How to Write a Memoriam Poem – There are two main reasons to write a memoriam poem. Hopefully you simply want to create a special gift for a close family member that is unique, touching and full of memories. However, most memoriam are written after a tragedy has occurred. Writing is a way to help us commemorate the good things in our lives and cope with the sadness of unfortunate events. When the writing is in the form of a poem, it really lets those around us know what is on our minds. It also helps us to remember the lives of the people that we lose and not their deaths.
It is a sad day indeed when we have to bury our children. Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their sons and daughters. I know it is not easy to think about the loss of a family member who has passed so recently and before their time, but writing a memoriam poem can lift your spirit and the spirit of those around you who may be feeling the same way.
Step 1: Gather Your Inspiration
You can begin to put your thoughts down on paper right away, but I find it better to gather pictures, baby books, home videos, clothing, toys, and other things that your son loves or may have loved. These things can help stimulate the natural flow of emotions that can lead to touching words. Gathering other family members around you can also inspire creativity. As they talk about your son, take note of the memories that you all share.
Step 2: Write the Words
Brainstorming! You’ve already gathered the things around you that make you think of your son most fondly, it’s now time to write things that come to mind. Don’t try to make it rhyme or fit into a specific structure right now. Write down the words that pop into your mind. Our minds logically want to create sentences as we write, so let nature take over. You don’t even need to write sentences. Sometimes a few select words say it all.
Step 3: Refine the Poem for a Perfect Memoriam
Memories, we are talking about memories here. And let’s face it memories are all we have in the end. So, as you look over what you have just written, you may ask yourself a few questions to help you refine your poem.
- Did you cover his good qualities? Even writing about his eccentricities can be a way to memorialize him.
- Did you cover his achievements’? What makes you proud?
- What about his favorite things? What did he like? Things like his favorite music, tv shows, toys, places to hang out, books, sports and many other things.
- Writing about his childhood, did it bring about good memories? Try to put pictures in your mind as you read it back. Be descriptive.
- Have you expressed how you feel about your son? Let your emotions out. Express your joy about having him in your life and your sadness about your loss. If you are making a gift, hopefully you won’t have to cover the sadness part.
Coming up with questions like these can lead to adding words and polishing the memories that you did put down and even adding more memories. Then you can add words to make it rhyme and structure your memoriam poem like you want it.
References:
“Write a Poem in 10 Minutes” – http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/4-27-2005-69174.asp
“In Memoriam Poems” – http://www.hopecrc.ca/Memoriam.htm
“Writing Poetry” – http://www.poetry-online.org/writing-poetry.htm
