Robert Louis Stevenson was born on 13th November 1850, and passed away on 3rd December 1894. He wrote the immortal poetry “Requiem” in 1880, soon after a close friend passed away. The poem conveys a sense of hope and tranquillity while capturing the deep emotion of loss and grief, and today, it is among the most widely-read funeral poems.

Scottish poet, novelist, and essayist Robert Louis Stevenson is famous for his poetry and short stories, in addition to his adventure books, which are his best-known works. His Requiem poem is typical at funerals for notable people and regular folks.

The funeral for Senator John McCain in 2018 was one of the most notable performances of “Requiem.” The poem’s central theme—death as a peaceful sleep and an eternal rest—paid apt homage to the late senator’s life and work. Meghan McCain, the Senator’s daughter, read it aloud during the ceremony, giving the solemn event a personal touch.

Requiem

Moreover, this funeral poem addresses the challenging feelings of grief by stating that, despite one’s pain, time will finally offer calm and healing. The words are consoling and uplifting since they promote acceptance of the situation while looking for a better future. Also, the requiem lyrics remind us that despite our difficulties, life will continue, and we may navigate it with courage and tenacity.

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.

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