24 Retirement Poems

Find heartfelt and humorous retirement poems to celebrate this exciting milestone.

The day you get to retire A day which we all aspire

Updated July 4, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the exciting start of another. It’s a time to reflect on years of dedication, to celebrate accomplishments, and to embrace the days ahead with joy and anticipation. No more deadlines, no more schedules—just the freedom to fill each day with what brings happiness.

Whether you’re looking for heartfelt words to honor a retiree or a lighthearted verse to bring a smile, our collection of Retirement Poems offers inspiration, encouragement, and well wishes for this new journey. Share a poem to brighten someone’s special day and remind them that retirement is not the end, it's a brand-new beginning!

We hope these poems bring laughter, warmth, and encouragement to those stepping into this well-earned season of life.

Hard To Believe

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2020

This day we can see
It's so hard to believe
The day you get to retire
A day which we all aspire

You get to stop work
For us, that would be a perk
You can spend all day in your pajamas
Watching all the TV dramas

Or you can spend your days at the beach
And when we call you, we will not reach
Or work in your garden planting flowers
You can spend time there, all your hours.

You don't need to worry about rain
Inside you can remain
And when we see the snow
You can drink your coffee oh so slow.

You can throw out all the work rules
You need not worry about time or schedules
Your days are free to do as you choose
You can stay at home or go on a cruise.

Whatever you decide to do
We hope you know we will miss you!

You can throw out all the work rules You need not worry about time or schedules Funny Retirement Poems

Envy You

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2020

Today you retire we all envy you
We wish you success in all you do
No more alarm clock, no more having to get up
You can sit all day and drink coffee from your cup

You know we are going to miss you
Without you here we will be blue
But happy for you we are
You deserve retirement, you are a star.
Congratulations, well done!

WoW

Poet: Mary S. Scotsburn

The days of working are over now
Your days can now be full of WoW!
Imagine tomorrow is yours to do
Whatever you want
You're so lucky that is true.
Retirement is the best time of your life
You spend your days without the strife
You do what you wanna do
Whenever you want to
What a life it will be
Just you wait and see!

Retirement A Sweet Fulfilling Dream

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Retirement, a gateway to a tranquil reprieve,
From full-time hustle, a chance to retrieve.
The transition unfolds, like petals in bloom,
A shift from the office to a more leisurely room.

No more the grind, the clock's constant chime,
Retirement whispers of a more personal rhyme.
Relaxation descends like a comforting shroud,
A canvas for interests, once in the background.

Leisure beckons, a sweet melody's call,
In the symphony of life, a newfound thrall.
Hobbies embraced, like old friends rekindled,
Retirement's tale, by passion, is sprinkled.

A chapter of life, where work takes a rest,
And personal pursuits are truly the best.
The journey unfolds, a winding, gentle stream,
Retirement, a sweet, fulfilling dream.

A chapter of life, where work takes a rest, And personal pursuits are truly the best. Retirement Poems For Teacher

A Blank Sheet

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Retirement unfolds, a blank sheet so clear,
A chance to redesign, embrace what's near.
Life's canvas awaiting, colors to explore,
New and different, a journey to adore.

No more the routine, the daily grind,
Retirement's promise, freedom we find.
A chapter to write, stories untold,
In this fresh beginning, a joy to behold.

Retirement Brings

Poet: Mary S. Scotsburn, ©2020

For some retirement makes them blue
And others, they are delighted they are through.

The daily routine can be thrown out
You can do want you want, you can even shout.

No more bosses, deadlines are gone
A time to be happy,  time for a song.

Retirement is a gift to be taken
Start a new hobby, even plant a garden

Others have said, that those retirement days do fly by
You'll be busier now, you will say with a sigh.

Whatever retirement brings for you
Have fun in all that you do!

Enjoy Your Retirement

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2020

For us, this is a time that is sad
 But for, you we know you're glad
 You have worked for so many years
 From you, we will see no sappy tears.
 
 We have developed a working bond
 And of you, we are so fond
 But we know your retirement is overdue
 Other interests you will now pursue.
 
 You should be full of pride
 As to us, you were more than a guide
 You helped us all whenever you could
 Your advice was always sound and good.
 
 Enjoy your retirement in every way
 We will miss you we must say.
 But you deserve some fun
 And you deserve lots of sun
 
 So with best wishes, we send you on your way
  Make sure to drop in and visit us someday.
 Be happy, enjoy each coming day
 You're getting gray and deserve some play!

Enjoy your retirement in every way  We will miss you we must say. Retirement Poems For Coworkers

We Wish You Well

Poet: Kate Summers

We wish you well
We think you're swell
Oh, we will miss you when your gone
But we will carry on
And you will be free to do
Whatever you wish to.

You desevere this time
To relax and unwind
For years of dedication
You truly have been an inspiration.
You are a picture of success
How much you mean to us is hard to express.

You can now spend your days
However you want in - your own way
You'll have time to do the things
That happiness to you they will bring.
We know the next chapter of your life
Will be better than alright!

You truly have been an inspiration. You are a picture of success How much you mean to us is hard to express Retirement Wishes

Retirement Day

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, ©2020

The day has now co me
For all of us, not just some
To say goodbye and good luck
You did it, you lined up your ducks.

You get to do whatever you want
Whatever it is, we are confident
That success will follow you
No matter what you do

Happy Retirement, you will be missed
Wishing you a life full of bliss.

Pot Of Gold

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Retirement is the pot at the end of the rainbow
You will be the envy of every fellow
You worked all your life now is the time
To forget about the climb.

Hobbies that you had put on hold
You can now unfold.
Time for you to enjoy family and friends
And not be concerned about the latest trends.

So slide down the rainbow
And enjoy what is below
You have made it to the pot of gold
The next chapter of life is to be told.

A Day To Commemorate

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer, © 2020

This is a day to commemorate
Your day to retire what a date.
Finally, the day has arrived
All the work stuff you can archive.

We hate to see you depart
Without you here it breaks our heart
We are so happy for you
But, without you here we will be blue.

Okay that is enough about us
It is you we should be making a fuss
No longer do you have to do reports
You don't have to listen to the bosses' retorts.

You don't have to worry about being late
You can sleep in, won't that be great
Time can be spent with friends together
You no longer care about the bad weather.

Fighting the traffic and the stoplights
Now each morning you don't have to fight
You can take a drive whenever you please
You can enjoy the scenery even the trees.

You deserve some well-earned rest
We want you to know we think you're the best.
Happy Retirement!

We want you to know we think you're the best. Happy Retirement! Happy Retirement Poems

Congratulations

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Congratulations on your retirement day,
May happiness and health come your way.
Contentment in your heart, peace in your mind,
May joyful moments be easy to find.

Time for relaxation, no more work hard,
Wishing you all the best, a bright new start.
Enjoy the freedom, embrace the leisure,
Congratulations again, may it bring you pleasure.

June's Retirement

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

June's final call, a time to retire,
Embrace the freedom, your heart's desire.
Summer whispers secrets of leisure and glee,
A lifetime of toil, now you're truly free.

No more early mornings, no deadlines in sight,
Embrace the warm sun, from morning until night.
Relish the moments, your well-earned reprieve,
June, the month of freedom, you now believe.

Bask in the glory of endless blue skies,
Adventure awaits, with no compromise.
June, the best month, a new chapter unfolds,
Enjoy retirement's bliss, as each day unfolds.

Short Retirement Poems

Short poems for the retiree. Sometimes, a few words say it best. Short poems get right to the point—capturing the joy, freedom, and new adventures that retirement brings. Whether lighthearted or thoughtful, these poems offer a quick reminder that this new chapter is yours to enjoy!

Retirement

by Theodore W. Higginsworth, ©2019

R is for retire from work but not from life
E is for entertain to your heart's delight
T is for turn off the alarm clock
I is for ignore the phone
R is for relax have fun
E is for enthusiasm each day you will have
M is for memories of another day
E is for eager to do the things you enjoy
N is for no more deadlines, no more stress
T is for take each day and do what you want

retire from work but not from life Retirement Quotes

A New Chapter

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The clock no longer sets the pace,
Your time is now, a slower race.
Adventure calls, life’s joys to find,
Retirement brings a peaceful mind.

A Well-Earned Rest

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

You’ve given your best, day after day,
Now it’s time to live your way.
Enjoy the moments, big and small,
Retirement’s gift—embrace it all.

The Gift of Time

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

No deadlines, no rush, no heavy load,
Retirement’s here—a smoother road.
Take each day with a grateful heart,
The journey ahead is your fresh start.

The journey ahead is your fresh start Life Journey Poems

New Horizons

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Dreams delayed are dreams no more,
Retirement opens a brand-new door.
Discover passions, let them thrive,
This is your time to truly arrive.

Joyful Simplicity

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

No more meetings, no commute in line,
Life’s simpler pleasures are truly divine.
A morning walk, a book, some tea,
Retirement’s joy is sweet and free.

A Time to Reflect

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The years you’ve spent, the lives you’ve touched,
The difference you made means so much.
Now take a moment to sit and be,
Retirement’s calm is tranquility.

Adventures Await

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The world is vast, the path is clear,
Retirement brings adventure near.
From new places to things unknown,
Enjoy this time to call your own.

The Days Ahead

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

The days ahead bring time to share,
With loved ones close, beyond compare.
Retirement’s gift, a bond renewed,
A chapter of life with gratitude.

Celebrate Today

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Raise a toast to the work you’ve done,
A life of effort, a race well-run.
Retirement calls, it’s your time to play,
Celebrate life, starting today!

Retirement calls, it’s your time to play, Celebrate life, starting today! Poems About New Beginnings

Retirement Lifestyle

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

Retirement brings a better lifestyle
You decide what is worthwhile.
The time you get up each day
Is up to you in every way.
You don't have to worry about being late
You don't have to worry about the date.
No more work clothes you have to buy
No more vacation days to apply.
Your time is yours to decide what to do
Oh, how we envy you!


Conclusion

Retirement is not an end but a beautiful beginning. As you turn the page to this new chapter, may you carry with you the memories, friendships, and lessons from your working years, and step forward with joy into all the days ahead. We hope these poems have added a smile, a chuckle, or a touch of inspiration to your heart. Whether you're the one retiring or celebrating someone who is, may this season be filled with peace, purpose, and plenty of time to enjoy what matters most.

So take each day as a gift, find happiness in the little things, and remember, life’s journey doesn’t stop here... it simply changes pace.

Retirement brings a better lifestyle You decide what is worthwhile

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