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Old 01-16-2006, 09:16 AM   #1
julierene
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Some People... (Poem for my funeral) Want input :-)

Some People… by Julie B

(spoken with a pause after each phrase)

“Some People…
Never learn how to play an instrument
Some People…
Have never planted a garden
Some People…
Don’t participate in worth-wild activities
Some People...
Get mad over the smallest issues
Some People...
Don't treat others as they would like to be treated themselves
Some People…
Aren’t passionate about life
Some People…
Never get to see the ocean
Some People…
Aren't blessed with loving parents
Some People…
Have a hard time making friends
Some People…
Don’t graduate high school
Some People…
Can’t overcome their families mistakes
Some People…
Never get a higher education
Some People…
Never have children
Some People…
Can’t stay married
Some People…
Have never felt the love of a child
Some People…
Can’t find a soul mate
Some People…
Never find a real love for life
Some People…
Never find the meaning of happiness

Some People…

Are blessed with it all, in less than 30 years.”

Last edited by julierene; 01-17-2006 at 09:10 PM..
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Old 01-16-2006, 09:43 AM   #2
pattyz
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Sweetie,
this is beautiful.

Here's my input: As an attendee, I would get a bit ansy because of the length of the repetition, but as I looked it over there are a number of these you could hook together. From my perspective, they would be just as meaningful.

big hug,
pattyz
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Old 01-16-2006, 10:55 AM   #3
Lolly
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I think it's very truthful, and I wanted to share a memory of a friend's funeral.

With the help of family and friends, she had put together a slide show of pictures from her life, from babyhood all the way to her final days. It was really neat, and was accompanied by music she chose. One could also have a poem such as yours be read during the presentation. I thought it was such a beautiful thing to do, very uplifting, and she also had pictures set out on a table as you entered the chapel.

<3 Lolly
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Old 01-16-2006, 11:46 AM   #4
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A hard one to respond to given the subject matter, and facing death being one of the big ones.

Please forgive my honesty.

It is an impressive list, including many fundamental human values and needs. You are right it is an accomplishment. It is a lovely list, and an aspirational one, but and I am finding difficulty in how to put this -Are all of these things within the gift of "accomplishment" for all individuals. Are they not a mixture of blessings, and accomplishment.

Is the poem, celebration, validation, or admonishement/encouragement, or all three.

It is certainly thought very provoking, and a reminder of many of the things that are truly important, even if not always within our own gift.

It is a very brave post, and leaves me reflective with the feeling must try harder.

As for the rest words are simply too frail.

RB
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Old 01-16-2006, 01:02 PM   #5
StephN
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Wink If those are the words

that best express your feelings about what is important in life than that is the way it should be presented. To me most people would think that all those things would add meaning to their life. I am sure you do not mean it to fit everyone or to be an all-inclusive list.

I have not written anything for my funeral - only went so far as to pick out some music that is meaningful to me that I would want the words printed out so everyone could understand them. I got better so did not go further. Had other things needing my attention, such as getting my body stronger so I can fight longer!
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Old 01-16-2006, 02:20 PM   #6
julierene
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I see the ones I can combine, I think... I missed that, thanks!

I think it's hard to read a poem like this without knowing the individual.

I probably should have mentioned, these are all of MY personal blessings and accomplishments.

For the one who said these were accomplishments, they are also blessings. Having children, being musically talented, making wonderful friends, meeting my soul mate and husband of 10 years, etc etc etc, all MY blessings.

Maybe I could figure out a way to tie a little bit of religious connotation in there. I certaintly wouldn't have been able to do all of it without His help.

I thought about l stopping the part about "Some People" after about 4 verses.

This was also something that was to be read during a slide show, where all of these things had pictures that went to them. I need to add stuff for the beginning of my life with my parents, family, etc.
LOVE the feedback! :-)
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Old 01-16-2006, 02:30 PM   #7
julierene
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"Some People...Lack parents who love them
Can’t overcome their families mistakes
Never learn how to play an instrument
Haven't planted a garden
Get mad over the smallest issues
Don't treat others as they would like to be treated
Never get involved in anything
Aren’t passionate about life
Never get to see the ocean
Have a hard time making friends
Don’t graduate high school
Never get a higher education
Can’t stay married
Never have children
Have never felt the love of a child
Never find the meaning of happiness

Some People...
Are blessed with all of these, in less than 30 years"

This better? If I put all these pictures up during the slide show, along with some great music, I think they might figure out the punch line. But I think it would be ok still. As long as they don't think I am talking negatively about them. Like when I say I lack parents who love them, and have a picture of my parents, what will they think? Would it create a little too much frustration and shock? Maybe an introduction as to what it is?
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Old 01-16-2006, 05:32 PM   #8
Julie
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I have a suggestion - I hope it's ok.

I see what you're trying to do and the idea is lovely. BUT - maybe to some the implication might be that you are lacking if you do not accomplish these things? Or maybe that's my bias, I don't know. A suggestion would be to maybe phrase it like this:

There is such joy in...
-seeing the ocean
-feeling the love of a child
-planting a garden
-completing one's education
...and so forth, ending with "...and I accomplished these things in X number of years and have felt so blessed" or something along those lines.
That way you are still validating (and sharing) your truly wonderful life accomplishments.
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Old 01-17-2006, 02:08 AM   #9
chrislmelb
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i think it sounds great. maybe don't start with your parents but build up to them by putting the music, garden, ocean etc first. then you can leave the most important ones till last so people have got the hang of it by then. i actually like it when you repeat 'some people'. there is no pleasing everyone!
Good luck
Christine
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Old 01-17-2006, 11:04 AM   #10
Lisa
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I wouldn't begin to edit someone's funeral poem. The messages, the emotions are all yours. This is your life and it will be your soul's passing. No one at your service will be critizing your writing. Rather, they'll all be missing their friend and family member.

Love and light,

Lisa
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