Do Not Go Gentle: Poems for Funerals

by Neil Astley (Editor)

This volume of poetry provides a collection of funeral poems, appropriate for reading at a funeral or memorial service.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2003

About the author

Neil Astley is editor of Bloodaxe Books, Britain’s leading poetry imprint, which he founded in 1978. His own books include novels, poetry collections and anthologies, most notably the Bloodaxe Staying Alive trilogy. He is also a trustee of Ledbury Poetry Festival and Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts, and a development committee member of Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway, Ireland.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology—reading some familiar poets but also many unfamiliar. A few took a bit of an emotional toll, particularly the ones that reminded me of family or friends who’ve died by suicide, violence, or empathizing too much with the feelings and descriptions herein I may have when my own parents or spouse should expire before me; thus, I took my time to read this. Reading this prompted me to buy a hard copy of the collected poems by Alice Walker, along with hard copy of this book to notate and mark, and will need to reference when I must again eulogize.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection, though some are far too long for a funeral or memorial service (please don't read a four page poem at a funeral). I picked this up to use at a philanthropic organization I belong to, where we do an annual memorial for all members deceased in the past year as well as memorials and funerals when they happen. I wanted some different options that are respectful of various beliefs, and this gave me that.