The Holistic Celebrant
I have collected a selection of poems and readings you may like to use during a ceremony, I hope you will find something suitable. I intend to add more regularly.
An honest woman here lies at rest
As e’er God with his image blest;
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like this, with virtue warm’d
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:
If there’s another world, she lives in bliss;
If there is none, she made the best of this.
Robert Burns (1759 – 1796)
If I had a voice today, I’d say
Dear ones, please don’t cry,
Still love me but don’t grieve for me,
It’s easy if you try
Don’t think of all that I won’t see
Just think of what I’ve seen
Think not of places I won’t go
But remember where I’ve been
I’ve lived, I’ve loved, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried
I’ve worked hard, that’s for sure
I’ve done my best, I’m satisfied
I couldn’t ask for more
I know not what becomes of me
Nor what’s beyond today
If I had a choice I’d use my voice
But alas I’ve gone away
You have memories of me to enjoy
Smile, laugh, be tough,
You have loved me and enriched my life
I was happy, that’s enough!
Anon
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile.
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best
Mrs. Lyman Hancock
To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived –
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)
Oh all the time that e’er I spent,
I spent it in good company;
And any harm that e’er I’ve done,
I trust it was to none but me;
May those I’ve loved through all the years
Have memories now they’ll e’er recall.
So fill to me the parting glass,
Goodnight and joy be with you all.
Of all the comrades that e’er I had
Are sorry for my going away;
And all the loved ones that e’er I had
Would wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should leave and you should not
I’ll gently rise and I’ll softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all.
Of all good times that e’er we shared,
I leave to you fond memory,
And for all the friendship that e’er we had
I ask you to remember me;
And when you sit and stories tell,
I’ll be with you and help recall.
So fill to me the parting glass,
God bless and joy be with you all.
Traditional Irish Song
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