Poems of Sympathy

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Poems of Sympathy

When we are searching for just the right words to express condolences, poems of sympathy written by another can fill the need perfectly.

These selections span the centuries and demonstrate many different approaches to death, bereavement and the expression of sympathy.

Read on through these sample poems of sympathy and search the sentiments expressed. I know you will find just the right thoughts to communicate your feelings and consoling message to your grieving loved one or friend.

This poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow speaks to me of the memory of days that used to be. It reminds me that in death, the ways we were used to doing things are changed forever.

The ending compares thoughts of the bereaved one who is left behind with the one who is left to make sure the fire is out before going to bed.

Good-night! good-night! as we so oft have said
Beneath this roof at midnight, in the days
That are no more, and shall no more return.
Thou hast but taken up thy lamp and gone to bed;
I stay a little longer, as one stays
To cover up the embers that still burn.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This brief and simple verse by Thomas Love Peacock describes a man who apparently brought joy throughout his life, and the only sadness he caused was when he died.

What an incredible legacy to leave. It makes me wonder if he ever knew what a positive impact he had during his lifetime.

"He kept at true good humour's mark
The social flow of pleasure's tide
He never made a brow look dark,
Nor caused a tear, but when he died."

~Thomas Love Peacock

In one of my favorite poems of sympathy,the immortal words of the poet, William Wordsworth remind us to move on through grief to the application of hope and faith in making us stronger than we once were.

"What through the radiance which was once so bright
Be not forever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
Grieve not, rather find,
Strength in what remains behind,
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be,
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of Human suffering,
In the faith that looks through death
In years that bring philophic mind."
William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)

I find it interesting to read Herman Melville’s approach to death.

He presents it as an adventure into the unknown and unlimited, and a perspective that hadn’t occurred to me until I read this little poem.

Death is only a launching into the region of the strange Untried;
it is but the first salutation to the possibilities of the immense Remote,
the Wild, the Watery, the Unshored.

-Herman Melville

I found this next poem inscribed in wood on a votive candle holder, and thought it would be a fitting addition to my office.

Maybe [deaths] are not exits after all.
Maybe they are holes through which something pours in,
a love so far beyond our ken that we can only stand there,
mute, riven, blessed.

- Brian Doyle

I'd love to have you share your special or favorite poems of sympathy. Please tell us why this is special to you and what instances you think it would be a good fit.

Describe a scenario where the thoughts or the poem would be just the perfect wording to get your message through.

Your contribution will be published as its own web page, giving you the experience of creating your very own (and maybe your first!) web page.

Join in the creative spirit and if you don't have a favorite poem written by someone else, compose one of your own poems of sympathy.

I will be looking for your submissions and eager to share with our other readers.

I invite you to explore the other pages on our site. They offer you many options for expressions of sympathy.

I have selected several shops and many creative and unique examples of gifts that communicate every imaginable message of sympathy.

Sympathy Quotes

Comfort Your Heart With Sympathy Words

Sympathy Messages

Sympathy Words

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