A Cricketer’s Last Boundary funeral reading

Here’s the next in my series of funeral readings you might like to consider for your loved one’s funeral or memorial ceremony. Some are sad, some are uplifting, some are comforting; there’s something for everyone here.

Readings are absolutely not a compulsory part of a funeral or memorial ceremony. Sometimes family members or friends desperately want to speak at their loved one’s funeral, but they haven’t got the wherewithal to write something themselves. Readings are a perfect stand-in: your emotions and feelings right there on the page ready for you to contribute.

Remember readings can be adapted – if your favourite reading is written for him, you can change it to her! If it’s written for Mum, you can change it to Dad or Grandma or Grandpa, whatever fits for you. Take out lines that don’t fit your circumstances. I just make sure to introduce such a reading as an adaptation.

A Cricketer’s Last Boundary, by Michael Ashby

Michael Ashby has written poems for almost any type of person you can imagine. I came across this one when I did a funeral for a man who played cricket his entire life, and then found his website, a treasure trove of useful poetry!

Weeping willows formed an honour guard
For the cricket ball writ with a noble name
A team of ten, which had once been eleven
Would never be the same side again.

No bails united the forlorn stumps
Since this wicket had fallen some days ago
And as the bowler delivered to the lone batsman
The hushed crowd willed a six to go.

The magical sound of leather on willow
The sweet smell of freshly cut grass
The cricketer crossing the last boundary
To a third innings that would forever last.

Funeral Readings

• Funeral Readings: a new series!
• A Poem for Grandpa funeral reading
• A Cricketer’s Last Boundary funeral reading
• Christopher Robin on Dying funeral reading
• God Saw You Getting Tired funeral reading