A Song of Living by Amelia Josephine Burr is an uplifting poem that reflects on life’s journey with gratitude and joy, making it a beautiful choice for funerals and memorial services. The poem celebrates a life well-lived, filled with love, purpose, and connection.
It encourages those left behind to remember their loved one not with sorrow, but with fondness for the life they shared.
The Poem in Full
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.
I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast.
My cheeks like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed.Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have kissed young Love on the lips, I have heard his song to the end,
I have struck my hand like a seal in the loyal hand of a friend.
I have known the peace of heaven, the comfort of work done well.
I have longed for death in the darkness and risen alive out of hell.Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I gave a share of my soul to the world, when and where my course is run.
I know that another shall finish the task I must leave undone.
I know that no flower, nor flint was in vain on the path I trod.
As one looks on a face through a window, through life I have looked on God,
Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
The central theme of “A Song of Living” is an appreciation of life’s beauty and the joy found in everyday moments. The speaker reflects on their experiences with a sense of fulfilment, expressing gratitude for love, friendship, and the simple pleasures of existence. The poem’s refrain, “Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die,” highlights the peace that comes from living a life filled with meaning and connection. It conveys the idea that when one has embraced life so fully, death is not something to be feared, but a natural continuation of a well-lived journey.
Why Families Choose This Poem
This poem resonates with many families because of its uplifting message and focus on celebrating life rather than mourning death. It provides a comforting reminder that those who have passed on are leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and accomplishments. The poem’s tone is not one of sadness but of contentment and peace, making it a wonderful tribute to honour the memory of someone who lived their life with joy and purpose.
How to Use “A Song of Living” in Funeral Services
“A Song of Living” can be incorporated into funeral or memorial services as a reflection of their love for life and their positive influence on the world around them. It can be read aloud during the service by a family member, friend, or officiant, offering comfort to those in attendance by emphasising the happiness and fulfilment the person experienced during their life.
The poem also works beautifully in memorial programs, as its positive and uplifting tone provides a fitting way to celebrate a life well-lived. Its message of love, joy, and peace serves as a reminder that death does not diminish the beauty of the life that was lived, but rather, it completes the journey.
Finding Peace Through Celebration
At its core, “A Song of Living” offers a message of peace and acceptance. It encourages those grieving to reflect not on the sorrow of loss but on the joy of having known and loved someone so full of life. The poem reassures us that the impact of a person’s life does not end with their death but continues in the memories and legacies they leave behind.
At Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we are here to help families find meaningful ways to honour the life of their loved ones. If you would like to discuss incorporating “A Song of Living” or another meaningful funeral poem into your loved one’s service, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We are here to offer our support and guidance during this difficult time. We also invite you to explore our extensive collection of popular funeral hymns, and funeral readings.
