Memorials poems are one of the most common poems being written. It is one of those relatable topics out there, because in one way or the other, we have something or someone that we lost in our lives that we truly love and adore.
Writing poems is the best tool to preserve and commemorate the memories of our loved ones. It is one of those creative ways where someone could express their grief, admiration and love without hesitation. It is also a medium for them to say goodbye to their departed loved ones. Words can somehow ease the pain in their hearts, and this is another reason why memorial is one of the most common poetry subjects.
World-renowned and critically-acclaimed poets such as E.E. Cummings, Yehuda Amichai and Emily Dickinson have written their own memorial poems.
Here’s an excerpt from E.E. Cummings’ “my father moved through dooms of love”, which he wrote for his father’s memorial who died in a car accident:
though dull were all we taste as bright,
bitter all utterly things sweet,
maggoty minus and dumb death
all we inherit,all bequeath
and nothing quite so least as truth
—i say though hate were why men breathe—
because my Father lived his soul
love is the whole and more than all
On the other hand, here is an excerpt of the poem Yehuda Amichai wrote, entitled “Memorial Day of the War Dead”:
Memorial day. Bitter salt is dressed up
as a little girl with flowers.
The streets are cordoned off with ropes,
for the marching together of the living and the dead.
Children with a grief not their own march slowly,
like stepping over broken glass.
In Emily Dickinson’s “A train went through a burial gate”, her mourning is very evident. Here’s an excerpt:
A train went through a burial gate,
A bird broke forth and sang,
And trilled, and quivered, and shook his throat
Till all the churchyard rang;
And then adjusted his little notes,
And bowed and sang again.
Doubtless, he thought it meet of him
To say good-by to men.
Truly, memorials poems have been written since the past and will definitely evolve for the future.