Depending on the personality of the deceased, the person whose life we are celebrating, humorous poems might be something worth considering. These poems can provide comfort, laughter, and a celebration of life’s lighter moments, fitting for a funeral service honouring someone everybody present knows had a wicked sense of humour or simply a joyful and humorous personality.
There are many to choose from and a popular poet, especially amongst our current senior population, is Pam Ayres. Two of her poems are fitting for this kind of life-celebration. They are “Woodland Burial” and “With These Hands.”
Woodland burial
This poem is especially appropriate for those who appreciate nature or are considering a woodland or green burial. In the poem, which is gentle, comforting, and celebrates the cycle of life, Ayres expresses a wish to be laid to rest in a natural setting, where new life can grow and flourish. It has been widely used at funeral services and is recommended by celebrants and funeral guides for its warmth and hopeful tone.
With these hands
This is another popular Pam Ayres poem that as well as being light-hearted and humorous in places, is also deeply touching. It reflects on the everyday acts of care and love performed by a mother or loved one, and ends with a poignant farewell. The poem is often chosen for services remembering mothers or carers, as it beautifully captures the essence of a life lived in service to others, with warmth and gentle humour.
Classic humorous funeral poems
Here are some of the best humorous poems you could use at a funeral service to celebrate a life with laughter and warmth:
This next poem humorously addresses the speaker’s funeral preferences with wit, poking fun at typical funeral speeches and keeping the tone light.
The next, a very well-known and popular choice; a whimsical declaration of living life on one’s own terms, full of mischief and humour, perfect for someone who embraced life with a playful spirit.
This next choice is sharp and witty, and makes light of life’s difficulties and the absurdity of escaping them, ideal for celebrating someone with a sharp sense of humour.
This next one is another well-known poem, but an unusual choice for a funeral perhaps. A nonsensical, playful poem that reminds us not to take life or death too seriously, it can be a great choice for a light-hearted farewell.
A bit of swearing in this one, so be careful about its suitability. A candid and humorous take on family life with a touch of irreverence, suitable for a funeral where a bit of cheeky humour is appreciated.
And in stark contrast, a classic children’s favourite which can work very well at a life-celebration. A playful recounting of life’s early stages, reflecting innocence and simplicity with humour and perfect for someone who loved Milne’s work.
