“Requiem” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a short yet powerful poem that reflects a calm and peaceful acceptance of death. With its vivid imagery of rest and homecoming, the poem conveys a sense of contentment, making it a popular choice for funerals and memorial services.
REQUIEM Poem WORDS
Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
A Peaceful Reflection on Life and Death
“Requiem” offers a sense of peace and finality, expressing the speaker’s readiness for death after a life lived fully. The opening line, “Under the wide and starry sky,” evokes an image of rest beneath the vast heavens, a fitting and serene resting place. The phrase “Glad did I live and gladly die” reveals the speaker’s contentment with their life and acceptance of death as a natural conclusion.
The final lines, “Home is the sailor, home from sea, / And the hunter home from the hill,” use metaphors of homecoming to convey the idea that death is not a loss, but a return to a place of comfort and belonging. For those left behind, this imagery can provide solace, suggesting that their loved one has found peace and rest.
Why Families Choose This Poem
Families are often drawn to “Requiem” because of its straightforward and peaceful message. It reflects a life lived with purpose and satisfaction, offering comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one. The poem’s calm acceptance of death and its metaphor of returning “home” resonates with many, providing reassurance that their loved one has reached a place of rest.
The line “Here he lies where he longed to be” speaks to the idea of fulfillment, suggesting that death is not something to be feared but embraced as a part of life’s journey.
How to Use “Requiem” in Funeral Services
“Requiem” is a beautiful choice for reading aloud during funeral or memorial services. Its short and poignant verses can be delivered by a family member, friend, or officiant, offering a sense of peace to all in attendance. The poem also works well in printed materials such as memorial programs or remembrance cards, where its message of rest and homecoming can be reflected upon.
Its serene tone makes it an ideal addition to eulogies or reflections, helping to frame death as a peaceful conclusion to a life well-lived.
Embracing Rest and Peace
At its core, “Requiem” is about embracing the peace that comes with death after a life of purpose and fulfillment. The speaker’s readiness to lie down under the “wide and starry sky” and their contentment in returning home offer a powerful message for those mourning a loved one. It reassures families that, while death may bring sadness, it also brings peace and closure.
At Denise Wellington Funeral Services, we are here to help families find meaningful ways to honor the life of their loved ones. If you would like to discuss incorporating “Requiem” 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.
