Bereavement poems & quotes

Bereavement poems and quote tips for when you are not sure what to write in a card or perhaps a book.

You’re looking for something just a little more thoughtful and personal, right?

Something that speaks honestly & sincerely, without sounding overly sentimental or relying on tired phrases.

Whether you're writing a sympathy card, a condolence message, or simply want to acknowledge someone’s grief in a way that feels honest and kind, it can be hard to find the right words.

This page brings together a selection of original, sensitive bereavement quotes you can use in cards or messages, alongside a small, curated list of poetry books that gently speaks about  grief, love, and remembrance.

These bereavement poem books are useful for you to buy for card writing,  make beautiful, lasting gifts or offer a bit comfort if you’re grieving yourself.

Bereavement poems - top book choices

If you’d like to give someone a keepsake that speaks with quiet wisdom or you're looking for something meaningful to read in a time of loss, poetry can offer a kind of language that everyday words struggle to reach.

Below are some carefully selected poetry collections that can accompany someone through grief, remembrance, or healing.

Each book has been chosen for its tone, accessibility, and emotional intelligence.

These are not religious books, though many carry spiritual warmth.

They are suitable for diverse readers, and each one makes a thoughtful sympathy gift or you could buy and keep on your bookshelf to use several times, after all, who experiences grief and loss only once in their life.

You will be writing sympathy cards and bereavement poems over many years, so a handy purchase to keep for the many occasions that will come your way.

The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing – Edited by Kevin Young

This acclaimed anthology gathers poems from a wide range of voices ,from classic poets like W.H. Auden and Emily Dickinson to contemporary names like Mary Oliver and Marie Howe. The tone is reflective, honest, and perfect for the situation.

Why it’s a good choice:
It covers a broad emotional landscape and acknowledges grief in its many forms such as confusion, sorrow, longing, even moments of lightness.

Devotions by Mary Oliver

While not a grief specific book, this collection from the beloved poet Mary Oliver is rich in quiet awe, connection to nature, and reflections on love and loss. It’s the kind of book someone can dip into gently, at their own pace.

Why it’s a good choice:
For someone who finds peace in nature or needs gentle companionship in silence, Oliver’s words are like a steadying hand.

Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter by E.B. Bartels

This book combines personal essays and poetry with reflections on the deep connection we share with our animals. It’s written with honesty, wit, and tenderness.

Why it’s a good choice:
It’s especially comforting for someone mourning the loss of a pet - respectful, never dismissive, and full of real heart.

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön

Not so much a poetry book but included here for its poetic clarity. This bestselling work offers grounded wisdom and insight for people who are grieving or navigating uncertainty.

Why it’s a good choice:
For someone who prefers spiritual calm to sentimentality, this book offers gentle, open hearted language that doesn’t presume or push.

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief  by Martha Whitmore Hickman

This perennial favourite includes daily reflections and short prose-poems that offer comfort in manageable portions. It’s ideal for someone who may be overwhelmed and needs a quiet, daily rhythm.

Why it’s a good choice:
It’s one of the most enduring grief books for a reason, clear, grounded, and never overwhelming.

“A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis

Most well know for writing about Alice in Wonderland, this book was written after the death of his wife, this is a raw, personal, and surprisingly modern look at grief. It’s filled with poetic reflection, though written in prose.

Why it’s a good choice:
It’s especially helpful for those grappling with the intellectual and emotional weight of grief, honest, questioning, and deeply human.

 "Loss" by Donna Ashworth

She reminds us love and grief are intertwined and life's true treasure lies in those we hold most dear.

Why it's a good choice: My particular favourite bereavement poems.  She covers everything & everyone so could be a brilliant choice on your own bookshelf or the loveliest gift for someone.

Incidentally, it is the most gifted book on amazon for sympathy, loss and bereavement, in case that is important to you.

If the thought of writing out full bereavement poems is too much...

What about a quote instead?

Alongside these bereavement poems book ideas, I’ve included a selection of simple, but universal quotes.

They’re just right for adding to a sympathy card, including in a book, or attaching to a gift tag as part of your offering.

If nothing else they may spark you to think of something you hadn't thought of.  

They are just a kick start for your imagination, I hope they help.

You’re welcome to use them in condolence cards, email messages, notes, or your sympathy gifts.

General Loss

"Grief is not something to fix, it’s something to carry. And no one carries it the same way."
"When someone important leaves, everything changes, even the silence feels different."

Loss of a Work Colleague

"We shared more than tasks and deadlines. Their presence made the day lighter, steadier, better."
"They may have been a colleague on paper, but they were part of our everyday rhythm. That kind of loss leaves a real gap."

Loss of a Partner (from a friend or colleague’s perspective)

"I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose the person who shared your daily life. I hope you feel surrounded by people who care about you."
"When someone loses their partner, it’s not just a person they lose, it’s a way of living, a shared language, a whole world."

Loss of a Parent

"The loss of a parent reshapes everything  even if you thought you were prepared."
"Parents are our first home. Losing them can feel like the ground itself has shifted."

Loss of a Child

"No words can touch the depth of that kind of loss. But please know your pain is not unseen.

""There are no right things to say. Only this: your child mattered greatly. And still does."

Loss of a Pet

"They may not speak our language, but pets understand us in ways few humans do. That absence is real and very deeply felt."

"Some animals aren’t ‘just pets’  they are companions, routines, great comfort, and a member of your family. It’s okay to miss them deeply."

Loss of a Grandparent

"They held family stories, great strength, and a kind of love that felt timeless. Their absence will be noticed in so many small, meaningful ways."

"Losing a grandparent often means losing a piece of the past and a kind of unconditional presence that shaped who we are."