-by-step guide you can tailor to your process. All writers, whether award-winning poets or amateur novelists have a unique writing style and journey they undertake. If you are new to creating your own poetry, eulogy poems (or elegies, as they are commonly called) may be tricky, but we believe you have what it takes to write something remarkable. This form of poetry allows us to weave together verses that contain emotions, memories, and deep reflections of the past. You’ve landed in the perfect spot if you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of poetry since our platform is driven by a profound love for poems and the aim of helping others explore their poetic prowess.

Step 1: Introspect, Reflect, and Gather Some Memories for Your Eulogy Poems

Finding eulogy poems is one thing, but writing an elegy takes some contemplation to get into the right head space. This doesn’t mean you need to make yourself deliberately sad or try to force any emotion. Writing from a place of authenticity always results in a better poem. Simply take the time to recall your favourite (and even least favourite) memories, conversations, and experiences that encapsulate the essence of the departed. Explore some of the emotions these memories bring up, the lessons you learned, and which qualities stood out about the person. When you are ready, start writing words and phrases that feel right.

Step 2: Decide on The Tone of Your Poem

Eulogy poems don’t always need to be sombre, and you can choose any tone you wish. If you want to create a more celebratory feeling to the piece, try to focus on recounting funny anecdotes or joyful moments full of smiles and laughter. If it’s a solemn tone you want to emphasise, reflect on their impact and the reasons they will be missed. If read at the funeral, remember how your piece's style will impact the audience.

Step 3: Using Mind Maps As a Brainstorming Technique

Mind mapping is one of the best techniques if you are stuck on how to connect your ideas. You can begin by choosing a focus theme – an emotion, event, memory, or quality you enjoyed most about your departed loved one. You can then branch out and link related ideas, organising and reorganising as you go. By visualising these connections on paper, you might even remember forgotten things or tap into emotions you have suppressed. While this technique can be used for any creative writing and problem-solving process, it is beneficial when you aren’t sure of what creative steps to take next.

Step 4: Go Ahead and Start Writing with The Structure You Have in Mind

Once you are armed with introspection and ideas, you can start writing. Some poets write a bit first and then decide on form or structure and adapt the verses later; others begin with a set format and keep their writing within these bounds. Whichever works best for your process is ideal, and you can choose between various types of poems, from elegies and sonnets to free verse pieces.

Step 5: Decide on a Concluding Verse that Leaves the Audience with a Message

The closing lines of eulogy poems often remain in the audience's mind long after the piece has been read, and it’s your opportunity to leave a lasting impression by communicating something important. You can try to invoke a sense of hope or closure, impart wise words, or simply express the importance of living as much as possible before we die.

Step 6: Edit, Rest, and Revise – Then Repeat it Again

Editing and revising any piece is essential, but this crucial step is especially necessary for eulogy poems that will be recited in front of an audience. Writing and editing your work, taking a break, and returning to it with a fresh perspective is a good idea. You can also read it aloud to yourself to assess how well the rhythm and pacing flow. If you still need to figure out your poem, ask someone you trust for feedback.

If you or another person will be reading the poem at a funeral or memorial, practising and focusing on the right kind of delivery is important. For more tips and information on writing eulogy poems, we’re always available to point you in the right direction – simply click here.