Henry Scott Holland was born in England on 27th January 1847 and passed away on 17th March 1918. He was, a renowned English clergyman and theologian, he wrote the widely recognised funeral poem “All is Well.” Holland was a notable speaker and scholar known for his lectures on philosophy and theology.

The poem was initially featured in a sermon given by Holland in 1910 following King Edward VII’s death. It is a powerful and inspiring tribute to the deceased, reminding us that their spirit and memory will persist even though they may have left us.

“All is Well” falls under the most recommended funeral poems for mum, and it has become a popular choice at funerals and memorial services, providing solace to countless mourners with its reassuring message. It was reportedly a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi, who included it in his daily prayers. Additionally, it has appeared in various films and TV shows, such as the acclaimed British drama series “Call the Midwife,” where they read it at a character’s funeral.

All is Well

The poem’s enduring popularity and beauty pay tribute to Holland’s writing skill and ability to capture the complexities of grief and loss. Ultimately, “All is Well” stands as a comforting reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of mortality.

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

For more poem inspiration visit the Save Funeral Costs blog of funeral poems.