1. Your Essence:
* What were your passions? What did you love to do? This could be anything from gardening to painting to traveling.
* What were your values? What did you stand for? This could be family, kindness, justice, or something else entirely.
* What were your dreams? What did you hope to accomplish in life?
* What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What do you want people to remember about you?
2. Tone:
* Do you want a humorous poem?
* Do you want a serious and reflective poem?
* Do you want a poem that celebrates life?
3. Structure:
* Do you have a specific rhyme scheme or meter in mind?
* Or do you prefer a free verse poem?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
* Start with a simple statement about your life. "I lived a good life, filled with love and laughter."
* Focus on a specific memory. "Remember that time we..."
* Share a piece of wisdom you've learned. "Life is too short to..."
* Write a poem from the perspective of someone you love. "My heart aches for you, but I know you're in a better place now."
Remember:
* It's okay to write a poem that is personal and unique to you.
* Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and honest.
* Most importantly, have fun with it!
Example Poem:
(Free verse, celebratory)
The world is a little less bright today,
but the memories we shared will shine forever.
A spark of laughter, a hand to hold,
a heart that knew how to love deeply.
Though the journey has ended,
the spirit continues to inspire,
to dance in the wind,
to bloom in the sunshine.
So let's raise a glass to the one we loved,
and celebrate the life that was lived.
A Tip: You could also leave a letter or journal entry with specific thoughts for your loved ones to read at your funeral. This might give you more freedom to express yourself without the constraints of a poem.