11 Frequently Asked Questions About Memorial Poems and Expressions of Love and Loss

Memorial poems are held dear by those who take solace in their words during a time of loss, and we explore some of the questions you may have about them. If you would like to know more about what poetry is, the purpose of memorial poems, and the best practices when writing your own, we answer 11 common questions and concerns below.

1. What is the Purpose of Memorial Poems?
   
   Poetry is too broad a term to define simply, but most poems are an artful way of expressing sentiments using words, symbolism, rhythm, and other literary devices. Memorial poems are usually pieces dedicated to the memory of someone who has passed on. They are sometimes read aloud during a wake or funeral or printed on funeral programmes.
   
   
2. Who Can Write Memorial Poems?
   
   Anyone can put pen to paper to express their feelings, not just professional poets. Guided by authenticity and your unique voice, you can express your feelings and thoughts any way you wish. Though no prior experience is needed, it helps to look at a few poems to get a feel for them first.
   
   
3. What Are Some Tips for Writing My Own?
   
   Everyone has their own writing style, so try to remain sincere and avoid truisms that don’t add anything fresh or new. Originality and playing with symbolism, sound, and rhythm keep it engaging but try to keep your piece accessible to the audience if they hear it or read it.
   
   
4. Is Rhyming Necessary?
   
   The choice to rhyme your verses or not is entirely up to you. Rhymes add a great flow to poems, giving them a musicality that is pleasing to the ear. It is always better to write freely and sincerely, however, and not force a rhyme for the sake of rhyming.
   
   
5. What Structure Should I Follow?
   
   With a topic as sensitive as death, genuine emotions are often emphasised above all else, which will connect with your audience best. The poem format you choose is entirely up to you, but you can experiment with a few options to see which amplifies your message.
   
   
6. Can I Use Other Media Within My Piece?
   
   Your piece expresses how you feel, meaning you can use any other media while reading your work. You can show an image, painting, slideshow, or even video. You can read your piece over an instrumental song or even incorporate singing and dancing – your options are endless.
   
   
7. Is it Okay to Use Lines from Other Poems?
   
   You can reference, quote, or allude to lines from other poems and literary works, as long as you don’t plagiarise what is not yours and claim it as your own, so be sure to credit the original authors where it’s due. You can also blend your own sentiment with timeless advice or famous quotes that best align with the tone of your piece to create a sense of familiarity and significance to your poem.
   
   
8. Which Themes are Most Often Used?
   
   Memorial poems are often centred around the ideas of loss, remembrance, and legacy. One can take several approaches, such as celebrating the departed’s life, the impact of their loss, or how much love was shared for the person who has passed on.
   
   
9. What Can I Do to Help My Writer’s Block?
   
   The idea of penning a piece for a memorial can be overwhelming to some because the subject matter is heavy and sometimes complex. If you are struggling to get started, it helps to look for inspiration externally, such as through other memorial poems and literature, famous eulogies, paintings, photographs, or music. If you knew the departed personally, you could jot down some memories or anecdotes of them and work from there.
   
   
10. Do I Have to Read My Own Poem at a Funeral?
    
    Memorial poems are read aloud as part of a touching tribute, but even if you write the piece, there is no need to perform it yourself if you aren’t comfortable. You can ask someone you know will perform it well and perhaps practice with them beforehand to ensure they get the pacing and rhythm just right.
    
    
11. Are There Any Benefits to Writing Memorial Poems?
    
    Mem orial poems connect people, immortalise memories, add to the sense of collective grief and comfort, and give people a way to express their loss healthily. They also continue to be a source of comfort years later when someone looks back and sees the words that were once close to their hearts in a time of immense sorrow.
    
    

Would you like some inspiration for your memorial poems? View our library collection here.