Should You Go First 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.
Should You Go First, by AK Rowswell
I came across this poem when a husband read it at his late wife’s funeral. I thought it absolute perfection for the situation, awfully beautiful.
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I’ll live in memory’s garden, dear,
With happy days we’ve known.
In Spring I’ll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall, when brown leaves call
I’ll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you’ve touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll hear your voice, I’ll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length’ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll,
We’ve known so much of happiness,
We’ve had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God/life
That death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I’d have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, long path,
For soon I’ll follow you.
I’ll want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that long, long road
You’ll hear me call your name.