34 Graduation Poems

Collections of Graduation Poems:

Popular Graduation Poems to Share with The Graduate:

6. 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!




7. Commencement Day
   Poet: Lillian E. Curtis
   
   The moments fly! I lay my book aside,
   For Fancy travels o'er miles that lie between;
   How swift, how swift, oh, thoughts, ye glide
   To that bright, eventful scene!
   Read! study! not in this sacred bit of time,
   For, hark! the clock strikes one.
   And by the letters I've counted in a line,
   That oration already has begun.
   
   Childish, weak, perhaps you say,
   'Twere weaker still to let memory slumber.
   And forget, on this anniversary day,
   The brightest Star of all the number -
   The brightest, then the brightest now;
   Perhaps I've reason for praise so strong?
   None, but to twine laurels o'er the brow,
   Where Conscience tells that they belong.
   
   Memory, Memory, thy trust still keep.
   That sonorous voice rises clear.
   Then falls with a cadence thrilling, deep -
   Memory, Memory, linger near.
   Fain at his feet I'd lay a floral gift,
   But Fate decreed it should not be;
   But, oh. Memory, thy filmy curtain uplift.
   And do thy duty well for me!
   
   Waft to him o'er gentle Fancy's wing
   My wishes for him this hour;
   A substitute for the gift I'd bring,
   From the choicest floral bower;
   For in this distant Western clime to-day
   A prayer for him arises now.
   That many a laurel and bright bay
   May twine o'er that noble brow.




Graduation Sayings



8. The Moment Your Life Begins
   Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2015
   
   From this moment on,
   Your life will begin.
   From what you knew in the past,
   Your life will be changing.
   
   And this is okay,
   As life changes a lot.
   It's good to be flexible,
   And don't have a blind spot.
   
   Keep your eyes wide open,
   In search of the best.
   The big shot will come around,
   And it'll be you they'll request.
   
   Stay open and positive,
   So people can know,
   The person you are inside,
   A person with show.
   
   Take what you need,
   From the past, you are now.
   And take steps on forward,
   To the life, you will allow.
   
   And when you feel frustrated,
   And feel a bit down.
   Remember who you are,
   Turn that frown upside down.





Poems About Life Changes




9. 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.





Poems About New Beginnings




10. 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.



  
Poems About Life



11. Graduation: One At A Time
    Poet: Byron R. Pulsifer © 2019
    
    There was only one
    Only one at a time.
    To long for more
    Gives you no more.
    
    You have to take it one by one
    With each one earned before anymore.
    Do not fret unless you scheme
    To do less is but only a dream.
    Each day must be claimed
    Or else there is nothing but shame.
    
    Delight in what you have earned,
    Through your work, though it be hard.
    Wait not upon the lawn,
    But get to class before you yawn.
    
    You made it through to this point,
    In delight there must be more
    For should it be left or else it is shunned,
    'Tis not for you to become undone.
    
    The hopes and dreams of many are
    That rest upon your shoulders broad.
    Make haste before the age befalls.
    It is not the end despite the night
    But only the next one in your sight.





Poems About Hope



12. Congrats My Friend
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    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!





Poems About School




13. A Wish For You My Friend
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    I wish you for much happiness
    I know that you will be a success
    I wish for you a future bright
    You truly are a shining light.
    
    I wish for you wings to soar
    Your future holds so much in store.
    I wish for 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!




Friendship Poems



14. 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.
    
    Conceal your learning while you may,
    Nor list to emulation;
    Let others seek the road to fame,
    Strive not for reputation.
    
    The hill is long and hard to climb
    That leads you to success;
    True greatness, after all, is just
    A test of usefulness.





15. Graduation Time
    Poet:  Catherine Pulsifer, © 2015
    
    Graduations are a time,
    To say your farewells.
    You'll miss your old life here,
    And you're friends you will tell.
    
    Together we've been,
    In these halls every day.
    Passing each other,
    To our classrooms saying 'hey'.
    
    And now we all go,
    Our own different ways.
    Where in each new hallway,
    Is new people each day.
    
    And yes we will make friends,
    This we all know.
    But it's hard to say goodbye,
    To those, we call bros.
    
    Leaving our homes,
    For a different scene.
    Makes us nervous,
    But also excited with glee.
    
    So here we embark,
    On the life that awaits.
    Congrats to you all,
    And good luck in your fates.





16. Farewell
    Poet: Unknown
    
    We bid a fond and sad farewell to you
    Of trouble and strife we gave you a share.
    But your justice was always impartial and fair.
    
    For the help you have given us.
    For the time and the pains.
    We can but humbly thank you
    Again and again.
    We now have to leave you.
    And fare life alone.
    Our hearts filled with courage
    And confidence grown.
    
    What we will make of ourselves
    In the world of stress.
    Is the result of the training
    of high school learning.




  
Goodbye Poems




17. We Graduate
    Poet: Quinlan Regan
    
    Tonight we are to graduate
    To part from bookish tasks
    Each one will roam this world alone
    A separate Senior Class.
    
    We've many things to do alone
    We shall not work in vain
    We must go on and upward
    Ere joys can be attained.
    
    Let this not be a sad good-bye
    Though eyes are welled with tears
    But let it be a fond "adieu"
    Till we meet in future years.





18. 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
    As without you, it would have been tough!
    
    So on this Graduation Day
    "Thank You", I want to say!





Teacher Appreciation Poem



19. 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!





Thank You Poems



20. Endings or Beginnings
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2019
    
    Is this a new beginning or is this the end
    Out into the world, we do send
    Students to change the world as they may
    This is what happens on graduation day.
    
    The end school days has arrived
    But put into practice and thrive
    You see this new beginning
    Is the start of good living!
    
    The end of school but not of learning
    The beginning of success by earning
    All that you have learned now comes
    A chance to earn a good income.
    
    Memories you will take with you
    The end of school that's true
    But the beginning of your future
    Where it's all up to you.
    
    Congratulations to you on your success
    We wish you much happiness
    So with the new beginning is the key
    To do your best and all you can be.





A New Day Poem




21. 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.





22. 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.




The poem below, The Road Not Taken, is a very famous poem that has been used by many over the years. It is a great poem to share with a new graduate to encourage them to follow their dreams rather than taking the same path as everyone else!

23. The Road Not Taken
    Poet: Robert Frost
    
    Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
    And sorry I could not travel both
    And be one traveler, long I stood
    And looked down one as far as I could
    To where it bent in the undergrowth....
    Read the entire poem at Famous Poems About Life




24. Nobility Of Goodness
    Poet: Charles Kingsley
    
    My fairest child, I have no song to give you;
    No lark could pipe to skies so dull and gray;
    Yet, ere we part, one lesson I can leave you,
    For every day.
    Be good, sweet, and let who will be clever;
    Do noble things, not dream them all day long;
    And so make life, death, and that vast forever,
    One grand, sweet song!




25. 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.




Wisdom Poems



26. 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. 




27. 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.




28. Advice to Posterity
    Poet: MT
    
    Without a doubt this Senior Class,
    Is somewhat different from the last.
    I’ll have to tell you in what way,
    They turned their teachers hair to gray.
    
    They always ran they never walked,
    When they were shushed they always talked.
    They had no dignity or poise-
    Where they were gathered there was noise,
    
    Always late and not on time,
    The way they’d act, it was a crime!
    When told to walk, they’s always run,
    Teachers are really heroes unsung.
    
    They had no mania to learn,
    On Monday for Friday they would yearn.
    At their antics teachers laughed,
    Tho’ often told them they were daft.
    
    To tell the truth, it’d take too long,
    To mention, all in one small song,
    The numerous rules they often broke,
    But caught while breaking, was no joke.
    
    And so to you our future Seniors,
    Abstain from any misdemeanors.
    Mind your teachers, cut up never,
    Behave - and let who will, be clever!




29. 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.




30. Advice For Going Forward
    Poet: F. M Fradenburgh
    
    The way to learn to do things is to do things.
    The way to learn a trade is to work at it.
    Success teaches how to succeed.
    Begin with the determination to succeed,
    And the work is half done already.
    Delay wastes time, weakens the will, dissipates
    Energy, discourages ambition, and prophesies failure.
    Resolve, and do! Do it now!
    Decide, and get at it!
    
    To get along in the world and make for yourself a good name,
    You can make no dependence upon mere luck.
    Pluck must be your hero.
    
    If a chance does come, it will not help you
    Unless you are prepared to take it.
    Hold to your purpose.
    
    Be not swerved from it.
    Keep at it!
    Always at it - this accomplishes results.




31. 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.




32. Your Day
    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
    
    On this your graduation day
    We are sending congratulations your way.
    Good job, well done
    Enjoy today - a day of recognition and fun.
    
    May the coming years see
    Dreams and goals realized
    You deserve the very best
    Now comes life's test.
    
    May you have success in life and
    May all things in life be grand.
    But today we just want to say,
    We are so proud of you in every way.

Graduation Poems from Famous Poets:

33. While Others    by William Arthur Ward
    
    
34. Desiderata Poem   by Max Ehrmann