40 Birthday Poems

Celebrate birthdays with heartfelt poems, offering inspiration, joy, and short memorable wishes.

Birthdays are chapters, each one a chance to celebrate growth, joy, and new dreams.

Updated July 7, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

Sometimes, less is more! This collection of short birthday poems is perfect for those who want to share a heartfelt message in just a few lines. Whether you’re signing a card or sending a quick note, these succinct and sweet poems pack all the birthday cheer into a single stanza.

Roses Are Red

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Roses are red, violets are blue
Birthdays are sweet, but not as sweet as you.
May your day be happy, and may sunshine surround you
May the coming year be one where your dreams come true.
Happy Birthday and best wishes to You!

Wishing You

Poet Unknown

Here's wishing you a birthday
That's happy through and through
For you're so nice, that's just the kind
That you're entitled to!

The Very Best Birthday

Poet Catherine Pulsifer

Wishing you the very best birthday today,
Full of love, laughter, and joy on display.
May memories be made, both bright and true,
A day as special as wonderful you!

A Birthday Rhyme For You

by Kate Summers, © 2021

This birthday rhyme is written for you
Even though you're older don't be blue
Wishing you a happy day
One of laughter, love, and lots of play.
Happy Birthday to you
We love that is so true!



Don't Count The Candles

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Happy Birthday! It’s your special day,
Time for cake, laughs, and a big "Hooray!"
Forget the candles, they're way too many -
Just make a wish and don't count any!

Forget the candles, they're way too many - Just make a wish and don't count any!

Celebrate You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Today is yours, a day to shine,
With laughter, love, and all things fine.
The world is brighter because of you —
Happy Birthday, may your dreams come true!

Your Special Day

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

On this special day, so bright and new,
May laughter and love fill every view.
With dreams lined up, each bold and true,
May birthday joy be yours all year through.

A Year to Embrace

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Another year to laugh and cheer,
To fill your heart with joy sincere.
May blessings follow all you do,
Happy Birthday, just for you!



Blessings and Happiness

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Blessings and happiness are sent your way
From us to you we just want to say
We just want to recognize you,
All the things you say and do
You are so special in every way
The very best Happy Birthday!

A Day of Delight

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

May your birthday be a day of cheer,
With love and laughter drawing near.
Here's to a year that's bright and new —
Happy Birthday, all for you!

Enjoy Life

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Don’t worry about your age today,
Just celebrate in every way.
Life’s a gift, so laugh and play -
Happy Birthday, enjoy your day!

Birthday Wake Up

Poet Unknown

Wake early this morning,
Nor miss the grey dawning;
Take this greeting from me
As it goes straight to thee:
May joy and gladness e'er be thine;
And endless brightness round thee shine.

Birthdays are more than just candles and cake, they're an opportunity to reflect on life's blessings and set intentions for the year ahead. These inspirational birthday poems offer wisdom, hope, and encouragement, making them perfect for celebrating milestones and meaningful moments.

Think About This

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2021

Think about  this I say
Imagine if you didn't have another day
Be thankful for the years you have had
Don't let your age make you feel sad.

If you're reaching a double-digit age
Look to the heavens and give thanks today
Many never see old age
They don't get to turn the page.

So no complaints or moans
And definitely no groans
Be happy you have seen another year
Happy Birthday, celebrate and be of good cheer!

Never Grows Older

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

My dear friend, you never seem to age,
With every birthday, you turn a new page.
We've shared laughter, cake, and many a cheer,
Through all of life's seasons, year after year.

Each celebration is a moment we treasure,
Our bond filled with joy beyond measure.
So here's to you, my lifelong friend,
May our birthdays together never end!




Sing Today

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Today may your phone ring
And many people they will sing
Happy Birthday to you
As many best wishes, you are due.

May sunshine fill your day
May you feel happy and okay
And may next year bring
Everything that makes you sing!

happy birthday many good wishes to you

The Path of Time

Poet: Unknown

Dear, happy birthdays, how fair ye seem.
Along the path of time:
Footprints whereon sweet-heart flowers blow.
By worldly storms unriven,
That we may mark them as they go.
And find our way to heaven,
Bright as a flower may thy Birthday be.

What Will You Choose

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

As this birthday dawns, what will you choose?
To count your blessings, or to sing the blues?
Is it aging you fear, or the wisdom you gain,
From the years you've lived, through joy and pain?

Be grateful for the gift of growing older,
For each new year, you become bolder.
Life is better when gratitude leads the way,
Cherishing each moment, come what may.

None of us knows the years we will see,
So give thanks today, and let your heart be free.
Celebrate the privilege of another year,
With love, joy, and a spirit of cheer.



Fear of The Day of Their Birth

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Once a year some people fear
The day of their birth.
They don't want to know another year has past
For them living on this earth.
They fear a number that reflects their age
They don't look forward to another stage.

But look at you, full of life and raring to go
Your age will never show.
You are an inspiration to me.
When I am your age I want to be,
Just like you full of life and fun.
You spread happiness as bright as the sun.

A Birthday’s View

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

A birthday comes, we stop and see,
The past behind, what’s meant to be.
Some count the years with sighs and frowns,
While others wear no worried crowns.

We weigh our steps, both right and wrong,
The lessons learned, the times so strong.
Yet through it all, we stand once more,
A future bright, new dreams in store.

So choose today with joy, not fear,
Embrace the laughter, hold it near.
For age is just a fleeting tide,
And life flows best with joy inside.

Never Take For Granted

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

May we never take for granted the year we have
May we thank God and be grateful and glad
Look forward not back, be happy, not sad
For this day, be thankful and be glad
Lift your head and give thanks to God above
And remember, you are loved.
Happy Birthday To You!

May we never take for granted the year we have

Think About This

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2021

Think about this I say
Imagine if you didn't have another day
Be thankful for the years you have had
Don't let your age make you feel sad.

If you're reaching a double-digit age
Look to the heavens and give thanks today
Many never see old age
They don't get to turn the page.

So no complaints or moans
And definitely no groans
Be happy you have seen another year
Celebrate and be of good cheer!

Sing and Dance

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

If I could sing, I'd sing a song
But I would probably get the tune wrong.
If I could dance, I'd dance a jig
But to dance, well, I'm too big.

But what I can do is send you this verse
Cause singing and dancing would be worse.
You know you mean the world to me
And a Happy Birthday is what I want you to see.

You know you mean the world to me And a Happy Birthday is what I want you to see

For those who view birthdays as a time to express gratitude and faith, the poems below brings together heartfelt and religious poems. These verses celebrate life’s divine blessings and the love that surrounds us, making them ideal for meaningful birthday wishes.

Birthday Blessing

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Birthday blessings are prayed for you
May God watch over all you do.
He had a purpose just for you
His love surrounds you, that is so true.

The day you were born we gave thanks
We shouted on the riverbanks
A miracle we felt with you
And a love that was so strong too.

So Happy, happy birthday
Many more to come your way.
Celebrate, be happy, and thankful too
We thank God for blessing us with you.

God Bless You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

On this day, we celebrate with joy so true,
God's precious gift, that's truly you.
In our lives, a blessing you've become,
A radiant light, like the morning sun.

So let's rejoice on this special day,
With love and blessings, we truly say,
You're a gift from God, forever true,
Happy birthday, and God bless you!

Happy birthday, and God bless you!

I Would

Poet: Unknown

I would flood your path with sunshine;
I would fence you from all ill;
I would crown you with all blessings
If I could have my will.

Aye! but human love may err, dear,
And a Power All-Wise is near;
So I only pray, God bless you,
And God keep you through the year.

Birthdays Are A Time

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Birthdays are a time for reflection
A time to stop and look at your direction
The years pass quickly by
That fact no one can deny.

Birthdays are a time for family, friends, and celebration
A time for laughter and conversation
Appreciation is shown to you
For all that you are and all that you do.

Birthdays are a time to look forward -
It's a time to set the standard
As life is meant to be lived each day
To keep a balance between work and play.

So on this birthday, good things are wished for you
Know, always we love you too
So as you blow out the candles
Remember, God will never give you more than you can handle.



We're Blessed

Poet: Unknown

Each year we’re blessed in ways unseen,
By moments shared and places we’ve been.
But birthdays stand to remind us all,
Of those we love and memories small.

Today we thank the Lord above,
For you, a gift wrapped up in love.
A precious soul, a light that shines,
A blessing true in our lives divine.

A Birthday Greeting

Poet: M. E. F.

What shall I wish thee for the coming year?
Twelve months of dream-like ease? no care? no pain?
Bright spring, calm summer, autumn without rain
Of bitter tears? Wouldst have it thus, my friend?
What lesson, then, were learn't at the year's end?

What shall I wish thee, then? God knoweth well
If I could have my way no shade of woe
Should ever dim thy sunshine; but I know
Strong courage is not learn't in happy sleep,
Nor patience sweet by eyes that never weep.

Ah, would my wishes were of more avail
To keep from thee the many jars of life!
Still let me wish thee courage for the strife,
The happiness that comes of work well done,
And, afterward, the peace of victory won!

Marked By A Birthday

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

When do you become a senior, may I ask?
Is it marked by a birthday, aged sixty-five?
Or does time's essence weave an enigmatic mask,
Hiding this transition with secrets alive?

Is it the wrinkles etched upon your face?
Or wisdom deepened within your soul's embrace?
As life's journey unfolds, age becomes defined,
A wistful semblance of stories aligned.

The Best To You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The time of year has come around
To wish you a Happy Birthday
Hard to believe the year has gone so fast
But that is okay

Be thankful for another year
That God blessed you
A year to celebrate and
See it through

Wishes for a great day and
The best in the coming year
Be happy, and celebrate as we
Give you three cheers!

What’s a birthday without a bit of fun and laughter? These lighthearted poems bring smiles and chuckles, whether through playful rhymes or clever quips. Perfect for anyone who enjoys celebrating with joy and humor.

Rainbows & Lollipops

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Rainbows and lollipops
Sunshine and a bit of hip-hop
Blue skies, not gray ones
Are wished without question!

Happiness and friendship
Take away the hardship
Of the age, you are about to turn
The years have gone by, oh, how they churn.

So whatever you do, don't dismay
On this your birthday.

Another Year, Oh My!

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Another year, oh my, oh dear,
The candles grow, but have no fear!
Just blow them out—don’t count too high,
Or we may need more cake to try!

Your knees may creak, your back might ache,
But hey, at least there’s still some cake!
Wrinkles? Nah, they’re just a sign,
Of laughter shared and times so fine.

So here’s to you—go laugh and cheer,
May this be your best birthday year!



Come And Go

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Birthdays will come and go
But our love for you will always show
How very much you mean to us
So on your birthday, we will make a fuss.

We celebrate this day with you
We wish you happiness in all you do
So may this little rhyme or two
Wish a very Happy Birthday to you,

Another Year

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Another year has rolled on by
We sometimes say with a sigh
But life is good and you are great
We will celebrate, not wait.

I have written this little rhyme
Not to remind you of the time
But just to say,
Love you, Happy Birthday!

Happy For You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

We are so happy for you
As we love to celebrate you, too.
Your birthday is a special occasion
Even if finding out your age takes some persuasion.

We laugh and tell some jokes
We tell you, "you're with the old folks."
But you know that we love you so
By the number of candles on the cake, now blow.

Birthdays are magical, especially for kids and teenagers. This collection of cheerful and youthful poems captures the excitement and wonder of growing up. Celebrate the special day of a child or teen with verses that speak to their joy and dreams!

Birthday Greetings To You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2015

This is the anniversary of the day you were born
There is no reason for you to scorn
A day for a party, presents, and gifts
We hope this day gives you a lift

Always remember age is only a date
And you determine your own fate
I wish you happiness and joy in life
And many more birthdays to bring you delight.

Birthdays Are Magical

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Birthdays are magical, full of surprise,
With candles to blow and bright, happy skies.
Presents and laughter, a day just for you,
Wishing your dreams and wishes come true!



Happy Birthday To a Kid Friend

Poet: Frank Earl Herrick

Just twelve years old
And good as gold,
And clear and clean and shining
As a big new star
That we see afar
With bright and silver lining!

A clear-eyed boy
Of mirth and joy
And sunshine ever beaming,
With face and eyes
Like Summer skies
With sun and blue seas gleaming!

When the day dies
May bright stars rise
To watch above your slumbers,
And dreams, all true,
Abide with you
In vast, uncounted numbers!

And from the dawn
Till day is gone
May blessings never-ending
Above you stand
With open hand
Or like a rainbow bending!

My dear kid friend
Today I send
A forest full of flowers
And wish for you
A life of true
And happy, golden hours!

Happy Birthday, Teenager!

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

This birthday brings the teenage years
Which makes you full of cheer.
Enjoy each and every day
Don't waste them in any way.
Before you know it they will be gone
And in your twenties, you will dawn.

Another Year

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Another year, you've grown so strong,
With wisdom gained, you've come along.
We’re proud of you in every way,
And celebrate this special day!

May the year ahead be bright and new,
Filled with joy in all you do.
Keep reaching high, chase every dream,
This is your time—go shine, go gleam!

Happy Birthday!

May this year bring joy, laughter, and cheer, As you shine brighter with each passing year! Happy Birthday!

More Special Occasion Poems & Quotes To Share

Frequently Asked Question

How can I write a personalized birthday poem?

To write a personalized birthday poem, you may find following these steps will help to make the birthday poem special and meaningful:
Use the person's name - at least once in the poem use the persons name.

Consider the Recipient - Think about the person’s personality, hobbies, and relationship with you. Are they fun-loving, serious, or sentimental? This will guide the tone of the poem.

Choose a Structure - Decide if you want your poem to be short and sweet or longer and more detailed. You can write it in a traditional rhyming format, free verse, or something playful.

Start with a Greeting - Begin with a heartfelt birthday wish like "Happy Birthday" or "Wishing you a year of joy."

Add Personal Touches - Include memories, inside jokes, or specific traits of the person. Mention shared experiences that will make the poem feel personal, such as fun adventures, favorite things, or qualities you admire.

Express Well Wishes - Offer positive wishes for the year ahead. This could be about their happiness, success, health, or dreams.

End with a Warm Closing - Wrap up the poem with a loving or celebratory phrase, such as "Here's to many more birthdays," or "You're truly special, now and always."
For example:
To my dear friend on your special day,
Your smile brightens the world in every way.
May this year bring joy, laughter, and cheer,
As you shine brighter with each passing year!

By focusing on what makes them unique, you create a poem that’s both meaningful and memorable!