‘Afterglow Poem’ has become popular in recent years as a way of setting a warmer and happier tone at a funeral or memorial service. It describes death in more peaceful terms and reminds those present to remember the deceased fondly and with love in their hearts, rather than sorrow.
After-Glow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Explanation
This poem is about how the speaker wants people to remember them in a happy and positive way after they have passed away. They don’t want people to be sad or cry when they think about them. Instead, they want their memory to bring smiles and warmth.
The speaker wishes to leave behind a beautiful feeling, like an “afterglow poem,” that remains with people even when life comes to an end. They hope that when others remember them, they will feel happiness and remember the good times they shared. The speaker wants their memory to be like a soft and gentle whisper that brings back memories of joyful moments, laughter, and sunny days.
The poem also expresses the desire for those who are sad and grieving because of the speaker’s passing to find comfort and healing. They wish for the tears of sorrow to dry up, like when the sun dries up raindrops. Instead of sadness, the speaker wants people to hold onto happy memories of the times they spent together.
In simple terms, the poem conveys the idea that the speaker wants to be remembered with happiness, laughter, and fondness by those they leave behind. They hope that their memory will bring joy and comfort to others, even after they are no longer here.
FAQS
An afterglow poem is a kind of poetry that remembers and honors someone who has passed away with warmth and love.
I cannot provide a specific poem from “Afterglow Poems” by Helen Lowrie Marshall, but they likely express love and comfort for funerals.
An afterglow prayer is a heartfelt prayer during or after a funeral that asks for peace and comfort for those left behind and honors the memory of the departed.
Afterglow at a funeral refers to the enduring sense of peace, love, and warmth that lingers in the hearts of those attending, symbolizing the lasting impact of the departed.
In a poetic sense, “afterglow” symbolizes the lasting warmth and beauty left behind after an event or experience, often referring to cherished memories.
A happy funeral is often referred to as a “celebration of life” or a “memorial service,” focusing on honoring the person’s life with joy and positivity.