Poems

The poems read out during the service were recommended by Andrew Jackson, the celebrant.

The first was "Still" by Char March, and the second was "Afterglow" by Helen Lowrie Marshall.

Listen. There is this silence now. This stillness.

Gradually we will get used to it. But, for now,

It is strange.

You have left such a gap.

Our world is in shock, holding its breath.

But listen closer – all your laughter, all your love

Is still ringing out. Still holding us. All our memories of you are still with us.

All the love we shared is still in every one of us.

And although we ache from the loss of you,

You will always be here – as still and steady,

And fierce, as any star. Look. You are shining

Bright through all our skies.

Thank you

For being here with us.

I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles

when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun,

Of happy memories that I leave

when life is done.