Surrounded with love All through the years In times of great joy And moments of tears
Throughout it all Love is always there In the family bond You came here to share
Brought up with love Aged many years apart The strength of family Ingrained in the heart
Drifting apart in time As families move on Starting new generations In the heart to belong
And era sadly ends Parents leave the Earth Roots ripped out of sight Held strong since birth
Still surrounded with love From their new dimension It’s more easy to feel When feeling no tension
Times together dwindle As the years pass so fast Children, grand and great Bring echoes of the past
Memories of youth Funny stories to tell As the mind grows old It’s uplifting to dwell
And then one-by-one Comes the time to go Uniting with loved ones Leaving blessings to grow
14th October 2021 – Trina Graves
About This Poem
I wrote this poem for my father’s 85th birthday last year. He is the oldest of three boys and was eight years old when his first brother was born, the other brother came along three years later. Their mother died when they were young adults, but their father lived many more years.
The middle brother moved abroad to live many years ago, so they didn’t very often get together. In more recent years different illness affected all three, and last year this brother died, which is the reason I wrote this poem for my dad.
On looking for a photograph to use for his birthday card I came across the pictures below, and with the same pose, so many years apart, the poem grew from there.
Death is the greatest illusion We never cease to exist It’s just our Earthly body That will be truly missed
We are pure eternal Beings A part of our Creator, Source The most used name is God Some doubt this, of course
It takes an open mind Not limiting by old belief To realise the simple truth There is no need for grief
Just by sending out a thought Our loved ones are close by Though in another dimension Not floating around in the sky!
We live in a 3D world All linear in time and space A beginning and an end For all the human race
However, humans are evolving Moving into a world of 5D And from that new perspective Other dimensions we can see
Trina Graves – 31st December 2021
About This Poem
Sympathy poems are where I began my own Spiritual Path in this life 30 years ago, and are one of the topics I most enjoy writing about, I often wonder if my surname had any sway in this!
I have chosen this poem to add this week as my ex-mother-in-law passed a few days ago. My marriage ended not long after my path began, infact, my immerging Spiritual Beliefs were one of the things that caused probems with my ex. I share this because although I hardly ever saw this wonderful lady after the split, I always felt that the physical bond was not needed to continue the love shared. Along the lines of the theme of this poem, from the Higher Perspective we are One and are never apart.
I had known her since I was six years old as my parents were friends, eventually marrying her son she became an absolutely wonderful grandmother to my children and taught me many lessons through her example.
I Bless her on her journey and know we will one day meet again and can celebrate the experiences we shared in this lifetime.
Death has no sting You’ve done it before You just open up And go through a door
Leaving your overcoat To be recycled to Earth Not needed anymore It contains no worth
Leaving linear time Re-uniting your Energy Remembering who you are A Being of Divinity
Viewing the life you had With compassionate eyes In Earth’s duality It’s hard to be wise
You made some mistakes Had lessons to learn But even bad experiences Will cause no concern
For there is no judgment To be faced, at all! Only Compassionate Wisdom On you will befall
And Unconditional Love From All-That-Is, Source All Beings of Light Know you, of course
For you are one too A Light Spark of God You probably forgot As the Earth, you trod
With no limits to contain Your Essence of Light You can make a choice For you, that is right
To stay there awhile In the Love, to bask Or return to Earth To continue your task…
While living on Earth Can you open your door And merge with your Light To shine ever-more?
Only those on Earth Will feel the sting Of your passing But, it also can bring
A way for them To begin to start Remembering the Truth And open their Heart
If they do this They will soon see You are with them Here, and to Eternity
Trina Graves – 16th January 2020
About This Poem
Opening the door within is our true task for life here on our planet of duality. This is a great Awakening and once that door is fully opened it is easy to accept and understand that there really is no death. The misunderstanding has come from our forgetting this when we are born, and being in a dense world of duality there has to be an opposite to ‘life’ and so we created ‘death’ to be a non-existence.
At our present time ‘death’ is a fear that is being powerfully fuelled by governments and mainstream media worldwide. This ultimate fear grips and clutches tightly to people’s minds and makes them easier to control. Once this fear is eliminated it allows us to think and see from a Higher Perspective and be able to look for answers that are not just daily fed to us.
Right now keeping positive, as much as possible, is a priority for everyone. Being stressed suppresses the immune system, and with the revelations that are now coming forth it will be very easy to caught up in the high drama of it all. With this in mind, I have compiled a page of links to my poems that are relevant at this time:
No matter how long ago Days, months, or many years Their presence no longer in your life Can bring some sadness and tears
But also, a tear of joy can fall As you fondly reminisce The Love you so dearly felt Embraced, or a tender kiss
Or maybe they didn’t demonstrate Their Love, with words or touch But in your Heart you know the truth They Loved you, so very much
You were their pride and their joy All through your young childhood And as you grew into an adult Their inner-reflection, now stood
For you are linked in many ways Not only through your DNA But the Love and nurture that you felt Remains in your Heart today
They may have left the physical But their Energy of Love remains Walking with you through your life With all its joys and pains
With you through the celebrations Births, weddings, and birthdays Often caught in photographs As energy orb displays
With you in the quiet times When they pop into your mind Wanting to bring you inner peace Their Love, you can always find
With you when your Heart aches And when you can take no more They know you’ll heal in time Because their Love is in your core
With you at times of success Proud to be the parent of you Throughout all your milestones and goals They were there, to see you through
With you in times of trouble Worry, stress, and strife Their compassion and support Always with you, through your life
For we are not just physical But Eternal Beings of Love Growing through our Earthly lives Linked always below and above
Sharing and experiencing all of life With our Soul group, we walk And if we open-up our Heart To the other side we can talk
Always with you… in your Heart Always with you… every day Always with you… in Loving Energy Always with you… they will stay
Always with you, and especially They await your presence above One day in time you’ll be together To reminisce your lives of Love
They will be there on that day Excited to embrace, and you’ll see When you transition to the other side They were always with you, in Love Energy
Trina Graves – 16th October 2019
About This Poem
I wrote this poem for my Dad’s 83rd birthday (on 18th October), I made it into a small book that also contained pictures of his parents. My grandmother Evelyn died in 1967, aged 60, and my grandfather James in 1999, aged 85. I was only six when my nanny died, but I have fond memories of her because we lived next door, so were able to be with her often. I was given the name Evelyn (middle name) and I know I am like her in many ways. I have always felt a closeness to her throughout the years, and I know she is with me often too.
The idea for the poem was given to me (from Spirit) and I instantly knew it would be perfect to write for my Dad. My Mum has always been the ‘Spiritual’ one of my parents, but my Dad is unsure of such matters, so I do like to share my views with him, especially as a way of hopefully opening the door – just a little, if he’s willing – for him to see the Light that can shine through.
Although this poem is about ‘parental’ love, I believe that it is really true about any love relationship and of course, for me it rings true about my grandparents and me too.
Evelyn was a doting mother and grandmother and easily showed her love, but James was very reserved, due to the times he lived in and his very hard upbringing, which is why there is a verse on not physically demonstrating love.
If this poem was not written especially for my Dad, I would have also included some verses to talk of those parents who were not present in the child’s physical life, or who might have physically or mentally mis-treated their child. I would have said: no matter what happens in any family relationship, on the Higher or Spiritual level the conditions gone through were pre-chosen by both Souls and at the core of it all there is only love, which will be revealed when united at death. I can now see I need to write another poem to cover this! 🙂
Although it was not written as a ‘sympathy’ poem, I believe that it is certainly a part of this category, so I will include it with my other Sympathy Poems.
My paternal grandparents James & Evelyn (late 1950’s)
Now You Know The beauty of your Soul Life will never break you Your essence remains whole Now… You Know
Now You Know Love is who you are Unconditional and eternal Radiant as the brightest star Now… You Know
Now You Know The Light is a part of you Source Energy, God Shines in all you do Now… You Know
Now You Know Life is about having fun Creating and expanding Forever learning from day one Now… You Know
Now You Know Everything is a reflection Of thoughts and beliefs Mirroring your attention Now… You Know
Now You Know You create your reality You hold all the power To be who you want to be Now… You Know
Now You Know You are singularly unique No one will ever be the same In mind, or in physique Now… You Know
Now You Know You are One in Unity With all life, your Soul A Source Spark eternally Now… You Know
Now You Know We are never apart Separation is an illusion We’re always together at heart Now… You Know
Now You Know The love I feel for you At entry and exit to life It overpowers to guide me through Now… You Know
Now You Know Life is eternal, on the other side We choose to stay, or be re-born To go for another enlightening ride Now… You Know
Now You Know Transitioning between the two At birth and death, a doorway We all pass our way through And There… We All Know
Trina Graves – 1st August 2019
About This Poem
The title of this poem just popped into my head one day, so I wrote it down with a note that it would be a sympathy poem.
I was reminded of how I received a message from my grandmother at Spiritualist church (she died when I was six), With the description of her and what was said, I had no doubt that it was her, but what stuck in my mind most was her saying that when she was alive she would never have set foot in a Spiritualist Church, but now she was so happy to be able to speak to me at one!
When I was writing the poem, I was about half way through when I realized it was not just about someone who has died, but also about babies at birth too.
I believe all babies come with this inner-knowing, so fresh from Source it is the reason they shine so bright and we are so intoxicated by them. In our dense world, and with all of the negative programming that has continued throughout the ages, the majority of children loose their inner-knowing as they grow up. Although, of course, it can be re-awakened at anytime.
I also believe that we are now in a time where children are able to hold onto these truths. Many of the arrivals so far have been given the ‘labels’ of crystal, indigo or rainbow children, but I believe the majority of babies will soon be able to sustain their Light throughout childhood and into adulthood.
We are all born into this life Not knowing how long it will be But would we truly desire to know If granted the length to see?
Before we came we made a choice Of when our life would end Fitting in with our Spiritual Path United with family and friend
Together we made a pact To challenge, grow, inspire Aiming to expand our Souls Each lifetime raising Higher
Oneness in eternal growth Love and Light our essence, core Agreeing to help each other Before we enter through Earth’s door
Being in truth complete Love and Light We have to bury it very deep If we want to allow another Soul To flow the Love they keep
In a world of light and dark Contract enables choice Freewill is given to all Will we heed our Spirit voice?
It’s easy for us to understand Someone giving in, letting go When faced with pain and disease Releasing to the eternal flow
It’s hard to let them go But we know they couldn’t stay So with love and heavy heart We bless them on their way
But someone who suddenly dies From unknown illness or injury Comes as a great shock Causing us pain and misery
If it’s from another’s hands The negativity can gain hold It takes great strength to perceive The Higher Truth to unfold
There are no accidents Most is as we once planned Together we worked it out In our Home, a beautiful land
Freewill means that some From their path will maybe stray Twists and turns of fate Sends them down the wrong way
But guidance is always there Especially when asleep at night Adjustments made to bring about The conclusions that are right
Even a baby never born Into an actual physical life Made the choice to ‘die’ Growth can flow from strife
The parents and the baby Agreed to share the tale Always united in Spirit All-knowing beyond the veil
The passing of a child Is the greatest tragedy We should never take for granted There presence here to be
Every life is precious Every Soul Heaven sent Now is the only time we have To show pure love, our core intent
Trina Graves – 20th February 2019
About This Poem
I have followed the guidance from Abraham-Hicks for many years, so obviously they feature quite a lot in my Quote Poems.
I had this quote on my Spiritual Quotes To Live By site, but it came more to my attention when someone contacted me to ask for more understanding of this particular quote. Both of this person’s parents had been recently murdered so it was very tragic. I did my best to explain my understanding of the quote and at that time thought it would be a good quote to use for a poem, so I added it to my list, knowing that one day I would be drawn to writing it.
From where do we come from? And at death, where do we go? These are the questions in life That we all want to know
Is there a God out there? We ask At times of suffering and woe How can he let these things happen to us If he truly loves us so?
Unconditional love is the key To unlock the mysteries of time God loves us unconditionally No matter what our crime
We have free will to do what we like We decide how we want to live We can do no wrong in God’s eyes There is no sin that God won’t forgive
This is very difficult for most to understand It doesn’t fit in with what we have been told We’re taught that God is to be feared – so don’t sin Do as they say, your life has to fit the mould
But we are all individuals Our lives aren’t supposed to be the same What’s good for one person might not be for another And nobody is to blame
If we could just learn to love as God Unconditionally to all We would know the answers to life and death The Veil To All Knowledge would fall
Trina Graves – 31st October 2001
About This Poem
This was one of my earlier poems and although it is not using a ‘Conversations With God’ (Neale Donald Walsch) quote I can see now that it was based on the teachings from these books. The idea that God sees no wrong-doing was new to me at that time, and writing about it helped me to absorb the teaching.
I had written the above paragraph and then thought I’d check my database to see how early the poem was, and how it fitted in with my Conversations With God poems. This was my second poem intentionally written without a specific event to prompt it, and I was surprised to find (although I shouldn’t have been really) that it was written the day before my first Conversations With God quote poems!
Sorting through my old poems to compile those that mention anything to do with ‘The Great Awakening’ that we are currently going through worldwide, I was pleasantly surprised to find this very early one fitted into this category. Programmed to ‘fit in’ with society is now being seen as the manipulation that has controlled man through the ages, and Loving all people unconditionally is one of the highest priorities to Awaken to.
Apart from non-compliance, sending unconditional Love to those who have carried out the darkest of deeds is the quickest way we will overpower the dark. They cannot exist in so much Light. We are all here to grow Spiritually, even those who have a very, very long way to go to even feel compassion for their fellow man. We do not know of their pre-birth intent for this lifetime, nor what they have endured throughout their life. Inside every Soul there is a spark of God, so send Love to that spark, and the dark will be overpowered by the Light.
Why is it we all grieve When someone passes on? We’re just not connected to our truth When we believe that they are gone
We’re taught as we grow up That physicality is all we are Limiting our perceptions Blocking assistance from afar
In truth we are all Spirits Whether here. or on another plane On Earth we live our lives For the experiences we gain
Over there time is not measured There are no limits to believe We are One, always together There is no reason to grieve
Just because we cannot see them Doesn’t mean they are not there Our thoughts of love bind us together All the treasured memories we share
Death is not a bad thing We all make the transition home one day But a joyous thing when we discover Heaven is not so far away
Trina Graves – 16th November 2016
About This Poem
None of us want our loved ones to die and the majority of us grow up with a dread of this event happening to ourselves or anyone we know. However, all of this worry and heartache is only caused by our perception of death.
If we could only perceive and live as our true selves: Spiritual Beings Of Love & Light, Here To Experience Life, with no limits of self-doubt, separation and time, we would fully appreciate the death experience as we move ever onward on our Divinely Joyous journey.
Abraham-Hicks also teach that we all choose the time of our death, whether this is at a grand-old age of 100 plus, an adult, child, baby or even stillborn. There are many reasons for the chosen length of time we might be physically in this world for this present life, and one day we will know the answers.
The very first time we had to depart We don’t remember, but it’s deep in our heart We left our true Home up above Coming to Earth to create Joy and Love
All too soon, as a child we face the loss Our parents leave us and we get cross It’s a vital early lesson, we learn then We Only Part To Meet Again
As the years go by, friendships do too Some people have many, others a few Romances are another tug at the heart When often we have to be apart
Leaving our parents is a parting we make It’s a difficult step for each side to take Mothers especially feel the loss, but then We Only Part To Meet Again
All these partings that through life go on Show us that we can survive, and be strong Separating can hurt for a time, but we must Let go and move on, in Faith and Trust
All of us one day will make the journey back Leaving our bodies, no clothes to pack They’ll be rejoicing from many in Heaven when We Only Part To Meet Again
Trina Graves – 25th November 2016
About This Poem
This was one of the times that when I had completed a poem using a quote as the title and theme and felt I wanted to write another but from a different perspective.
The first poem – We Only Part To Meet Again (1) – I wrote for my family and friends, hoping that when my time comes to leave this Earthly life they will be able to read my words and feel uplifted by them. But, I am aware that the words I share also give meaning to others who read them too.
Before writing this second poem I hadn’t given any thought to all the partings we experience throughout our lives, but of course, these are only physical partings because in reality we are never truly apart.. for we are all ONE.
When my time comes to leave I really do truly believe The goodbyes may be hard, but then We Only Part To Meet Again
I will leave my overcoat behind No use to me anymore because I’ll find Expansion, Freedom, Unlimited Love When my Spirit is released to the above
It might be easier for you to think of me As gone on a journey across the sea To a far away land as in times gone by Before inventions enabled us to fly
Although we won’t be able to phone You can still reach me when you’re alone In Love and Peace, Uplifted in your heart It will be as though we were never apart
Have an Uplifted Open mind and I’ll be there The Energy of Love means we can share Think of what to say to me, and you will find I can talk to you through thoughts in your mind
Remember me by the Love we share And know for you I always deeply care Our Love goes on through all Eternity So together forever we will always be
Trina Graves – 24th November 2016
About The Poem
I love to write uplifting sympathy poems as I have no doubt whatsoever that we continue on, so I want to share my beliefs with whoever is drawn to my words. None of us know when our last breath will be (in this life) and so I also want to leave words of love and spiritual wisdom for my family and friends when my time comes to go home. This quote from John Gay (1695 – 1732) fitted perfectly for my more personal words.
I write poems using quotes for mySpiritual Quotes To Live By website and sometimes after finishing a poem I know there is more for the quote and write another, which is why the title has a (1).
It’s a well-known way to view life As a ‘Path’ we all must take The Path can be rough or smooth Depending on the choices we make
We can travel on our track alone Or with close and trusted friends Their presence gives us support As we navigate the dips and bends
Varied loved ones will accompany us Along the majority of our life path The love we share gives us direction The joy, lightens our way as we laugh
But where does this pathway begin? And where does it go to, and end? Or is it a vast circular Highway We want to know, to comprehend
I believe the two points are the same From Source we arrive at our birth Wandering along to find our own route The reason we decided to come to Earth
Experiencing the joys and the beauty Giving unconditional love to one-and-all Discovering our unique gift to share Is the true path we all came here for
Sharing our love and our gifts With any who join us on our roam Enlightenment comes to let us know We Are Just Walking Each Other Home
Trina Graves – 5th December 2016
About This Poem
When I am out taking nature photographs one theme I am always on the lookout for are pathways, as I know many quotes (and my poems) use the expression of life as a path we all follow. Wooded footpaths and beach footpaths are my favourites to photograph and use. When out for walks with others I will purposely lag behind so that I can get a shots of people usually in the distance of a footpath as I think they make excellent pictures for quotes.
When I sat to write the poem for this quote I thought it would be a sympathy poem, but when the words began to flow it was obviously going to be about the path of life.
Don’t bother with a funeral It is a ceremony of old The one we’ve clung to longest It’s so hard to break the mould
Traditional Christenings and Weddings Have moved on with passing time Some have let go of the old ways Knowing their absence is no crime
For God is not only in a church Or wherever we go to pray All-That-Is lives in our hearts And Omnipresent, every day
Why put people through the agony Of saying a last goodbye? Producing memories of sadness That linger and make us cry
Their passing causes enough pain So why create even more? Especially as they live on The other side of a locked door
The door is locked to us for now But one day we will have the key And be united through our love Together again, our ‘eyes’ will see
When our coats are worn and old We all just easily throw them away The body is just an overcoat we wear Containing our Spirit, for our Earthly stay
Duty and respect are words we use Keeping people locked in, to follow rules It’s time to let go of past reasons And follow our heart, to where it pulls
If we didn’t visit them much in life Why do we haste to say goodbye? Maybe guilt and regret play a part ‘Paying Respect’ a fitting white lie
Beautiful flowers adorn the box Where our overcoat is laid to rest But in life did we give them flowers? When they can enjoy them, is truly best
So don’t bother with my funeral No need for ceremony to say goodbye Love me as in life, as I love you And in death, I’ll wait to say ‘Hi’
Oh please, I do not want a ceremony I’ve just got rid of my overcoat I’m free now to be omnipresent Into your thoughts I will easily float
I mean it truly, don’t give me a funeral My dearest ones, I love you and truly care Remember the happy times that we shared And know, for you I will always be there
Trina Graves – 27th April 2016
About This Poem
I’m not too sure why I felt the need to write this poem, I guess it just brought together my thoughts and feelings on funerals.
I personally believe…
If you are a flower-giver, they should be given to people while they are able to enjoy their beauty, I think it’s crazy to spend lots of money on elaborate arrangements for funerals, especially if you never gave the person flowers when they were alive. Flowers would be better off sent to the ones who are grieving to brighten up their home and show them they are being thought of.
Everyone should talk of their life stories to family and friends, it’s so much more personal and memorable to hear them from the actual person, than words spoken by another at a sad time.
The people we love should hear our words of love, respect and thankfulness while they are alive. Although I know they can also hear them when they are passed, we should all let them know they are loved and appreciated NOW.
Empty bodies do not need ornate boxes, elaborate vehicles for conveying or any other of the trappings of funerals. They do not need to be buried and visited. If cremated, it matters not what is done with the ashes.
I know most people would not agree with all of my thoughts, and I greatly respect whatever theirs are. As with everything in life, we live and die by our own choices.
My dad is in his 80’s and my mum will be 80 later this year. When I visit my parents and they mention anything about dying or their thoughts on their funerals, they are always apologizing for talking of such things. I constantly tell them I am happy to discuss this topic and don’t think of it as something we shouldn’t talk about. Only this last week both of them changed some of their wishes, so I guess it is something we continue to adapt as we go through life, however long we are blessed to be here.
At the moment, my wishes are for my empty body to be cremated as soon as possible with no coffin and no attendance from my loved ones. I like the idea of giving my loved ones a video of my favourite quotes and poems (including some of mine!) words of love and appreciation for the part they played in my life, photographs and my favourite uplifting songs, so I am working on that. I do not want a funeral service, but if my loved ones want to have a gathering, it is up to them. And hopefully (if I am blessed to have completed it in time!) they will have my choice of music and words to reflect upon!
There have always been stories In modern times, and old How at the time of passing There are Heavenly re-unions to behold We Shall Not Die Alone.. Heavenly Re-Unions Will Bring Us Home
We all have our own Guardian Angel A Celestial Messenger from above Always by our side throughout life Giving guidance and Unconditional Love We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Guardian Angel Will Escort Us Home
There are other Divine Beings Who agree pre-birth to take the part To guide us through our life Giving inspiration to our heart We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Spirit Guides Will Guide Us Home
We all have lost beloved family Who’s passing made our hearts cry Regardless of their time spent on Earth It was so painful to say goodbye We Shall Not Die Alone.. Beloved Family Will Take Us Home
There are even many family members Who we never met in this present life They passed over before our day of birth But watch over us through trouble and strife We Shall Not Die Alone.. Past Generations Will Support Us Home
We’ve also had devoted friends From our youth or recent days Who’ve transitioned to the other side And we miss them in so many ways We Shall Not Die Alone.. Departed Friends Will Accompany Us Home
Some have known the Unconditional Love Of a faithful, friendly pet Dog, cat or whatever animal Their presence we never forget We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Faithful Pet Will Walk Us Home
All through our lives there have been people Who have inspired us, guided and taught Through school, books, history, or whatever Knowledge and wisdom they brought We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Teachers Will Lead Us Home
Strangers cross our path through life Sometimes briefly, or moments that last But we always meet for a reason Untold Blessings exchanged as we passed We Shall Not Die Alone.. Blessed Souls Will Greet Us Home
If it’s meant to be our treasured Loved ones Will be physically present on that day We’ll have the chance to say farewell And together for peace will pray We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Loves Will Bless Us Home
But, even if their physical presence Is not there at our last breath Our Love is a bond that unites us forever Their Devoted Spirit will be present at our death We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Loves Spirits Will Send Us Home
We all have our own Inner Guidance Our Source, Spirit, Higher-Self or Soul When aligned our lives are Blessed We are Loving, Joyful and Whole We Shall Not Die Alone.. Our Higher-Self Will Unite Us Home
Some are truly Blessed with a Divine Encounter Of a Being, so High and Supreme Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, whoever they are Their Blissful Presence will be like a dream We Shall Not Die Alone.. Ascended Masters May Enlighten Us Home
So you see the journey we all take Is never a lonely one With so much Love surrounding us Our home-coming celebrations will have begun We Shall Not Die Alone.. An Abundance of Love Will Transport Us Home
Trina Graves – 17th November 2016
About This Poem
There are so many wonderful near-death experience stories shared by people from all walks of life and different religions, I have always enjoyed reading them and find them so comforting and inspiring. I think in every one I have read the person who ‘died’ came back and lived a different life than before, they were more loving, compassionate and spiritually minded.
Before my maternal grandmother died in 1993 she had several heart-attacks, after being resuscitated from the first one she told my mum that she was no longer afraid of dying because it had been so peaceful. Also, not long before she died she had a dream of walking on ahead of her children.
My mother also told me the story of another relative who was in bed, unable to move for his last days, but just before passing he sat up and was happily talking to ‘someone’ in the room.
I truly believe that we are never alone in this life or the next, so, of course we will be ‘met’ for the crossing over. I also believe that as we create our world, we can therefore focus on and choose who we would like to be with us at this time. My paternal grandmother died when I was seven and my older brother was nine. We lived next door to her so were very close. My brother strongly believes that she will be the one to meet him when he dies, so I too am positive that she will be there for him. I personally feel no need to determine ‘who’ will be the first one to greet me, it will all be a Blessed Re-union. 🙂
Our lives are blessed with loved ones Which makes it harder to bear When they are taken from our sides And are no longer there
We miss their smile, their warmth, their love And sink deeper into our grief We’re told that time will heal the pain But still there is no relief
At quiet times we may feel their presence But pass it off with a rebuff We think that our minds are playing tricks As if we’re not suffering enough
The key to it all is an ‘open mind’ With this you’ll know the way If your mind is open you’re willing to be Ready to accept miracles each day
Our loved ones are not that far away Although it can be hard to believe Just reach out with your thoughts and love And be open for the gifts you’ll receive
Love is eternal it never dies When we pass, it’s all we can take The love we share is never lost The bond will never break
Trina Graves – 7th October 2001
About This Poem
Love Is Eternal was my very first attempt at writing a sympathy poem. It was also the first poem I intentionally wrote. I have always been drawn towards sympathy poems, not because of the loss of anyone close, but because I find most of them to be so uplifting. Looking back now, I can also see that this was part of my life path.
In January 1992 an uncle died. He was my mother’s oldest sister’s husband, and as I grew up he seemed to me to be a dominant man with old fashioned views of women. However, a few years before he died I spent some time working with him (my father had his own business, I worked in the office and my uncle helped out in establishing the marketing) and got to know a different side of his character. Now, I easily see where his views on women came from, as along with it being an older generations views, he only had the experience of brothers and sons.
At the get-together after his funeral there were two printed out poems that were passed around, I read them and liked them so kept a copy. They were: I Am Standing On The Sea Shore (Luther F. Beecher, but often credited to Bishop Brent) and Death Is Nothing At All (Henry Scott Holland).
I read these many times and found them so uplifting that I began to look for more inspirational words, quotes and poems. And I started to write them all down in a special notebook with my favourite family photos on the inside covers. Thus began my quest on my spiritual path, that would lead me to begin my Spiritual Quotes To Live By website in 2010 and to write my own poems.
It is only in writing this now that I have realized: the influence he had on my life while he was alive was small, but since his passing, it has launched me to where I am today, because he also gave me a message in 1994 (through a medium) which has greatly affected my writing. You can read more about this with my poem: ‘Insight.‘ I think I should point out that he was not a ‘Spiritual’ man during his life, at least, not that I knew of.
How do you view sympathy poems? Are they something you only read when a loved one has passed or missed? Or, like me, do you find them uplifting and reassuring to speak of life continuing on?
Update March 2023
Since writing the above several years ago, I have written and added a poem ‘My Catalyst‘ that tells the story of my uncle’s importance in my life.
The devastation that you bear Causing your heart to rip and tear I know there’s nothing I can say That can take this pain away
The reason for this parting you don’t know At times life can hit with a mighty blow Wrenching deep down into your core Changing your life forever more
In the days, months and years ahead Through tumultuous emotions you’ll be lead In time acceptance will seep through Knowing there was nothing you could do
All I can hope is that you feel The love that can help you heal From so many close and far Who care about how you are
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you Though there’s nothing physical we can do So we all embrace you in pure love To help protect you like a glove
Your precious little one Who’s physical life never begun Will always be in your heart And you’ll never be apart
I would like to share with you My beliefs, though you might think untrue In time, the words I hope will bring A ‘Light’ to ease your suffering
You felt their presence in the womb Just as though they were in the room Their core essence you could feel Spiritual energy is truly real
We are Spiritual Beings first and bodies last When on this Earth a spell is cast To make us forget the plans we made With other Souls a path we laid
Your special little Angel agreed with you To bring an experience so raw and true Of the sanctity of a non-physical life That would at first cut you like a knife
You both knew you would always share A connection, though they wouldn’t be there Living the life you envisioned and planned Through pregnancy, before death played its hand
Your dreams of happiness were crushed As this tragedy unfolded and rushed Into the depths of your very Being To change forever your way of seeing
Sadly, some never wade the loss and grief Pinning for years with little relief Turning to addictions to ease the pain Looking for answers and reasons to blame
Others, though hurting and feeling the loss Know they have the courage and support to cross The bridge over the river of perpetual sorrow Glimpsing there’s always a brighter tomorrow
They know their Angel will travel on Growing in Spirit, but never ‘gone’ Always hearing every thought and prayer Throughout their ‘lives’ they continue to share
The limit of sight should never be A definition of reality Your little one is never far away Although you can’t see them here today
It is through an uplifted, loving heart That it is possible to even start Connecting a stronger Spiritual link It’s all to do with the way you think
In your dreams, in bed at night You can visit the world of Light And hold your precious little one Until the dawning of the sun
I believe your path is the most difficult there is to face With not even minutes of a life to treasure and retrace So I send my Love, Light, Blessings and Prayers to you Asking Heavenly Assistance to guide you through
Trina Graves – March 2017
About This Poem I won’t say much about this poem as all my feelings about it are expressed in the poem. I have not shared it before except with the parents who it was written for. They have now been blessed with another addition to the family, although I know it does not take away any of the feelings of love and loss for their first son, it brings another joy into their lives and additional strength to move on.
So I would like to now share these words, hoping they will be of some upliftment to anyone who has gone through this heart-breaking experience. Of course, they are also for those who had a limited time with their precious ones – whether minutes, months or several years.
We all love enchanting, captivating stories From very young children to the old Reading stories uses our imagination We’re engrossed in how they will unfold Books can be just a few short pages Or go on for a whole series that offer more But all stories have a beginning and an end The pleasure they make is what we read them for
Films and TV series capture our attention As we sink into and establish the plot Our senses are bombarded with emotions Through characters, music and the scenery shot A film lasts for a short time, only an hour or two A complete series can go on for a year or more But all films and series have a beginning and an end The emotions evoked are what we watch them for
Some people enjoy enhancing nature Planting various seeds into a flower-pot They nurture and appreciate the beauty Whether a lavender bush or forget-me-not Flowers develop wondrous hues and fragrance Scattering their elegance in gardens and more But all flowers have a beginning and an end Their pure beauty is what we grow them for
One of nature’s incredible, bountiful joys Is the variety of trees that grow everywhere Their magnificence and majestic presence Is enhanced with the lessons they share Strength, flexibility, change, importance of roots They give us oxygen and so much more But all trees have a beginning and an end Vital life-enhancement is what we need them for
Over our lives most of us share some time With a pet who becomes a family friend It doesn’t matter what the animal type It’s the faithful love that they can send Companionship, loyalty, non-judgement Whatever we share, they give so much more But all animals have a beginning and an end Their companionship is what we adore them for
And so we come to the point of these words The hardest experience one day we all must face When our nearest and dearest loved ones pass Will we be able to abide it with good grace?
The simple, pure beauty of our family and friends We enrich our lives together, with the pleasures we make Our love and companionship is vital life-enhancement As the emotions evoked bring our Hearts and Souls Awake
“Everything That Has A Beginning Has An End Make Your Peace With That And All Will Be Well” The Buddha’s words are an essential principle of life To enable us when the time comes to say: ‘Farewell’
Trina Graves – 21st November 2016
About This Poem
This was one of my poems that surprised me with how it ended. I started in my usual way (praying and asking for guidance) and then wrote a list of the topics to cover. Each verse flowed quite easily and I knew it was going to be a sympathy poem it was obviously going to move on to dying. But the ‘surprise’ was in how the ending of each verse came together for the penultimate verse.
I Am a Being of Light and Love Sent to this Earth from above My true self is a Spirit, so high I Shall Not Altogether Die
I am a part of the Infinite Whole The Light of God contained in my Soul I remember this, whatever I try I Shall Not Altogether Die
No matter which path in life I choose I will succeed, I never lose Lessons are learned, even from a lie I Shall Not Altogether Die
I came here to always do my best Sometimes it seems life is a test But it matters not if I laugh, or cry I Shall Not Altogether Die
Love and joy are my goals, while I’m here Following my intuition, it becomes so clear These are the treasures, so in Bliss, I sigh I Shall Not Altogether Die
Loved ones leave, as I know they must Although I grieve, with faith I trust Our Love will unite us, that is why I Shall Not Altogether Die
One day my body will cease to be But I know that’s not the end of me I’ll be Aware when my passing is nigh I Shall Not Altogether Die
My Soul will journey on, and on Through many lives, and bodies I’ll don My Spirit growing as the times go by I Shall Not Altogether Die
About This Poem
One of my all-time favourite quotes is: You are not a human on a Spiritual journey. You are a Spirit on a human journey. (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin) so this is something I do my best to convey in many of my poems.
I have no doubt what-so-ever that we survive death. In the past I have had many messages through different mediums that were either unusual knowledge of myself or members of my family, or, I was given advice that would have a dramatic affect on my life. I no longer go to Spiritualist Church for various reasons, but I am grateful for all the messages and knowledge I gained over the time that I did.
‘Sympathy’ poems are something I am drawn to and love to write. Death is a large part of life but is not talked about by so many people, it is also mostly considered to be a feared and extremely sad event. My wish with my poems is to bring this topic to everyone, not just to those who are grieving, and to shed light and cheerful acceptance on dying.. for we will all go through it ourselves one day!
They have gone alone on a journey To the most exotic faraway land They’ll see crystal clear, vast seas As they walk along soft golden sand
They can explore dense areas of forest Abundant with magnificent plants and trees Or stroll through a quaint picturesque village Basking in the sights and the pleasant breeze
They might be feeling adventurous And go climbing to majestic mountain tops The view will be spectacularly awesome Surrounded by the beauty that never stops
They might just want to sit and chat Catching-up with a friend they have missed Or, once again feel the loving embrace Of a beloved, and be joyfully kissed
With no limits of health to stop them And absolutely no chance of difficulty They can do anything they desire or wish Being their true selves and ultimately free
They took all they needed with them Backpacking, they didn’t need much Off-the-grid, but I don’t need to worry As it seems, they may not keep in touch
I will lovingly think of them often, but continue With my own life, knowing each and every day They are experiencing an awesome adventure Now young at heart, they can relax and play
One day I will put on my backpack Filled with all my experiences and love And I too will take the final journey We will be re-united in Paradise above
Trina Graves – 11th June 2018
About This Poem
For a long while now I have liked to think of death as though the people we know and love have gone on holiday/vacation and it’s as though we have gone back to a period of time when we could not so easily contact them – being older this is easily remembered! So this idea has cropped up a few times in my poems.
I know the ‘backpacking’ was on my mind because my oldest granddaughter and her girlfriend were going backpacking in Asia mid-June for a few months. I awoke one morning with ‘Backpacking In Paradise’ on my mind and it kept coming back to me. It seemed a very fitting idea to use for a sympathy poem, because when we do leave there is not much we can take with us for our adventure ahead, except for the love, experiences and wisdom we have gathered – from giving and receiving – during our lifetime.
While we are sleeping We let go of physicality To experience our true form Of Spirit, unlimited and free We can go anywhere at all With no limits of time or space Explore our magnificent Universe Or our past-lives we can re-trace
While we are sleeping The concept of time disappears Losing all of its boundaries Only to the physical it adheres After closing our eyes to sleep It seems only minutes have gone by When many hours later we awaken And adapt to times apparent lie
While we are sleeping The door is open wide To step through and appreciate The world on the other side Our Spirit leaves our body Resting peacefully in our bed We’re attached by a silver cord It only breaks when we are dead
While we are sleeping Our true self guides the way We regain our pure perspective And digest the current day Although plentiful things transpire Remembering only happens to a few But just because we have forgotten Doesn’t mean it isn’t true
While they are sleeping Those nearing their life’s end Are making preparations To more easily comprehend The letting go of this world And moving on to better things They are more likely to remember The messages ‘sleeping’ brings
While we are sleeping We can visit those we love Here, or those departed Transitioned to the Above Sometimes we can recall A ‘dream’ of those who’ve died Our love unites us forever Meeting eases tears we’ve cried
While we are sleeping Some give assistance in many ways Helping others make their transition At the ending of their days Or being with someone who’s down Needing an uplifting smile that’s all We are all linked together Supporting each other forevermore
While they are sleeping Babies bask in Spirituality New to physical restrictions Their Souls requisite to be free Growing so fast requires sleep As their minds and bodies change Over years time works its wonders And sleeping patterns rearrange
While we are sleeping Our body’s cells all adjust Unhindered by limiting thoughts It’s why sleeping is a must Our bodies can miraculously heal And sleep plays a crucial part In recovery from disease or wounds To mind, body and emotional heart
While we are sleeping We connect to our Higher-Self And can take the opportunity To assess our abundant wealth In the multiple aspects of life Our goal is to constantly do our best Our Higher-Self knows the plan Enlightening us when we’re at rest
While we are sleeping Our Guides are always there To support and give assistance Because they truly care They chose to be with us For our life here on this Earth Always giving loving guidance Before and since our birth
While we are sleeping Heavenly Angels gather around Pure, Divine Beings of Light To us mortals they are bound Giving constant unconditional love Helping us reach our goals So, While We Are Sleeping Angels Have Conversations With Our Souls
Trina Graves – 15th February 2016
About This Poem
This is one of the poems where, after praying and asking for guidance, I first wrote down a list of the ideas for each verse: being in Spirit, concept of time, visiting those passed on etc..
Some of the basis of this poem comes from my experiences…
I have been told by family members of how when some of there loved ones were nearing death they had vivid dreams of: climbing, crossing over, leaving family – but always knowing what they were moving onto was good or better.
Many years ago, at a Spiritualist church the medium spoke of how many people spend their sleeping hours working on the other side. She talked to one woman about the love and comfort she was giving to babies that she cuddled each night. I loved this idea and the thought of it stuck with me.
I have dreamt of what I believe are passed lives.
The verse about babies being new to physical restrictions and therefore needing more sleep to be free, was not something I ‘thought’ about, but once written made so much sense to me, so it is my favourite verse from this poem.
A large part of ‘The Great Awakening’ is in knowing of our being Spiritual Beings, first and foremost. As this poem contains so many different aspects of what happens to us as our Spiritual self ‘While We Are Sleeping,’ it is being added to this new category I am in the process of compiling.
Over the years I often wondered why so much of Spirituality is debunked and ridiculed in the mainstream. With so much evidence available, to anyone who chooses to research with an open mind, it didn’t make much sense to me. Along with alternative healing therapies, astrology, tarot etc.., our Spiritual nature is given a token acceptance (usually just classed as entertainment), but not revealed as the greater part of our humanity.
During the past three years I have come to understand why it has been this way. Mainstream programming is used to keep people under control and dumbed down. The elite manipulators do not want people to realise their true power because it will mean the end of their domination, which is exactly what is happening now, as daily more, and more people are Awakening.
Oh, the things I have felt For over a hundred years From bountiful joys of nature To the sorrow of human tears
When I was first planted here There wasn’t much else around A field of grass, some trees like me A few upright stones on the ground
As I grew tall and strong Yielding as each season passed The people came and went Always mournful and downcast
My wisdom grew with time As my roots delved into the Earth I also connected to the sun above All-That-Is pronounced my worth
The ever-flowing abundant life Birds, foliage, butterflies, bees Most people never-ever noticed Oh, please! BEHOLD us trees
We are the inherent Guardians of Earth Filtering and providing more than they see The original network, our roots underground We may seem static, but we are truly free
The empty field that once surrounded my youth Is now filled with hundreds of stones Becoming more ornate over the years But still, just mark the position of bones
I absorb the waves of sadness that flow From the people visiting a stone If they let me, I can help them For we are One and never alone
I sense the Spirit of their loved one They block the energy by thinking them gone My leaves whisper the truth on the breeze ‘They are beside you, they do live on’
Trina Graves – 6th July 2018
About This Poem
From the age of six until I married, my family would spend the summer Sunday afternoons in various villages throughout the Oxfordshire countryside. My father belonged to a cricket club, so we all went along to enjoy and afternoon out. While the men played cricket, the woman chatted and the children played. My mum also liked to take a walk around the villages, especially to visit their church and grounds. I didn’t realize it back then, of course, but this was to develop into something I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life.
I now love to visit old churches and graveyards, especially to see the beautiful trees that are always present in these tranquil grounds. So, when I began to take nature photographs to compile my photo-quotes this was obviously a wonderful source for me.
Last week I had to take my car to have some work done, nearby there was a graveyard (no church though) that I had not visited before, so I decided to go and hang out there while I waited. It was a beautiful sunny day and after walking around – taking lots of photos – I sat in the shade to bask in the glorious view of trees.
Personally, I believe graves are an old tradition that in our more enlightened times are no longer needed. But, I respect that others can find comfort in visiting their loved ones marker. I do not find them at all depressing because I choose to think of all the love that has been brought to the site, for hundreds of years!
So, as I sat there, just across from me was this tall tree surrounded by gravestones. I thought about what it has viewed over the years and decided to write a poem, luckily I had pen and paper with me. And this is what I wrote.
Inspirational Poems 