POEM OR PROSE FOR THE FUNERAL OF A VERY POPULAR TEACHER

Tattycat6

My mother, who was a teacher, has died.

Please can anyone point me to a poem or piece of prose about a teacher that could be read out at her funeral?

Many Thanks.

Spendless

It's not specifically about a teacher, but this was read out at my Nan's funeral last week and reflects on a life that has made a difference. It was suggested to use by the Celebrant  

She Is Gone poem - David Harkins (best-poems.net)

She Is Gone

by David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

gwynlas

https://wishesmessages.com/farewell-poems-for-teacher-goodbye-poems-for-teacher/

Condolences on your loss. I googled funeral poems for teachers and there appear to be a number out there.

Marcon

Tattycat6 said:

My mother, who was a teacher, has died.

Please can anyone point me to a poem or piece of prose about a teacher that could be read out at her funeral?

Many Thanks.

Would it be possible to ask a former pupil (or pupils) to write something? That would be truly personal and there may well be people who'd jump at the chance to pay a tribute that way.

Bonniepurple

There was one poem which my Mum (teacher) always loved - so I read it at her funeral.  Please Mrs Butler, by Alan Alberg.

Cressida100

Spendless said:

It's not specifically about a teacher, but this was read out at my Nan's funeral last week and reflects on a life that has made a difference. It was suggested to use by the Celebrant  

She Is Gone poem - David Harkins (best-poems.net)

She Is Gone

by David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

That is beautiful.

Username03725

And when all the words have gone

There's the thought to carry on


Probably more epitaph than eulogy but it’s lovely.

Spendless

Cressida100 said:

Spendless said:

It's not specifically about a teacher, but this was read out at my Nan's funeral last week and reflects on a life that has made a difference. It was suggested to use by the Celebrant  

She Is Gone poem - David Harkins (best-poems.net)

She Is Gone

by David Harkins

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

That is beautiful.

Thank you. It was read out by my 19yo daughter, who is a student at a drama school. It was read out at the Queen Mother's funeral and suggested by the celebrant as it reflects on someone who has led a long life because you can't say everything they've done. Nan was 98, nearly 99 when she died. Or someone whose life/job meant they are always remembered for the impact they left behind. 

I hope you have found something suitable OP. 

pollypenny

She Is Gone, with names inserted in the verse, has been read in the last two funerals I have attended. 

I would not use it now. 

Tattycat6

Thank you to everyone for their comments.