21 Beautiful Poems & Quotes To Honor Stillborn Babies

I remember how cold the old cemetery in Quitman, Mississippi felt as my eyes scanned the small, stone headstone.

Emma Jean – Born to be in heaven

The dates were one and the same.

This baby girl’s life began and ended in the same moment.

But her brief existence left a beautiful mark on the hearts of her family.

This wasn’t the last time tiny dates and headstones would stamp the loss of a baby on my heart.

Several years later I served as a hospice chaplain in Idaho Falls. There was a sacred place in the local cemetery with a stone angel overlooking the graves of miscarried and still birth babies.

Each headstone bore the name given to them by their grieving parents, along with a heartfelt message and sometimes even small toys or trinkets left as offerings.

It breaks my heart that God’s precious and special children have their little lives cut so short, but it also filled me with hope that they’re resting peacefully in His arms.

It doesn’t wrap a grieving mother’s heart in comfort or a bereaved father’s mind in understanding, but it’s a small light to hold onto in the midst of such devastating loss.

And for those who may be struggling with their own grief and pain, know that you are not alone.

Your baby is loved and cherished, even if their physical bodies were only here for a small moment.

21 Beautiful Poems & Quotes To Honor Stillborn Babies

I hope these miscarriage poems and quotes will bring a sense of comfort and understanding to your heart as you grieve the loss of your child.

These sweet poems may not take away the pain, but they serve as a reminder that your baby’s life was precious and will never be forgotten.

For Just A Little While

by Micah Klug

Mommy’s heart is breaking

there’s so much we didn’t do.

Like bike riding, car finding, and

throwing a ball or two.

Maybe you’d like rainbows, or splashing in the rain,

perhaps you’re like your father, who

loves visiting memory lane.

Your tiny fingers were kissed

one, two, and three times.

Your brothers and sisters sang to you

and shared some silly rhymes.

Now we let Jesus’ light shine on

your precious face.

He’s called you home to heaven, where

we’ll see you again, thanks to his grace.

You’re now our guardian angel, since we

get to share you with heaven.

We’ll do everything we can to stay close to Jesus Christ,

and learn what it is he needs from this lesson.

Rest in peace my child, for one day you’ll be ours.

On resurrection morn’ there will no longer be

these terrible scars.

Our tears will turn to joy, our pain will be made right.

And you, my precious baby, will be welcomed back in white.

These Are My Footprints

Author Unknown

These are my footprints, so perfect and so small.

These tiny footprints, never touched the ground at all.

Not one tiny footprint, for now I have my wings.

These tiny footprints were meant for other things.

You will hear my tiny footprints, in the patter of the rain.

Gentle drops like angels tears, of joy and not from pain.

You will see my tiny footprints, in each butterflies’ lazy dance.

I’ll let you know I’m with you, if you give me just a chance.

You will see my tiny footprints, in the rustle of the leaves.

I will whisper names into the wind, and call each one that grieves.

Most of all, these tiny footprints, are found in mummy’s heart,

’cause even though I’m gone now, we’ll never truly part.

Little Snowdrop

Author Unknown

The world may never notice

If a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom,

Or even pause to wonder

If the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,

Or ever comes to be,

Touches the world in some small way

For all eternity.

The little one we long for

Was swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was then planted

Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do.

Every beating of our hearts

Says that we love you.

My Little Angel

by Rhonda

I felt your presence there inside of me,

Nestled soft and warm;

Sweet scent of baby’s breath,

Precious words left unadorned.

I saw your tiny heartbeat,

Then I knew that you were fine;

A perfect baby we created,

One that would be mine.

Then that tragic day it came

There was nothing I could do,

Only wait and hope

For the precious life of you.

Yes in the beginning

Your daddy was afraid;

Only he would love you unconditional

And never run away.

He loved you more this I do know,

As he cried for you that day,

When the doctor said that you were gone,

Daddy wanted you to stay.

He would have held you close to him,

And see your perfect form,

A gift of daddy’s love,

Would have kept you safe and warm.

Only now you are an angel over me

Beautiful and bare,

My heart would hurt if you cried for me

And mommy was not there.

Still we are together in my heart and memories,

You are still a part of my memory.

Rest gentle now ‘sweet baby’ there is no pain

You are never alone,

I know you are with the guiding angels

In you peaceful home.

I will come with you someday

Only now is not my time,

Then we will be together again

Again you will be mine.

Too Soon

Mary Yarnall

This was a life that had hardly begun

No time to find your place in the Sun

No time to do all you could have done

But we loved you enough for a lifetime

No time to enjoy the world and its wealth

No time to take life down off the shelf

No time to sing the songs of yourself

Though you had enough love for a lifetime

Those who live long endure sadness and tears

But you’ll never suffer the sorrowing years

No betrayal, no anger, no hatred, no fears

Just love – Only love – In your lifetime.

“Little Star”

from Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

When he shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the garish sun.

Heaven’s Wings

by Micah Klug

Precious little wings came for you too soon,

because a loving Father called you home

and bid you come with Him.

Your tiny wings are heavenward and

the morning flowers just sigh.

For a precious baby has gone away

so soon to touch the sky.

An Angel Never Dies

Author Unknown

Don’t let them say I wasn’t born,

That something stopped my heart

I felt each tender squeeze you gave,

I’ve loved you from the start.

Although my body you can’t hold,

It doesn’t mean I’m gone,

This world was worthy, not of me,

God chose that I move on.

I know the pain that drowns your soul,

What you are forced to face.

You have my word, I’ll fill your arms,

Someday we will embrace.

You’ll hear that it was “meant to be,

God doesn’t make mistakes,”

But that won’t soften your worst blow,

Or make your heart not ache.

I’m watching over all you do,

Another child you’ll bear,

Believe me when I say to you,

That I am always there.

There will come a time, I promise you,

When you will hold my hand,

Stroke my face and kiss my lips,

And then you’ll understand.

Although I’ve never breathed your air,

Or gazed into your eyes

That doesn’t mean I never “was”

An angel never dies.

A butterfly lights beside us

Author Unknown

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a

brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world:

but then it flies again. And though we wish it could

have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it.

I’ll Be There

Author Unknown

Daddy, please don’t look so sad,

Mama please don’t cry.

Cause I am in the arms of Jesus

And He sings me lullabies.

Please, try not to question God,

Don’t think He is unkind.

Don’t think He sent me to you,

And then He changed his mind.

You see, I am a special child,

And I’m needed up above.

I’m the special gift you gave Him,

The product of your love.

I’ll always be there with you

And watch the sky at night.

Find the brightest star that’s gleaming,

That’s my halo’s brilliant light.

You’ll see me in the morning frost,

That mists your window pane.

That’s me in the summer showers,

I’ll be dancing in the rain.

When you feel a little breeze,

From a gentle wind that blows.

That’s me I’ll be there,

Planting a kiss on your nose.

When you see a child playing,

And your heart feels a little tug.

That’s me I’ll be there,

Giving your heart a hug.

So daddy, please don’t look so sad,

Mama don’t you cry.

I’m in the arms of Jesus,

And He sings me lullabies

From your little angel.

Smallest Angel

Author Unknown

Listen…can you hear it?

A heavenly choir sings.

Another little angel

Just got her set of wings.

There’s joy and there is shouting

As she steps through heaven’s gate.

They all lined up to greet her.

All the angels celebrate.

Her eyes are shining brightly

And a smile lights her face,

As she receives her halo

And takes her special place.

She’s the smallest little angel

With the biggest kind of love.

She’s wiser than an owl

And more peaceful than a dove.

And though there’s joy in heaven,

There is sorrow down below.

broken hearts are crying

Since they had to let her go.

So she watches them from heaven

But she knows the time will come,

They will join their precious daughter

When their work on earth is done.

Tiny Angel

Author Unknown

Tiny Angel rest your wings

Sit with me for awhile.

How I long to hold your hand,

And see your tender smile.

Tiny Angel, look at me,

I want this image clear…

That I will forget your precious face

Is my biggest fear.

Tiny Angel can you tell me,

Why you have gone away?

You weren’t here for very long…

Why is it, you couldn’t stay?

Tiny Angel shook his head,

“These things I do not know…

But I do know that you love me,

And that I love you so.

God Needed You More

by Nicole Lothridge

God Needed You More

I wanted you so bad,

God needed you more.

I tried everything

To keep you here,

God needed you more.

I cried and almost died,

The day you came,

God needed YOU more.

It breaks my heart

I can no longer hold you

God needed you more.

We will meet again, someday,

But right now, God needs you more.

I will continue to love you,

I will grieve your loss,

I will always TRY to remember…

God needed you more.

The Cord

Author Unknown

We are connected, my child and I,

by an invisible cord not seen by the eye.

It’s not like the cord that connects us at birth

this cord can’t be seen by any on earth.

This cord does it’s work right from the start

it binds us together attached to my heart

I know that it’s there though no one can see

the invisible cord from my child to me.

The strength of this cord it’s hard to describe

it can’t be destroyed it can’t be denied.

It’s stronger than any cord man could create

it withstands the test, can hold any weight

And though you are gone, though you’re not here with me

the cord is still there but no one can see

It pulls at my heart, I am bruised…I am sore

but this cord is my lifeline as never before.

I’m thankful that my heart connects us this way

a mother and child, death can’t take it away!

Fingerprints

by Tom Krause

Your fingerprints are on my heart.

Fingerprints that teach me about caring.

Fingerprints that teach me about love.

Fingerprints that teach me about courage.

Fingerprints that teach me about hope.

Fingerprints that bring me closer to my loved ones.

Fingerprints that bring me closer to myself.

In the time I cared for you my whole life changed —

never to be the same again

All this from tiny fingerprints that touch my heart.

You will live in my heart forever – never to be forgotten.

I will always love you.

You are my child.

Angel Of My Tears

Author Unknown

How do you love a person

Who never got to be?

Or try to envision a face

You never got to see?

How do you mourn the death of one

Who never got to live?

When there’s nothing to feel good about

And nothing to forgive?

I love you, my little baby,

My companion of the night.

Wandering through my lonely hours,

Beautiful and bright.

What does it mean to die before

You ever were born?

To live the lovely night of life

And never see the dawn?

Ah! My little baby,

You lived like anyone!

Life’s a burst of joy and pain

And then, like yours, it’s done.

I love you, my little baby,

Just as if you’d lived for years.

No more, no less, I think of you,

The angel of my tears.

From ‘The Noble Nature’

by Ben Jonson

A lily of a day

is fairer in May,

although it fall and die that night-

It was the plant and flower of Light.

In small proportions we just beauties see:

and in short measures life may perfect be.

Fly

by Jean-Jacques Goldman and Phil Galdston.

‘Fly’ is sung and written by Celine Dion. Her inspiration for this popular hit is her own challenging journey in getting pregnant and losing one of her babies in a miscarriage. 

Fly, fly little wing

Fly beyond imagining

The softest cloud, the whitest dove

Upon the wind of heaven’s love

Past the planets and the stars

Leave this lonely world of ours

Escape the sorrow and the pain

And fly again

Fly, fly precious one

Your endless journey has begun

Take your gentle happiness

Far too beautiful for this

Cross over to the other shore

There is peace forevermore

But hold this memory bittersweet

Until we meet

Fly, fly do not fear

Don’t waste a breath, don’t shed a tear

Your heart is pure, your soul is free

Be on your way, don’t wait for me

Above the universe you’ll climb

On beyond the hands of time

The moon will rise, the sun will set

But I won’t forget

Fly, fly little wing

Fly where only angels sing

Fly away, the time is right

Go now, find the light

Our Baby

by Teri M. Stuckmann

An empty space where life once stirred

My eyes were not yet seeing

Where once my heartbeat shared a tone

With a small and fragile being

So scarcely formed yet still a life

A dream, a hope, a promise

Our plans were changed to now include

This new life thrust upon us

Then just as quickly as it came

Our dreams were gone away

The deepest pain I’ve ever felt

Our baby died today

With footprints left upon our hearts

She gently took her leave

We’re left with nothing but regret

And only time to grieve

There was no service to be held

No mourning time required

No songs of longing and despair

No words to be inspired

We’re simply told to bare the pain

“It’s nature’s way” they say

I can’t forget our baby moved

Inside me yesterday

And with each word of sorrow

My teardrops fall like rain

The anger and resentment

Are mixed with guilt and pain

I look to heaven for a sign

To help search out a course

Where love can teach acceptance

And eliminate remorse

My body will accept the truth

That now our baby’s gone

But in our hearts our Angel

Everlastingly lives on!

Precious Little One

Author Unknown

I’m just a precious little one who

Didn’t make it there.

I went straight to be with Jesus,

But I’m waiting for you here.

Many dwelling here where I live

Waited years to enter in.

Struggled through a world of sorrow,

A world marred with pain and sin.

Thank you for the life you gave me,

It was brief but don’t complain.

I have all Heaven’s Glory,

Suffered none of earth’s great pain.

Thank you for the name you gave me.

I’d have loved to bring it fame.

But if I’d lingered in earth’s shadows,

I would have suffered just the same.

So sweet family – don’t you sorrow.

Wipe those tears and chase the gloom.

I went straight to Jesus’ arms

From my loving Mother’s womb.

Little Hands

by Lyndsey

Lyndsey’s a mother who wrote this poem after her daughter, Evalyn was stillborn on November 16, 2016. She writes on After Evalyn to help other bereaved parents with the grief of losing a child.

Your little hands so soft and still, I held them in my own,

Whilst wishing we had more than just a handprint coming home.

I studied every nail and line and every inch of you,


And cried for all the things your little hands would never do.

I’d never get to clean your hands, there’d be no messy play,


l’d never see your fingers point to things you’d try to say.


I’d never hear the sound they’d make whilst splashing in the bath,

Or how they’d cover up your lips whilst trying not to laugh.

I wish so much I could have taught you how to write your name,

Or watched your little hands outstretched to play a catching game.

Your little hands would never feel a scrape or gain a scar,


Nor would they play an instrument or learn to drive a car.

Your little hands, my little hands, forever left unchanging,

No exploring, falling, climbing, drawing and no ageing,

My only wish for you and I is that we had more time,

’Cause I could have spent forever with your little hands in mine.

Final Thoughts For A Grieving Parent

If you know of another mother or family who may be suffering the loss of a stillborn baby, please share these stillbirth poems and quotes with them as well.

No one needs to suffer alone. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to mend a broken heart.

And it’s moments like these we need to support each other the most.

Remember, your sweet angel may have left this world too soon, but they’ll always hold a special place in your heart and in heaven above.

You’re in my prayers, friend.