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 cricket are perfect for those who shared a passion and love for cricket.
At Lord’s
by Francis Thompson
It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though my own red roses there may blow;
It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though the red roses crest the caps, I know.
For the field is full of shades as I near the shadowy coast,
And a ghostly batsman plays to the bowling of a ghost,
And I look through my tears on a soundless-clapping host
As the run-stealers flicker to and fro,
To and fro;
O my Hornby and my Barlow long ago!
Cricketer’s Last Boundary
by Michael Ashby
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.
A Cricketer’s Prayer
Author Unknown
Old Father Time, I pray to you
That clouds give it a rest,
And that I get a game today,
And that I play my best.
I pray that my side score quick runs
And our opponents falter,
And if it comes to pass we lose,
I pray the game’s a belter.
I pray that once I’ve donned my pads
And walked out to the square,
That none of my nicks find a palm,
And that I score my share.
I pray the wicket’s well-prepared,
And that it doesn’t stick,
That all my shots find gaps –
And that the outfield’s fairly quick,
I pray the umpire knows his job,
And doesn’t lift his finger.
But if he does I pledge to you:
I’ll not forlornly linger.
I pray the Captain sets his field
With telepathic skill,
That all his plans work well
And that the catches do not spill.
I pray that if a batsman
Loops a ball into my lap,
I’ll pouch it without too much fuss,
And get a well-earned clap.
And if I’m asked to bowl I pray
The ball leaves my hand true,
So whether or not wickets come
I’ll know that they’re my due.
Above all, Father Time, I pray
When all is said and done,
That we can all look back and say
“By ’eck, that game was fun!”
The Cricketer’s Prayer
by the players of East Leeds Cricket Club
Our Leather
Which we hit with willow
Boundaries be thy aim
Thy googly comes
Thy may be out as it is
According to the Umpire’s finger
Give us this day our daily innings
And forgive us our LBW’s
As we forgive them that stump us
Lead us not back to the pavilion
But deliver us from a duck
For thine is a silly mid off
With a deep backward short leg
And cover point
For over and over
‘Owzat!
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.
