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 pottery are perfect for those who had a knack for making wonderful assorted objects out of clay.
The Possibilities Endless
by Line Monique Gauthier
clay molded
thrown onto a potter’s wheel
shaped by loving hands
caressed and built
from nothing but desire
centered and spun
on a revolving plate
the piece pulled up
instilled with intention
as it comes to life
from cold lumps of clay
the magic happens
gently shaping the hollow
with solemn respect for its fragility
the possibilities endless
artist and creator
giving birth
and through
a baptism of fire
giving purpose
The Potter
by L. G. Mace
The potter puts out his works of clay
listed in a descriptive catalog
or to a collector, out on display.
His mugs, bowls, cups or plates
but clearly glazed or unglazed
works of his personal art.
He works the clay with gently
nimble hands and fingers,
placing in each, a piece of his heart.
His necessity for survival as he plies
his uniquely different trade.
Anyone purchasing any of his
many pieces should know it was
lovingly hand made.
He paints the brightly coloured patterns
on his pieces,
patiently in the heated kiln to slowly bake.
Sometimes unsatisfied he takes the faulty
piece back to earth’s raw material
but there is never any mistake.
On the potter’s wheel he spins his
turning pieces of clay
to make his final plate, mug or cup.
And these pieces travel everywhere –
to be eaten on, or sipped from, or
from its depths to sup.
When he views his final pieces:
a smile of pride upon his joyful face.
All his creations wherever they may travel
will find their own special place.
He must make decisions – but once his mind
is made up his convictions don’t totter.
So I thank the fates for they have gifted me
this extra special friend –
this uniquely creative,
one of a kind,
potter.
The Potter
by Kevin C. Kato
Common clay dug from a river bank,
Carted back in a creaking wheelbarrow,
Where it’s shoveled into lidded buckets.
In one shapeless lump, thrown onto the wheel;
Spun and slowly molded into being
By the potter’s caressing, knowing hands
Into a shape of elegant design and form
Before glazed and fired in a blazing kilm.
To emerge days later from its fiery ordeal,
An expression of the potter’s very soul,
To. beadmired and, with time, cherished.
A Potter’s Blessing
by Sylvia Hardy
May inspiration always sit at your shoulder
May your hands always find the centre true
May your clay be soft and supple
And sculpting come easy to you
May glazes flow smoothly along
And your quartz inversion gently fire to perfection…
May slumping, cracking, and breaking be strangers
May your shaping never be wrong
Let the kiln be your friend
Let the mud never end
May you always find a clean wheel, a clean board, and clean canvas
And may all of us here remain friends.
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.
