Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

In 1998, the following poem was confirmed to have been composed by Mary Elizabeth Frye, as this fact was disputed for a number of years.  The poem is unique in that it is written from the perspective of the deceased, not the mourning. It’s easy to see why this particular piece has become a popular reading at funerals — it’s spiritual imagery and commanding but poetic voice help reassure the listener of the deceased’s continuing life, as contradictory as that may sound. In fact, the author does a remarkable job of reminding us our loved ones live on in the still, small moments and the loud, grand moments alike. Personally, I appreciate the way Frye takes her reader on a journey: at first, she begins with a sorrowful subject, no doubt, mourning the loss of a loved one, but over the course of her prose, she successfully leads the reader to a sense of joy. Quite the feat. (more…)

I know, Dickinson again, but what can I say? She writes about death, grief, life, and loss like no one else. In this particular piece, Dickinson writes with a twinge of sarcasm about how “business” will always continue when life does not. It would appear she’s not a fan of ‘stocks’, ‘Trades’, and ‘Commerce’. At least, that’s what I see at first glance. Probing further, however, I think it’s fair to say Dickinson also implies a sense of comfort in the fact that the bustle of life continues, and she no longer has to endure it. Finally, what really drew me to this poem was the lyrical meter and imagery. Dickinson’s word choice and placement read elegantly in the lines below. (more…)

The following poem is one that has made an impression on popular culture since it was penned in 1624. The author, John Donne, originally wrote it as a work of prose in his “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions,” but it was later formatted into lines of poetry, as seen below. Since then, the work has been alluded to by Hemingway, who wrote a novel of the same title in 1940. Later, Hemingway’s book was adapted for film. Additionally, the BeeGees and Metallica, among others, each wrote and performed songs of the same title. Clearly, as its numerous allusions and popular references can attest, this poem speaks powerfully to its reader, mysteriously characterizing death as an occasion to be saddened but revered, expected and not feared. (more…)

Even though the subject matter of Emily Dickinson’s poetry is often dark, the use of imagery and metaphor in her prose is extraordinary, and Dickinson’s metaphors for death are consistently insightful and intriguing. For instance, in the poem below, she compares death to the stopping of clock that “would not stir for Doctors” and “quivered out of decimals.”  While death can be a harsh reality, Dickinson’s use of metaphor, in essence, subconsciously softens the truth by equating it with something inanimate. Dickinson’s poem, A Clock Stopped, is an excellent example. If you’re searching for poetry to honor the death of a loved one, it seems fitting to use such beautiful and excellent poetry like that of Dickinson.  If not the following poem, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of her other works. (more…)

Perhaps one of the most well-known poems in American history, popularized in modern culture by its reference during the dramatic climax of the movie Dead Poets Society, Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!” is a metaphor regarding President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. As a metaphor, the poem has been used to honor other great leaders as well, and can be a fitting tribute for those passed away who were well respected by many.

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