Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Eventful Words
Losing a child is an unimaginable pain that no parent should ever have to face. The grief and heartbreak that follow such a devastating loss can be overwhelming. During these difficult times, finding solace and healing through poetry can provide a glimmer of hope and help navigate the emotional journey.
In this article, we explore a selection of beautiful and inspirational poems that delve into the sensitive topic of the death of a child. These heartfelt verses offer a poignant perspective, capturing the raw emotions and offering comfort to those who have experienced this profound loss.
Whether you are looking for a quote for a lost child, a sympathy message on Mother’s Day, or funeral poems there is something here for you. Join us as we dive into the world of poetry, where words have the power to heal and soothe even the deepest wounds.
Inspirational Poems on the Death of a Child
In the depths of grief, finding solace and hope may seem impossible, but poetry has a unique ability to touch our hearts and offer comfort during even the darkest times. These beautiful and inspirational poems on the death of a child provide a space for reflection, healing, and understanding.
They remind us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love, and cherished memories can transcend sorrow, helping us find strength as we navigate our journey of healing. May these poems serve as a source of inspiration and provide comfort to those who need it most.
Empty by Kim Knapp
Do not tell me I am strong
You only see my days
Filled with details and work
You have never shared my nights
Long evenings empty
Except for memories and tears
My despair is sacrificed
to responsibility
You would be strong too
If you had no other choice
God Saw You Getting Tired by Frances and Kathleen Coelho
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped his arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So he gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
Just for Today by Vicki Tushingham
Just for today, I will try to live through the next 24 hours and not expect to get over my child’s death, but instead learn to live with it, just one day at a time.
Just for today, I will remember my child’s life, not just her death, and bask in the comfort of all those treasured days and moments we shared.
Just for today, I will forgive all the family and friends who didn’t help or comfort me the way I needed them to. They truly did not know how.
Just for today, I will smile no matter how much I hurt on the inside, for maybe if I smile a little, my heart will soften and I will begin to heal.
Just for today, I will reach out to comfort a relative or friend of my child, for they are hurting too, and perhaps we can help each other.
Just for today, I will free myself from my self-inflicted burden of guilt, for deep in my heart I know if there was anything in this world I could have done to save my child from death, I would have done it.
Just for today, I will honor my child’s memory by doing something with another child because I know that would make my own child proud.
Just for today, I will offer my hand in friendship to another bereaved parent for I do know how they feel.
Just for today, when my heart feels like breaking, I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving and the only reason I hurt is because I had the privilege of loving so much
Just for today, I will not compare myself with others. I am fortunate to be who I am and have had my child for as long as I did.
Just for today, I will allow myself to be happy, for I know that I am not deserting her by living on.
Just for today, I will accept that I did not die when my child did, my life did go on, and I am the only one who can make that life worthwhile once more.
Sometimes by Colleen Ranney
Sometimes I catch a glimpse,
In softened waves of blue
My child, my heart…when I see a smile
I can’t help but think of you
Sometimes these waves fill oceans.
And feelings string on every shore
A collections of each memory
And every way I wish for more
Sometimes I watch for answers
Because each day I call to you
I ask for faith and courage
And strength …to help me through
Sometimes I ask for bravery
Like dolphins in the deep
Because time moves oh so slowly
And sometimes the road is steep
Sometimes I want to scream
This was not what I had planned
Why you ever suffered
A mom can’t understand
Sometimes I hear your laughter
And remember you at play
But My Child I always miss you
Not sometimes, but every day
If Only by Ron Tranmer
If only, my child, I could send,
A basket filled with love,
And pretty blue forget-me-not’s
To your new home above.
If only I could send a hug
Past every twinkling star,
And a suitcase filled with kisses
Up to heaven where you are.
If only I could rock you
As I did not long ago,
And sing you one more lullaby
Before you had to go.
If only’s fill my every thoughts
As my heart is aching for you.
With faith, I’ll wait until the time
“If only’s” all come true.
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Memorial Poems for Your Child or Baby
Poetry has a unique ability to capture emotions, express grief, and convey the love that will forever remain in your heart. Whether you are planning a funeral or memorial service, or simply looking for a way to cope with your loss, incorporating a meaningful poem can provide a sense of connection and support.
Heaven’s Rocking Chair by Ron Tranmer
Are there rocking chairs in Heaven
Where little babies go?
Do the angels hold you closely
And rock you to and fro?
Do they talk silly baby talk
To get a smile or two,
And sing the sleepy lullabies
I used to sing to you?
My heart is aching for you,
My angel child so dear.
You brought such joy into my life,
The short time you were here.
I know you’re in a happy place,
And in God’s loving care.
I dream each night I’m rocking you
In Heaven’s rocking chair.
The Saddest Word, Goodbye - Author Unknown
When God calls our children
To dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometimes question
The wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with,
The death of one small child.
Who does so much to make our world,
Seem so wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
The aged to His fold.
So He picks a rosebud
Before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them,
And so He takes but few.
To make the land of heaven
More beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
Still somehow we must try.
The saddest word mankind knows
Will always be Good-bye.
So when a little child departs,
We who are left behind,
Must realize God loves children.
Angels are hard to find!!
The Little White Hearse by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Somebody’s baby was buried to-day—
The empty white hearse from the grave rumbled back,
And the morning somehow seemed less smiling and gay
As I paused on the walk while it crossed on its way,
And a shadow seemed drawn o’er the sun’s golden track.
Somebody’s baby was laid out to rest,
White as a snowdrop, and fair to behold,
And the soft little hands were crossed over the breast,
And those hands and the lips and the eyelids were pressed
With kisses as hot as the eyelids were cold.
Somebody saw it go out of her sight,
Under the coffin lid—out through the door;
Somebody finds only darkness and blight
All through the glory of summer-sun light;
Somebody’s baby will waken no more.
Somebody’s sorrow is making me weep:
I know not her name, but I echo her cry,
For the dearly bought baby she longed so to keep,
The baby that rode to its long-lasting sleep
In the little white hearse that went rumbling by.
I know not her name, but her sorrow I know;
While I paused on the crossing I lived it once more,
And back to my heart surged that river of woe
That but in the breast of a mother can flow;
For the little white hearse has been, too, at my door.
Teardrops by Ron Tranmer
Teardrops are falling. We embrace this sad day.
A sweet little baby has just passed away.
So perfect his spirit, so perfect his love,
So perfect a gift from a Father above.
Little child, your family is grieving this day,
In our hearts God has told us why you couldn't stay.
A spirit so special, so perfect, and pure,
should not have the trials of this life to endure.
You wanted a family, that's why you came.
To be loved on earth, and given a name.
Then back to our Heavenly Father you went,
fulfilling the mission for which you were sent.
Although our grief is heavy this day,
we know you are happy, and not far away.
Loved ones have gathered close to your side.
Life is Eternal... you've really not died.
Know that we love you with all of our heart.
We'll see you our dear one when this life we part.
Save us a place where we'll be close to you,
and in joy we'll embrace, as our love we renew.
The Cord by Amy Merrick
We are connected,
My child and I, by
An invisible cord
Not seen by the eye.
It’s not like the cord
That connects us ’til birth
This cord can’t be seen
By any on Earth.
This cord does it’s work
Right from the start.
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.
I know that it’s there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.
The strength of this cord
Is hard to describe.
It can’t be destroyed
It can’t be denied.
It’s stronger than any cord
Man could create
It withstands the test
Can hold any weight.
And though you are gone,
Though you’re not here with me,
The cord is still there
But no one can see.
It pulls at my heart
I am bruised…I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.
I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A mother and child
Death can’t take it away!
When Baby Souls Sail Out by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
When from our mortal vision
Grown men and women go
To sail strange fields Elysian
And know what spirits know,
I think of them as tourists,
In some sun-gilded clime,
'Mong happy sights and dear delights
We all shall find, in time.
But when a child goes yonder
And leaves its mother here,
Its little feet must wander,
It seems to me, in fear.
What paths of Eden beauty,
What scenes of peace and rest,
Can bring content to one who went
Forth from a mother's breast?
In palace gardens, lonely,
A little child will roam
And weep for pleasures only
Found in its humble home.
It is not won by splendour,
Nor bought by costly toys;
To hide from harm on mother's arm
Makes all its sum of joys.
It must be when the baby
Goes journeying off alone,
Some angel (Mary, maybe)
Adopts it for her own.
Yet when a child is taken
Whose mother stays below,
With weeping eyes, through Paradise,
I seem to see it go.
With troops of angels trying
To drive away its fear,
I seem to hear it crying,
"I want my mamma here."
I do not court the fancy,
It is not based on doubt,
It is a thought that comes unsought
When baby souls sail out.
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Poems About the Death of a Son
The death of a son leaves an indelible mark on a parent’s heart, and finding ways to cope with the unimaginable loss is essential. Through heartfelt poems, grieving parents can express their emotions, honor their beloved child’s memory, and find solace in the healing power of words. These poems about the loss of a son serve as a reminder that love persists beyond death and offer comfort to those navigating the painful journey of losing a son.
My Son by Amanda J. Kennedy
When I sink down,
No fight left, I drown.
Darkness gathers around.
I feel nothing, I make no sound.
Then the pain crashes, hits my heart.
Unexplainable feelings tear me apart.
Like an internal explosion,
I am overwhelmed with emotion.
To share is too hard.
I am wounded, beaten, and scarred.
My pain is mine and personal to me,
Never ending grief you cannot see.
What you have to understand
Is my son’s death was never planned.
Yes, after all this time I feel pain.
I still sit and weep; tears fall like rain.
I am shocked and always will be.
He was my son, my precious baby.
In my heart I keep him and I survive.
I feel this pain keeps a part of him alive.
He is in every teardrop.
He is in my blood.
He is my savior.
He is my son.
A Child of Mine by Edgar Guest
I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief.
You'll have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.
Garden Of Stone by Michael Kaner
He wiped away the snow
And laid down a single rose.
Thinking of what might have been,
And pain only the bereaved knows.
Another tear falls in a garden of stone…
He could have been president,
A ballplayer or won a Nobel prize.
But it’ll never come to be,
And we’ll never look into his eyes.
They said it was routine,
Don’t worry, we do it every day.
But something went oh so wrong,
Now they don’t know what to say.
Another tear falls in a garden of stone…
We watched the tubes and wires,
And they said that he was gone.
A life snuffed out too early,
Never to see another dawn.
Another tear falls
In the garden of stone.
Another day passes
And they’re all alone.
The world gets older
But he’s still two.
And we dream of things,
He’ll never do.
He’ll never ride a two wheeler,
Or take a bus to school.
All we have are our memories,
We’ve lost our precious jewel.
Never play in little league
Never steal a first kiss,
We think of all those things
He’s going to miss.
Never go to college,
Never walk down the aisle,
Never know the joys of parenthood.
We miss him all the while.
Another tear falls in the garden of stone.
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Poetry About the Loss of a Daughter
Grief is an emotion that can consume us entirely, leaving us shattered and yearning for solace. The loss of a daughter is a heart-wrenching experience that words often fail to capture adequately. In times like these, poetry can serve as a refuge, a medium through which we can express our deepest emotions and find solace amidst the pain.
The Death of My Daughter by Michele Meleen
The death of my girl,
the death of our dreams
no more tutus to twirl
no more girl power anthems to scream.
They say girls are sugar and spice
and everything nice
and my daughter was sweet as can be.
Without her, I'm not sure how to be me.
When You Were Small by Linda D. Cope
I often think of you.
When you were very small,
You left your fingerprints
On almost every wall.
Back when you were growing up,
They were such happy years.
How you would smile and make up games,
I remember through my tears.
Someday we will be together
In heaven up above.
But for now, my little girl,
I send you all my love.
My Tiny Butterfly by Ann Lundrigan
The years went by so quickly
from when I held you at my breast –
To watch you grow to a beautiful woman
and finally leave the nest.
You made me proud of who you are
and all that you have done –
You often reached beyond the stars
to find your goals and won.
You left this life so quickly
and I am left to mourn –
Yet precious memories fill my heart
since the day that you were born.
This bond that even death can’t break
will keep you here close by –
But I feel such pain and miss you
my ‘Tiny Butterfly’”.
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Poems in Remembrance of the Loss of a Child
Poetry has long been known to have a therapeutic effect on the human soul. It has the ability to express emotions that are otherwise indescribable, providing solace and comfort to those who are grieving. The poems in remembrance of the loss of a child serve as a way for parents to channel their emotions, share their pain or anger, and keep the memory of their child alive.
Little Wing by Jean-Jacques Goldman and Phil Galdston
Fly, fly little wing
Fly beyond imagining
The softest cloud, the whitest dove
Upon the wind of heaven’s love
Past the planets and the stars
Leave this lonely world of ours
Escape the sorrow and the pain
And fly again.
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this memory bittersweet
Until we meet.
Fly, fly do not fear
Don’t waste a breath, don’t shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don’t wait for me
Above the universe you’ll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won’t forget
Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light
There’s Nothing by Ron Tranmer
There’s nothing in this world
That brings such happiness,
As that of a dear sweet child,
To hold, love, and caress.
As one comes into our family
There is no greater joy.
It matters not the gender,
Baby girl or baby boy.
There’s nothing in this world
That brings such heartfelt sorrow,
As to have them in your life one day
And find them gone tomorrow.
At the loss of a little child
We must have faith, love, and trust
In God, our Heavenly Father,
Who gave the child to us.
Love for the gift He gave us.
Trust in His wisdom divine,
And faith we’ll hold our child again
In a better place, at a better time.
A Place for You By Michele Meleen
My child, I keep a place for you
where no one else can see.
I have this gift nobody has
the bond between you and me.
At times I cannot feel you here
and that pain won't go away.
But when I search my place for you
you're with me every day.
My child, you're not lost,
you don't need to be found.
I've got you here, in my heart
where we're forever bound.
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May your Child’s Memory be a Blessing
Losing a child is a heart-wrenching experience that can leave parents feeling lost and empty. During these painful times, finding solace in the beauty of poetry can bring some comfort and healing. These beautiful and inspirational poems on the death of a child remind us that love endures beyond physical existence and that our children’s spirits continue to live on in our hearts. May these verses provide a glimmer of hope and a reminder to hold onto cherished memories as we navigate the difficult journey of grief and bereavement.
