Poem for use at someone's memorial

[Proofraider]

If anyone is looking for a poem to use at a memorial service and wants something a bit "lighter", there's this one:


By LORNA WOOD

To A Descendant

I shall not be an importunate, nagging ghost,
Sighing for unsaid prayers: or a family spectre
Advertising that someone is due to join me ...
Nor one who has to be exorcised by the Rector.

I shall not be the commercial type of ghost,
Pointing to boxes of gold under the floor
And I certainly don't intend to jangle chains
Or carry my head . . . (such a gruesome type of chore!)

I shall not cause draughts, be noisy, spoil your 'let', --
In fact, to be brief, I shan't materialise.
But I shall be pleased if anyone ever sees me
In your face or your walk or the glance of your laughing eyes.

[Altosruleok]

I love this poem. Unfortinately (or fortunately, really - depends which way you look at it!) I don't know anyone who is about to die, or who has just died, so I can't use it. I'll keep it, though, for whenever the time comes. Did you write it?

[Proofraider]

No, it's by Lorna Wood, as it says. I can't even remember where I first heard it, but I think to be remembered because of some look or characteristic that you've passed on to someone else would be a good way to stay in people's thoughts - I know that in our family we often say how like somebody so-and-so is, and that makes you think of the person who's gone. I plan to let someone know that I want this poem read for me when it's my turn!