Poetry is one of the better ways to express your feelings and capture the wonderful memories you have with your father. It’s why funeral homes in West Grove, PA include poetry reading in funeral services. 

We know not everyone is a poet, and finding the right words to pay tribute to a father can be difficult when you’re overwhelmed with grief. We’ve collected a few poems you can share during your eulogy or reading for your dad. 

Father – Unknown 

"Family man, first and foremost 

A troublemaker, a teacher, a friend 

The one person I could always take my troubles to 

Heartbreaks hurt less when you were by my side 

Even in my darkest hours, you were always there for me 

Rest in peace and know I will miss you every day"

He is Gone – David Harkins 

"You can shed tears that he is gone, 

or you can smile because he has lived. 

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, 

or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. 

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, 

or you can be full of the love you shared. 

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, 

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. 

You can remember him only that he is gone, 

or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. 

You can cry and close your mind, 

be empty and turn your back. 

Or you can do what he’d want: 

smile, open your eyes, love and go on. 

My Father, My Father – Dakota Ellerton 

My father, my father, 

I love he, 

my father, my father, 

made me see, 

how beautiful this world really can be. 

My father, my father, 

said to me, 

my daughter my daughter, 

come see me, 

I wont be around forever, and I have things that must be. 

My father, my father, 

don’t die on me."

Our Loving Father – Unknown 

"God took the strength of a mountain & the majesty of a tree. 

The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea. 

The generous soul of nature & the comforting arm of night. 

The wisdom of the ages and the power of the eagle’s flight, 

The joy of a morning in spring & the faith of a mustard seed, 

The patience of eternity & the depth of a family need, 

Then God combined these qualities, 

When there was nothing more to add, 

He knew His masterpiece was complete, 

And so, He called it – ‘dad!’"

You Were There – Unknown 

"You were there when we took our first steps, 

And went unsteadily across the floor. 

You pushed and prodded: encouraged and guided, 

Until our steps took us out the door 

You worry now “Are they ok?” 

Is there more you could have done? 

As we walk the paths of our unknown 

You wonder “Where have my children gone?” 

Where we are is where you have led us, 

With your special love you showed us a way, 

To believe in ourselves and the decisions we make. 

Taking on the challenge of life day-to-day. 

And where we go you can be sure, 

In spirit you shall never be alone. 

For where you are is what matters most to us, 

Because to us that will always be home."

Use whichever poem feels right and captures your father’s essence. And if reading them has inspired you to write one, that’s good. You don’t have to be a poet; your words only have to be true. 

Poetry reading is only one way to honor your dad during the funeral service. There are more. If you have additional questions or need a funeral home in West Grove, PA, to arrange one for a loved one, call us. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.