Original Funeral Poems
By Paul Honeyborne

Testimonials

The poem provided some reasoning to help us understand and come to terms with some of the very difficult times we had experienced, prior to Margaret’s untimely death.  There are many things we should have said or done before our loved one died, but although it’s too late, ‘Reflections’ puts things into perspective.

It helps celebrate the life of a very special lady and makes us feel that everything will be OK, life must continue and will become happy once again. And most importantly, Margaret is now at peace in a bright place and freed from the anguish and torment that once clouded her days.

Vicky Seals Leics

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‘A Mothers’ Lament’

When mum was dying, I got very frustrated that people seemed to feel she was just an old lady coming to the end of her life.  Sometimes I felt that it was only her sons and daughter that were hurting. Later, I realised that to her extended family, she was just that - 'an old lady'.

Your poem gave an insight into a mum that hadn't always been an old lady. She had been a young woman who had dreams and hopes the same as the rest of us. It was truthful in that it didn't paint a rosy picture of motherly perfection but of the real woman who made mistakes but kept trying.  Don't we all?

I read the poem may times after mum died and it comforted me in many ways. Mostly because mum wasn't rich, famous or perfect but 'my mum'.

I was so glad that the poem was read at her funeral - it was personal and comforting.

Denise Davies Gloucester

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‘Thank You Mum’

The poem was very representative of my relationship with my mum. It managed to capture her many facets and was warming at a time of difficulty.
I put the poem in a frame at the funeral and reception and made further copies available. It was universally praised as a fitting tribute.

Andrew Parsons Warwickshire

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‘Nan’

‘When Nan died I knew I wanted to say goodbye in a special way. My Nan had given me so much love and support throughout my life and to say goodbye to such a special person was never going to be easy. When you gave me the poem you had written I was so deeply moved. How you managed to capture the relationship we had was just incredible. Your beautiful words gave me the confidence to read your poem at Nan’s funeral in front of my nearest and dearest. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to someone so special’.

I presented a framed copy of the poem to Pop (my Grandfather) after the funeral and it hangs proudly on his wall as a fitting reminder of someone we loved and miss so much. Thank you so much!

Jim Roughton Northants

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‘My Time’

When I was asked by my father to read a poem or eulogy at my grandfathers’ funeral, I was a little daunted to say the least. Where do you start? What do you write?
There are websites that feature funeral poetry but most aren’t particularly helpful. Paul provided me with ‘My Time’ from his book, ‘Saying Goodbye’. It was a lovely heart warming poem that was so appropriate. When my father read it, it brought tears to his eyes and he said that it felt personal to him. He became so emotional from reading it that he couldn’t face having it read at the actual funeral service. He wanted to maintain his composure. He now has a copy of the poem as a keepsake. Thank you.

Carol-Ann Robinson Leics

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