Funerals can truly be augmented by a poem that is apt and fitting for the person you have just lost. The following list of funeral poems about disability are for those who suffered from a physical hindrance during their life.
The Bird That Was Trapped Has Flown
by James Robertson
The bird that was trapped has flown
The sky that was grey is blue
The bone that was dead has grown
The dream that was dreamed is true
The door that was locked has swung wide
The prisoner has been set free
The lips that were sealed have cried
The eye that was blind can see
The tree that was bare is green
The room that was dull is bright
The sheet that was soiled is clean
The dawn that was dark is light
The road that was blocked has no end
The unknown journey is known
The heart that is hurt will mend
The bird that was trapped has flown
Caged Bird
by Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks
of another breeze
and the trade winds soft
through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting
on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands
on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts
on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped
and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Not Quite Right
by E. B. Foster
He arrived, “not quite finished off”,
as his brother said one night,
and, “I bet God’s feeling awfully sad
that he didn’t get him right.”
Yet how he laughed and won our love,
though some showed a stunned surprise.
Turning away, afraid to look
or even meet eyes.
But oh! He taught us all so much;
his brother how to care,
tenderness bonded the family;
it grew from our despair.
And when he died at just … years,
his brother comforted me,
with, “I expect God wants to put him right,”
but we missed him dreadfully.
And now I have another child,
perfect in every way;
I know I’ve seen that smile before,
and this time, it’s here to stay.
To access our full list of funeral poems, click here.
All poems featured on this website are free to use during any ceremony, although it is good practice to make sure the author is mentioned, if known. Should you require a celebrant for your ceremony, be it a funeral, a wedding, a naming ceremony or something else, feel free to get in touch. I am a double award-nominated Family and Funeral Celebrant covering the entire UK, and would be happy to help you commemorate in a meaningful and personal way.
