6 Easy and Practical Tips To Help You Write a Memorial Poem As a Beginner Poet

If you’re a beginner poet or find yourself facing writer’s block, we can help you craft a memorial poem with some simple and useful tips and tricks. There is some responsibility attached to elegies, especially when they are handed out on funeral programmes or read aloud at a funeral. It can be challenging to always keep your audience in mind while writing a touching piece that is personal. The process of creating your piece does not need to be overwhelming, however, and if you feel stuck in a writing rut, our guidance might help you with some direction. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s writing process is different, and you can create your journey with your poetry as long as it’s comfortable and works well for you.

Tip 1: Jot Down Your Ideas for Your Memorial Poem

It’s a good idea to avoid procrastinating when writing a memorial poem, so as soon as you’re able, grab a pen and begin with some ideas. Think of some concepts, motifs, and themes you could potentially explore, and because this is only the brainstorming phase, no topic is off-limits. Mull over keywords or short phrases that come to mind regarding the person who passed on. These could include:

• Their character and personality traits.
• Their hobbies and passions in life.
• How they made people feel.
• Significant life events.
• How they changed the world for the better.

Tip 2: Create a Mind Map of Memories

Talk to family and friends to start collecting stories and reviewing some memories. Next, create a mind map of memories and anecdotes representing different events or moments, all organised around a central concept: your loved one. Start with their name in the middle and branch out into various categories, like their social roles, work, facts about their childhood, and more. Under each category, explore a memory or two and jot it down. This process will help you see the connections between different memories and get you to start thinking in ways that summarise aspects of the person more concisely. You don’t have to utilise everything in the mind map in your poem; it’s simply an exercise to spark some ideas and may even be meaningful to you while grieving.

Tip 3: If You Get Stuck, Ask Some Questions

If you still find yourself staring at a blank page or screen with no idea how to start your memorial poem, a few prompts might help. Some questions to answer could include:

• What did you enjoy most about your loved one?
• What is your fondest memory together?
• What lessons did they teach you?
• How would you describe them to someone who has never met them before?
• Which of their qualities will you miss the most?

Tip 4: Start Free Writing

Free writing is a useful technique in which you pen down whatever comes up without worrying about spelling, structure, or grammar. This gets past perfectionism and the dread of starting by loosening up those creative muscles. Simply let the raw, unfiltered content flow and say what you really feel, and you might be surprised at how powerfully you write when you let your emotions guide you.

Tip 5: Funnel Your Best Ideas Into a Poem

Now that you have accumulated several ideas and memories, it’s time to choose the best ones and begin writing your poem. Select the most compelling and meaningful elements from your notes and mind map, and decide on a format and style that suits your piece. Whether you want a free verse poem, a sonnet, a haiku, or even a combination of styles to make up an elegy. The key here is to weave together the ideas that best capture who your loved one was and create a heartfelt tribute.

Tip 6: Revise As Many Times As You Need

Remember, your first draft is just the beginning. Revision is a crucial part of the writing process, no matter how short or simple your memorial poem is. Don’t be afraid to revise your piece multiple times. Take breaks between revisions to come back with fresh eyes. Read your poem aloud, listen to how it flows, and ask people you trust for honest feedback. Be open to making changes and removing verses that don’t contribute anything meaningful to your poem.

While the journey might be challenging, it can be a deeply therapeutic and rewarding process. It also helps to read poetry from other writers, and if you would like to find some, our library features thousands of phenomenal pieces that may inspire your memorial poem.