Non-Religious Funeral Poems and Readings: A Gentle Guide for Families in Barnsley
- Barnsley M Funerals
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
If you’re currently planning a funeral in Barnsley and looking for ways to honour a loved one without religious content, you’re not alone. More and more families are choosing non-religious or personalised ceremonies that reflect the character and values of the person who has passed.
At Barnsley Funerals, we understand how deeply personal this time can be. As your local funeral director, it’s our role to offer support, clarity, and options that help you celebrate a life in a way that feels right.
One simple but powerful way to do that is by including a non-religious poem or reading in the service.
Why Choose a Non-Religious Reading?
Not everyone has a religious faith or feels that traditional readings reflect the life they want to remember. That’s perfectly okay.
Choosing a poem or reading without religious references can still bring comfort, offer hope, and honour someone’s memory in a way that’s authentic and heartfelt.
You might choose a poem because:
Your loved one wasn’t religious
You want something more personal or uplifting
You’d prefer to celebrate life rather than focus on loss
You’re looking for something guests will truly connect with
Whatever the reason, non-religious readings can be incredibly moving—often more so because they speak in simple, universal terms of love, loss, and memory.
Eight Beautiful Readings Chosen by Families Like Yours
Here are some of the most popular and meaningful non-religious readings we’ve helped families include in funerals here in Barnsley.
1. "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" – Mary Elizabeth Frye
A gentle and reassuring poem that reminds us our loved one is still with us—in the wind, the stars, and the world around us. It's a classic choice and always well received.
“I am a thousand winds that blow,I am the diamond glints on snow…”
This poem helps people focus on the joy and love someone brought to their life, not just their absence. It’s touching and easy for anyone to relate to.
“You can remember them and only that they are gone,Or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.”
3. "Funeral Blues" – W.H. Auden
A powerful piece that captures the depth of love and grief. You might recognise it from the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. It’s a moving tribute for someone deeply cherished.
“He was my North, my South, my East and West,My working week and my Sunday rest…”
4. "All Is Well" – Henry Scott Holland
A poem full of calm and comfort, reminding us that love doesn’t end, even when someone has gone.
“Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before.”
5. "The Life That I Have" – Leo Marks
Short, powerful, and deeply personal. This poem is often chosen by partners or family members wanting to express quiet, steady love.
“The life that I haveIs all that I haveAnd the life that I haveIs yours.”
6. "If I Should Go" – Joyce Grenfell
This reading offers a slightly lighter, more hopeful message. It’s a lovely way to encourage guests to remember the good times and carry on with joy.
“Parting is hell, but life goes onSo sing as well.”
7. "Afterglow" – Helen Lowrie Marshall
A simple, warm poem that invites people to reflect on happy memories. It works especially well at celebration-of-life services.
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one…”
8. "Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?" – Anon
This reading focuses on the person’s impact while they were alive—how they loved, helped others, laughed, and gave of themselves. A popular choice for those who want to celebrate a well-lived life.
“Not, what did he gain, but what did he give.”
How We Can Help You Choose the Right Reading
Here at Barnsley Funerals, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” farewells. Every service we plan is shaped around the individual what they loved, how they lived, and what matters most to the people they’ve left behind.
When it comes to non-religious readings, we’re here to guide you through the options. We can:
Share a curated list of poems and readings
Help you choose something that fits the tone of the day
Include the reading in your order of service or ceremony
Recommend someone to read it or read it on your behalf
We’ve helped many Barnsley families find words when they had none—and we’ll do the same for you.
Final Thoughts
Planning a funeral is never easy—but you’re not alone. Whether you know exactly what you want or are still figuring things out, our team is here to help you create something meaningful, memorable, and true to your loved one’s life.
A non-religious reading is just one of the ways you can personalise a ceremony. It might be the moment someone smiles. The moment someone cries. The moment everyone remembers.
If you’re looking for a funeral director in Barnsley who understands that every goodbye deserves to be personal, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our friendly team here
Can we help further? Check out our blog
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