Classic Poem Lines for Headstones (Public Domain)
Short lines from classic, public-domain poems that suit headstones — Rossetti, Tennyson, Stevenson, Campbell, Donne and more — with tips on attribution and layout.
A line of poetry can say what plain words can't. These come from classic poems that are in the public domain, so they can be engraved freely.
Short lines that fit a headstone
| Line | Poet and poem |
|---|---|
| To live in hearts we leave behind / Is not to die. | Thomas Campbell, "Hallowed Ground" (1825) |
| Remember me when I am gone away | Christina Rossetti, "Remember" (1862) |
| Sunset and evening star, / And one clear call for me! | Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Crossing the Bar" (1889) |
| Home is the sailor, home from sea, / And the hunter home from the hill. | Robert Louis Stevenson, "Requiem" (1887) |
| Death, be not proud | John Donne, Holy Sonnet X (1633) |
| Fear no more the heat o' the sun | William Shakespeare, Cymbeline |
| No coward soul is mine | Emily Brontë (1846) |
| Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. | Henry Scott Holland (1910) |
| They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old | Laurence Binyon, "For the Fallen" (1914) — for veterans |
Choosing a line
- Pick a line that sounds like the person, or a poem they loved.
- One or two lines fit the front; a full verse belongs on the back.
- Check spelling and punctuation against a reliable edition.
A note on modern poems
Many popular memorial poems written after the 1920s are still under copyright. If you want a modern poem, check its copyright status or ask the rights holder before engraving it.
Attribution
Add the poet's name in smaller letters below the line, or leave it off if space is tight — both are common.
Key Takeaways
- Classic poems from before the 1920s are free to engrave.
- One or two lines suit the front of a stone.
- Check modern poems for copyright first.
Next Step
See how many words fit or try a line in the Design Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good short poem for a headstone?
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die" (Thomas Campbell) is a classic, public-domain choice.
Can I put a poem on a headstone?
Yes. Public-domain poems can be engraved freely; check copyright on modern poems.
Where should a long poem go?
On the back of the stone, keeping the front clear for names and dates.
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Related guides
Headstone Ideas for a Book Lover or Writer
Headstone Ideas for a Sailor or Boater
Can You Engrave the Back of a Headstone? Ideas and Tips
Latin Phrases for Headstones
How Many Words Fit on a Headstone? Letter Sizes and Line Counts
