Why short verses work best
A memorial card measures 2.5″ by 4.25″, about the size of a playing card. A short poem for a memorial card stays readable without shrinking the type. Aim for four to eight lines, or one stanza from a longer poem. If the full text is too long, print the verse on the card and read the rest aloud at the service.
For header lines on the front, such as “In Loving Memory,” see our guide on what to write on a memorial card for fifty-plus front-of-card sayings.
Short verses for memorial cards
These short verses for memorial cards fit the back without crowding the design. Copy any line or combine a few that feel right for your family.
Faith & scripture
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
- “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8
- “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21
- May angels lead you in; may saints await you at the gates.
- Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Secular & reflective
- Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day.
- What we keep in memory is ours unchanged forever.
- A life that touches others goes on forever.
- To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
- Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your memory lives within me, forever in my heart.
Celebration of life
- A beautiful soul, forever remembered.
- Your smile, your laugh, your love — we carry them always.
- Celebrating a life filled with joy and kindness.
- Not goodbye, but until we meet again.
- Thank you for the gift of your presence in our lives.
Well-loved poems to excerpt
These poems for memorial cards are popular at services. Look up the full text and print one stanza on the back:
- “Afterglow” — Helen Lowrie Marshall (built into our customizer)
- “Remember” — Christina Rossetti (public domain)
- “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” — Mary Elizabeth Frye
- “She Is Gone (He Is Gone)” — David Harkins
- “The Dash” — Linda Ellis
- “A Limb Has Fallen from the Family Tree” — traditional
Using a custom poem or verse
You are not limited to the examples above. When you design custom prayer cards or memorial cards with photo, choose Custom on the back and paste your own short verse. The live preview shows exactly how it prints before you order.
Preview your verse on the card
Upload a photo, pick a layout, and paste your short poem or verse on the back. See both sides before you order.
Design a memorial cardFrequently asked questions
What are good short verses for memorial cards?
Four to eight lines work best. Popular choices include Psalm 23, the Irish Blessing, the Afterglow poem, or a short secular line such as “Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day.” Our customizer lets you preview any verse before you order.
How long should a short poem on a memorial card be?
Aim for four to eight lines, or one stanza of a longer poem. A memorial card is 2.5″×4.25″, so shorter text stays readable at a comfortable size.
Can I use a custom poem or verse on a prayer card?
Yes. Choose Custom when you design the back of your card and type any title and message. You can paste a short poem, scripture, or personal note and see it in the live preview before ordering.