Memorial traditions
Prose for the Quietus of Life: This Heritage
A short poem families often read aloud at a memorial service or print inside an order of service. The author is unknown.
Memory Cremation Urns · 21 August 2020 · 2 min read
This Heritage
They are not dead,
Who leave us this great heritage
Of remembered joy.
They still live in our hearts,
In the happiness we knew,
In the dreams we shared.
They still breathe,
In the lingering fragrance windblown,
From their favourite flowers.
They still smile in the moonlight's silver
And laugh in the sunlight's sparkling gold.
They still speak in the echoes of words
We've heard them say again and again.
They still move,
In the rhythm of waving grasses,
In the dance of the tossing branches.
They are not dead;
Their memory is warm in our hearts,
Comfort in our sorrow.
They are not apart from us,
But a part of us
For love is eternal,
And those we love shall be with us
Throughout all eternity.
— Author unknown
Common questions
- Can I read this at a funeral?
- Yes. The author is unknown and the poem is widely read at memorial and scattering services.