The phrase is well known, the poem not so much; in fact I have never seen it in any of the collections of funeral readings. The English poet Ernest Dowson died in 1900 at 32 years old. He was no stranger to loss and mourning. He leaves us this beautiful short piece: They are not long, the weeping and the laughter, Love and desire and hate; I think [...] Read more
Funeral Poems, Readings, Music, Quotations & Thoughts
Calon Lân
Published on Apr 16, 2012
The Welsh Soprano Katherine Jenkins said that this is the song that she would personally like to be played at her own funeral. She recorded it herself but this version is sung by Cerys Matthews accompanied by Fron Male Voice Choir. It's a stirring tune and a great favourite with the crowds at the Millenium Stadium when the Welsh Rugby team play. [...] Read more
A Quantock Poem
Published on Apr 4, 2012
The English poet Henry Newbolt loved Somerset and the Quantock Hills where he had a house at Aisholt. He lived there from 1927 and referred to Aisholt as 'that beloved valley' He wrote the following little-known short elegy titled "Mors Janua" Pilgrim, no shrine is here, no prison, no inn: Thy fear and thy belief alike are fond: Death is a gate, [...] Read more