Choosing the right length
A memorial card is small, so a full-length poem rarely fits on the back without shrinking the type. Aim for four to eight lines, or a single stanza of a longer poem. If a poem speaks to your family but runs long, it is perfectly acceptable to print one meaningful verse and read the full version aloud at the service.
Verses you can use freely
The following are traditional or public-domain texts, which means you can print them on a card without permission. Scripture from the King James Version is in the public domain and is among the most requested.
Public-domain readings
Scripture (King James Version)
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
- “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” — Revelation 21:4
- “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5
- “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Traditional blessings
- “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.” — Irish Blessing
- “May perpetual light shine upon them, and may they rest in peace.” — Traditional
Well-loved funeral poems to look up
These popular poems are still under copyright, so we have not reprinted them in full — but they are easy to find, and any one of them makes a beautiful reading. A short excerpt often fits on a card:
- “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” — Mary Elizabeth Frye
- “Remember” — Christina Rossetti (public domain)
- “Afterglow” — Helen Lowrie Marshall
- “She Is Gone (He Is Gone)” — David Harkins
- “The Dash” — Linda Ellis
Matching the poem to the card
If the front of your card has a religious header, a scripture verse on the back keeps the tone consistent. For a celebration of life, a gentle, hopeful poem often fits better than a formal prayer.
When you design your memorial cards online, you can paste your chosen verse into the back and see instantly whether it fits, then adjust the wording before you order.
See your poem on the card
Choose a built-in prayer or paste your own verse, then preview the back of your card before ordering.
Design a prayer cardFrequently asked questions
How long should a funeral poem on a card be?
Four to eight lines, or a single stanza. A memorial card is small (2.5″×4.25″), so a shorter verse stays readable. You can always read the full poem aloud at the service.
Can I print a poem on a memorial card without permission?
Traditional and public-domain texts — such as King James scripture, the Irish Blessing, or poems by authors like Christina Rossetti — can be printed freely. Poems still under copyright may need permission if you reproduce them in full.
What is a good non-religious funeral poem?
For a secular service, gentle reflective poems about memory and love work well. “The Dash” by Linda Ellis and “She Is Gone” by David Harkins are popular choices you can look up and excerpt.