“When I am Dead my Dearest” by Christina Rossetti

The poet Christina Rossetti was born on the 5th December 1830 and passed away on 29th December 1894. She was taught at home by her parents and became a renowned English poet known for exploring themes of love, death, and spirituality. From 1842 she began to start dating her poems. She wrote “When I am dead my dearest,” a touching funeral poem which was first published in her collection “Goblin Market and Other Poems” in 1862.

These poems by Christina Rossetti are a poignant tribute to the power of love, even beyond death. The speaker addresses her loved one, assuring them that her love will endure, even after she dies.

The heartfelt message of “When I am dead my dearest” by Christina Rossetti resonated with many mourners and has been used severally as one of the remarkable funeral poems for dad. The poem was a favourite of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who included it in a collection of his favourite poems.

“When I am dead my dearest”

Additionally, the poem has been featured in several films and TV shows, such as the popular British drama series “Sherlock,” where it was recited by the character John Watson at his wife’s funeral. Many people have added it to their lists under the best funeral poems for dad. 

Rossetti’s ability to capture the enduring power of love and convey it through her writing is a testament to her skill as a poet.

Writer Jan Marsh has written a biography of Christina Rossetti, published by Faber & Faber the ISBN is 9780571297849.

When I am dead, my dearest,
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree:
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet;
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.

I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain:
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.

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