Melissa Little farewells her two beautiful sons and her husband with moving poems.

Today, bereaved mother and wife, Melissa Little, was forced to do the unthinkable.

Today, she had to say goodbye to the three beloved members of her small family.

The trio died in the tragic Port Lincoln murder-suicide that shocked the nation earlier this month.

At a joint funeral, Melissa remembered each of her sons and her husband with a personal poem.

Police believed the boys — four-year-old Koda and nine-month-old Hunter — were shot and killed by their father Damien Little, 33, who shot himself before driving off a wharf on January 4.

Today, the grieving 29-year-old was supported by her parents, Dale and Debby Goldsworthy, and joined by more than 600 mourners to farewell the trio.

A service card featured moving poems written by Melissa to each of her lost boys and husband.

According to News Limited, the poems read:

HUNTER

“You passed away
so innocent and true

So brief was your time

I hardly knew

 

A baby so sweet

with a precious smile

The time I had with you

was so worthwhile

 

You showed your love through

cuddles in a special way

An early arrival

in Heaven that day.”

 

KODA

“I see your smiling eyes

Each morning when I wake

I talk to you and place a kiss

Upon your lovely face

 

You were so willing

With open arms to embrace

With a look of love and laughter

Written all over your face

 

You were thoughtful and caring

Way beyond your years

Each moment spent with you

Will always be held dear

 

You should have had so many years

To watch your life unfold

And in the midst of all of this

Watch me, your Mum, grow old!”

 

DAMIEN

“It broke my heart to lose you

Too soon you were gone

 

You never said goodbye

And only God knows why

 

Still and quiet here I lay

Trying to cope in my own way

 

If love alone could have saved you

You never would have died

 

There’s now a hole no-one can fill

Within my heart I love you still.”

 

Dozens of yellow, blue and white balloons were released after the service.

Melissa and her parents released a joint statement with Damien’s parents and family after the funeral, requesting privacy so they could “allow these three  souls to now rest in peace”.

A report into the deaths, which will examine issues including domestic violence and mental health, is being prepared for the coroner.

In an earlier statement, Melissa said Damien – her “childhood sweetheart” – loved his children and put his family first.

“My wish is for Damien to be remembered as a well-respected and valued member of our family and our community,” she said.

If you need help or someone to talk to, please call Lifeline on 131 114.