Christina Rossetti’s poignant poem Remember is a deeply touching reflection on love, memory, and letting go, making it a meaningful inclusion in a funeral service or a personal reflection during times of remembrance.
Written in 1849, Remember is one of Rossetti’s most well-known works. The poem is a sonnet, and its gentle tone and heartfelt message offer a tender expression of love and loss. It speaks directly to the universal experience of parting with a loved one, encouraging those left behind to cherish the memories while finding peace in moving forward.
The central theme of Remember is the delicate balance between holding onto memories and allowing life to continue after a loss. Rossetti’s words reassure the bereaved that it is okay to remember with love, but also to live without being overwhelmed by sorrow. The poem reflects on the inevitability of death but with a sense of hope that, even in absence, love remains.
The Full Words For Remember By Christina Rossetti
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
This powerful poem is often chosen for funeral readings because it captures the essence of parting without despair, focusing on the love that endures even after a person is gone. It invites those left behind to smile at the memories rather than dwell on the pain of loss.
If Remember by Christina Rossetti speaks to your heart, consider including it in your loved one’s funeral service. Its timeless message of remembrance, love, and peace can bring a sense of comfort during a difficult time.
If you would like to discuss incorporating Remember 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.
