Graduation Poems

Special Occasion Poems & Quotes    /  

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Inspirational Graduation Poems

Poems to inspire and motivate graduates as they embark on their new journey.

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1. Chapters of Life
   Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
   
   This stage of life has seen us
   Study until we felt like we would bust
   But today is the day
   We are actually on our way.
   
   Our learning has been great
   But for this day we wait
   A celebration of graduation
   Will it feel like a vacation.
   
   Life brings a new chapter
   That is what learning is after
   The knowledge to decide
   Whether we will go for the ride.
   
   And the coming chapter will see
   Success is all up to me
   I can move forward with pride
   All my learning as a guide.
   
   Chapters of life opening up to me
   I will give it my best and be all I can be.
   So on this graduation let's reflect
   And move forward to achieve what we expect.




2. Words of Wisdom For The New Graduate
   by Catherine Pulsifer
   
   Exceed expectations
   Set goals for your aspirations.
   
   Listen, think, then speak
   Persevere as you move toward the mountain peak.
   
   Keep an open mind
   Always be kind.
   
   Follow through with what you say
   Be happy, be cheerful each and every day
   
   Show appreciation to those around you
   Be the best in what you do.
   
   When discouraged ask for help
   Don't complain or yelp.
   
   Learn from your mistakes
   Errors - we all make
   
   There is no failure
   Unless you stop trying.
   
   Look on the sunny side of things
   And you will find success it will bring. 




3. Make Your Mark
   Poet: David Barker
   
   In the quarries should you toil,
   Make your mark;
   Do you delve upon the soil,
   Make your mark;
   In whatever path you go,
   In whatever place you stand,
   Moving' swift or moving slow,
   With a firm and honest hand
   Make your mark.
   
   Should opponents hedge your way,
   Make your mark;
   Work by night, or work by day,
   Make your mark;
   Struggle manfully and well,
   Let no obstacles oppose;
   None, right-shielded, ever fell,
   By the weapons of his foes;
   Make your mark.
   
   What though born a peasant's son?
   Make your mark;
   Good by poor men can be done;
   Make your mark.
   Peasants' garbs may warm the cold;
   Peasants' words may calm a fear;
   Better far than hoarding gold
   Is the drying of a tear;
   Make your mark.
   
   Life is fleeting as a shade;
   Make your mark;
   Marks of some kind must be made;
   Make your mark;
   Make it while the arm is strong,
   In the golden hours of youth;
   Never, never make it wrong;
   Make it with the stamp of truth;
   Make your mark.


Related: Graduation Poems From Parents




Funny Graduation Poems

Light-hearted poems to bring a smile and add humor to graduation celebrations.

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4. We The Seniors
   Poet: Unknown
   
   We, the seniors do pledge, for the future's sake.
   To strive to do our very best In all we undertake.
   
   Some of us will be slow, some fast
   As we climb the ladder of fame.
   
   But finally we will all get there
   And win ourselves a great name.
   
   There will always be some conflicts
   In this great world of today.
   
   But it will be up to we seniors
   To resolve them on our way.
   
   As we become older our memories we shall grow fonder.
   Let us bear these thoughts in mirid, as on our way we wander.




5. A Senior's Lament
   Poet: E. Dandurand
   
   This year, they say, the journey ends,
   I little doubt it must be so;
   But let me tell you now my friends,
   Indeed, in truth, I hate to go.
   
   For four full years I’ve come and gone
   And now to think that I must go-
   Though school be not my home
   I say again: "I hate to go."
   
   ’Twas good to hear the gladsome news
   When grades I left four years ago,
   "A Freshman you - your lot behold!"
   Today I hear: my lot to go.
   
   Today in thought, I wait the end,
   And wish that time might go more slow
   Or, better still begin again
   Indeed, in truth, I hate to go.


Related: Funny Graduation Poems




Short Graduation Poems

Concise and impactful poems perfect for quick reading and memorable messages.

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6. Test Of Usefulness
   Poet: A. C. Shaw
   
   The cap, the gown, the robe, the crown,
   The titles of today -
   Like mist before the morning sun,
   Will surely pass away.
   
   The hill is long and hard to climb
   That leads you to success;
   True greatness, after all, is just
   A test of usefulness.




7. Learn Wisdom
   by Samuel Smiles
   
   We learn wisdom from failure
   Much more than from success,
   Often discover what will do by finding out
   What will not do,
   And probably he who never made a mistake
   Never made a discovery.


Related: A New Chapter In Life Poem




Graduation Poems for High School

Poems that capture the essence of high school graduation and the transition to adulthood.

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8. Graduation Means To Me ...
   Poet: Julie Hebert © 2019
   
   What graduation means to me,
   Is opening up a door.
   A door that is very new,
   And hopefully won’t be a bore.
   
   I hope this door is something I,
   Have always dreamed it’d be.
   Adventures in an unknown spot,
   I hope you would agree.
   
   It's hard for me at many times,
   To let go of what I’ve got.
   To say goodbye to what I know,
   I know it’ll be a lot.
   
   But one thing I know for sure,
   Is I am growing up.
   My life is about to change in a big way,
   And I can’t wait to see it close up.




9. Formal Education
   Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
   
   Formal education, now complete,
   Congratulations upon this feat.
   But before you rejoice with eager cheer,
   Know that your true journey starts right here.
   
   Life's classroom won't grant diplomas or degrees,
   Yet teaches lessons full of complexities.
   So absorb the wisdom life imparts,
   For this is where education truly starts.


Related: Graduation Poems for High School




Graduation Poems for Friends

Poems dedicated to celebrating the graduation of friends.

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10. Congrats My Friend
    
    Finally, our big day has arrived
    And look we both survived!
    We had many a talk about this day
    We can't wait, we would say.
    
    We studied hard, we hit the books
    Another test, we would give each other the look.
    Will it ever be over, the years so slow
    But finally today we feel a glow.
    
    Friends we have been through these years
    We shared good times and our fears
    We had many laughs, oh, such good memories
    And we celebrated every small victory.
    
    A friend like you to share the school years
    You're different than my other peers
    Has been only the best
    We survived and passed all the tests.
    
    School has been great
    But to you, I must state,
    "We will always share a special bond,
    I appreciate you and of you, I am so fond."
    
    So my buddy, my friend
    Today is the end
    But our friendship will carry on
    Even after we're gone.
    
    So graduation we do commemorate
    This day will always be a special date
    Congrats, my dear friend, we did it
    We've come to the day and we wrote our own ticket!







11. A Wish For You My Friend
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    I wish you much happiness
    I know that you will be a success
    I wish  you a future bright
    You truly are a shining light.
    
    I wish for your wings to soar
    Your future holds so much in store.
    I wish you an easy transition
    Move forward with all your ambition.
    
    I wish for you, my friend
    The happiness you feel today never ends
    Congrats to a truly dear friend
    This is only the beginning, not the end!


Related: Graduation Wishes For A Friend




Graduation Poems for Family Members

Special poems for family members on their graduation day.

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12. Our Pride
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    Dear Daughter, our pride, our shining star,
    Your journey's been long, you've come so far.
    With every step, your dreams took flight,
    Your hard work has led you to this bright light.
    
    Congratulations, our dear, for all you've achieved,
    In your success, we've always believed.
    May your future be bright, your path always clear,
    We're so proud of you, our daughter dear.







13. Your Journey
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    Dear Son, your journey's been bold and grand,
    With determination, you've taken a stand.
    Your hard work and efforts, they've all paid off,
    Now you stand tall, where dreams do aloft.
    
    Congratulations, dear son, on all you've achieved,
    In your potential, we've always believed.
    As you step forward, may your path be bright,
    We're so proud of you, our guiding light.


Related: Graduation Poems For Daughter     |     Graduation Poems For Son




Christian Graduation Poems

Faith-based poems to bless and encourage graduates.

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14. May The Lord Bless You
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    Congratulations, dear graduate, on this blessed day,
    With faith in God, you've found your way.
    Through trials and triumphs, He's guided you near,
    His love and grace have conquered every fear.
    
    May the Lord bless you in all that you do,
    With His wisdom and strength, see each journey through.
    In Christ, you shine brightly, a beacon of light,
    Go forth with His blessings, in His name, take flight.


Related: Graduation Christian Poems




Graduation Thank You Poems

Poems to express gratitude to those who have supported graduates.

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15. I Never Said It Enough
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2019
    
    For always being there, I thank you
    For your time and all you do.
    
    For your guidance and direction, I thank you
    For always having patience in all you do.
    
    For putting up with my teenage years, I thank you
    For showing me the positive in all you do.
    
    For always believing in me, I thank you
    You never showed doubt in all you do.
    
    For giving me that push when I needed it, I thank you
    For never giving up in all you do.
    
    For inspiring me when I needed it, I thank you
    You are a role model in all you do.
    
    I could go on and on
    I could even sing you a song,
    
    I realize that I never said "Thank You" enough
    Without you, it would have been tough!
    
    So on this Graduation Day
    "Thank You", I want to say!






16. A Thank You
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    Graduating is finally true
    It would not have happened without you
    Your encouragement and support
    Was wonderful even when I fell short.
    
    You always encouraged and pushed me more
    You helped me to learn more and explore
    You were always there to understand
    And always willing to lend a hand.
    
    So today as I become a grad
    I want to say thank you as you had
    Believed in me when I did not
    You never gave up you always taught.
    
    I'm not sure what the future holds
    But thanks to you I'm prepared for it to unfold
    I promise you I will do my best
    Thanks to you I passed the test.
    
    The words just don't seem to express
    How much you contributed to my progress
    Thank you, thank you for all you've done
    I appreciate you, there is no other like you, none!


Related: Graduation Thank You Poems




17. Graduation Farewell Poems

    Poems to bid farewell and best wishes to graduates.
    
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    The Graduate's Farewell
    Poet: Lurania A. H. Munday
    
    Farewell! my classmates - here's my hand,
    Tears are around my heart,
    Thick crowding thoughts are thronging up,
    In this sad hour we part.
    
    Patient we've trod the classic hall.
    Together day by day;
    Where science on the dark'nd mind,
    Pours her celestial ray.
    
    Together at the shrine of truth,
    We've bent with toil and pain;
    Together spent the wealth of youth
    In leaming's sacred fane.
    
    And oft has midnight's weary hour,
    Bedim'd the  radiant eye;
    As we the musty page explored;
    Nay, do not heave a sigh.
    
    For when the daily task was o'er,
    In circles we have met;
    To spend in mirth the rosy hours -
    Those hours shall we forget?
    
    Nay brother - do not turn away,
    There's sadness on thy brow;
    Now gird thee up the manly heart,
    'Tis life's commencement now.
    
    Hark I a silvery voice - say, dost thou hear?
    It is the trump of fame;
    Its notes come ringing sweet and clear,
    And sings a deathless name.
    
    Then nerve thy arm and bare thy brow,
    To meet the world's dark strife.
    And proudly breast the gales that blow,
    Amid the storms of life.
    
    Thy noble energy of soul,
    Shall not be spent in vain;
    The world shall feel the strong control
    Which minds like thine maintain.
    
    In truth ye are. a gallant band,
    My heart exults with pride;
    As proudly beautiful ye stand
    Together by my side.


Related: Graduation Farewell Poems







Graduation Congratulations Poems

Poems to congratulate graduates on their achievements.

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18. We Are Proud of You
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    School is over there is no more
    Now you can go out there and soar
    All your dreams you can now pursue
    Each day will be different and so new.
    
    Give it all you got and more
    Look for opportunities and open the door
    You are wished much happiness
    We know you will be a success!
    
    Congratulations on a job well done
    Enjoy it and have some fun
    Wear the cap and tassel too
    We are so very proud of you!


Related: Graduation Congratulation Poems







Famous Graduation Poems

Inspiration from famous poets for the graduate.

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19. The Thing
    Poet: Edgar A. Guest
    
    Enthusiasm is bizarre.
    It makes a grand stand play,
    It starts off like a motor car,
    But wearies on the way.
    
    Determination is the thing
    On which you can depend.
    It plods along without a swing,
    But gets there in the end.


Edgar A. Guest's poem "The Thing" contrasts enthusiasm and determination. For new graduates, it highlights that while enthusiasm can provide an exciting start, it often fades over time. In contrast, determination, though less flashy, is reliable and consistent. The key message is that determination, with its steady effort, ultimately leads to success. New graduates should cherish their initial excitement but rely on determination to achieve their long-term goals.


20. While Others    by William Arthur Ward
    
    
21. Desiderata Poem   by Max Ehrmann
    
    
22. The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost, read the entire poem at Famous Poems About Life