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On Death

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

On Death Poem Verses

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Audio Recording

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'On Death' can be tailored/personalised

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Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'On Death' can be tailored/personalised

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Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

The poem "On Death" is a reflection on the interconnectedness of life and death. The poem suggests that death is not an end, but rather a continuation of life, and that in order to understand death, one must seek it in the heart of life. The poem uses metaphors of nature, such as the river and the sea, to convey the idea that life and death are one, and that the silent knowledge of the beyond lies in the depth of one's hopes and desires.

The poem can be used for a funeral as it offers a perspective on death that can provide comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one. It can be personalized by reflecting on the deceased's hopes, desires, and dreams, and acknowledging that their legacy lives on through the memories and impact they leave behind. The poem can be a beautiful tribute to the deceased, celebrating their life and acknowledging their passage into the next realm.

Alternatively, the poem can be enjoyed as a philosophical reflection on the nature of life and death. It celebrates the interconnectedness of all things and suggests that death is not an end, but a continuation of life. The poem can inspire contemplation and reflection on the mysteries of existence, encouraging the reader to embrace life to the fullest and trust in the unknown.

The Structure of Poem

On Death: This poem consists of five stanzas, each with six lines. There is no consistent rhyme scheme, and the meter is irregular, with some lines having four stressed syllables and others having five.

Best Quote from On Death Poem

This is a quote from the poem On Death by Khalil Gibran

"For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one."

This quote highlights the interconnectedness of life and death, and the idea that they are not separate, but rather parts of a larger whole. It suggests that just as a river flows into the sea, life flows into death, and that this is a natural and inevitable part of the cycle of existence. The quote reminds us that death is not an end, but a continuation of life in a different form, and that we should not fear it, but embrace it as a part of our journey. It encourages us to see the beauty and interconnectedness of all things, and to live our lives with a sense of wonder and awe.