22 Graduation Poems

A heartfelt collection of poems celebrating graduates and their inspiring journey.

Your success is well earned - may your future be filled with purpose and joy.

Short Poems & Quotes  |   Graduation Poems

Updated March 27, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer


Graduation is a time to reflect on hard work, determination, and growth. It marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. Whether it's high school, college, or university, this special milestone deserves words that encourage and uplift.

In this collection, you’ll find poems to celebrate the graduate, to thank those who’ve supported the journey, and to share with classmates who walked beside you. Each verse is meant to recognize the effort it took to reach this day—and to inspire hope for what comes next.

We hope these poems help you express heartfelt congratulations and blessings as the graduate steps into a new season filled with promise, purpose, and faith.




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

  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. 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.




  3. 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. 


  4. Look on the sunny side of things And you will find success it will bring. 
    Graduation Poems From Parents




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

  5. 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.




  6. 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.




  7. The Future's Yours

    Poet: E. Dandurand

    No more books or tests to take,
    You’ve crossed the line, make no mistake.
    With cap in hand and dreams held high,
    The future’s yours—just reach the sky.

    Lessons learned, the hard and sweet,
    Now life steps in with goals to meet.
    Be proud, stand tall, and don't forget,
    Your best days haven't happened yet.



  8. No more books or tests to take, You’ve crossed the line, make no mistake.
    Funny Graduation Poems




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

  9. 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.




  10. 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.




  11. A New Chapter Begins

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Graduation day is finally here,
    A time to smile, a time to cheer.
    The books are closed, the tests are done,
    A journey ends, a new one's begun.

    This chapter now comes to a close,
    What’s ahead? Nobody knows.
    But dreams are waiting, hopes are high,
    So spread your wings, prepare to fly.

    The road ahead may twist and bend,
    But strength and faith will help you mend.
    Each step you take, each choice you make,
    Will shape the path that you will take.

    Mistakes may come, and that’s okay,
    They help to guide you on your way.
    Keep your heart both kind and true,
    And blessings will come back to you.

    So take this moment, feel the pride,
    With courage, let your fears subside.
    This is a new chapter, fresh and bright—
    Walk in it boldly, be a shining light.



  12. Each step you take, each choice you make, Will shape the path that you will take.
    A New Chapter In Life Poem




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

  13. 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.




  14. 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.



  15. Formal education, now complete, Congratulations upon this feat.
    Graduation Poems for High School




    Poems dedicated to celebrating the graduation of friends.

  16. 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!




  17. 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!



  18. I wish for you, my friend The happiness you feel today never ends
    Graduation Wishes For A Friend




    Special poems for family members on their graduation day.

  19. 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.




  20. 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.



  21. Today is the day that we close our books
    Graduation Poems For Daughter     |     Graduation Poems For Son




    Faith-based poems to bless and encourage graduates.

  22. Go With God

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    As you step into something new,
    Know God will always walk with you.
    Through every challenge, every test,
    He'll guide your path and give you rest.

    Your gifts were given from above,
    To share with faith, to lead with love.
    So shine His light in all you do,
    Let His strong hands keep guiding you.

    The road ahead may not be clear,
    But trust in Him and have no fear.
    Go with God, stand firm, be strong—
    With Him, you'll always walk along.




  23. 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.



  24. May the Lord bless you in all that you do, With His wisdom and strength, see each journey through.
    Graduation Christian Poems




    Poems to express gratitude to those who have supported graduates.

  25. 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!




  26. 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!



  27. I have never said it enough - Thank You
    Graduation Thank You Poems




    Poems to bid farewell and best wishes to graduates.

  28. 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.



  29. Farewell! my classmates - here's my hand....In this sad hour we part.
    Graduation Farewell Poems





    Poems to congratulate graduates on their achievements.

  30. 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!



  31. May all your hopes and dreams become a reality
    Graduation Congratulation Poems




    Inspiration from famous poets for the graduate.

  32. 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.


  33. 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.


Graduation is not a time to stop learning - keep moving forward


Related Pages:

Graduation Sayings - Find words of wisdom and encouragement to share alongside our graduation poems, perfect for cards or speeches.

While Others - A motivating poem to remind graduates that choosing a different path can lead to great success.

Desiderata Poem - This timeless piece offers guiding truths and gentle wisdom for life after graduation.

Famous Poems About Life - Encourage the graduate to reflect on life’s journey with poems that inspire and uplift.

Teacher Appreciation Poem - Honor the teachers who played a part in the graduate’s success with heartfelt poems.

Goodbye Poems - Graduation often brings goodbyes—these poems help express those feelings with grace.

Poems of Encouragement - Lift the spirit of any graduate with verses that speak to strength and perseverance.

Poems About Education - Celebrate the value of learning with poems that recognize the power of education.

Poems About Life Changes - Graduation marks a turning point—these poems capture the beauty of change and growth.

Poems About New Beginnings - New beginnings start with courage—share these poems to inspire confidence in the future.

Poems About School - Look back with gratitude on school memories through verses that honor the journey.


We hope you have found just the right words in these poems to share with the new graduate. Apply these words to middle school, high school, or university accomplishments - Graduation is truly a life milestone and should be celebrated and recognized! It is the beginning of applying all that the student has learned.  An accomplishment that should be recognized and celebrated!

Graduation an ending but also a new beginning


More Special Occasion Poems & Quotes


Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about using and sharing these poems






Short Poems & Quotes    |     Poems    |     Quotes    |     Special Occasion Poems & Quotes    |     Contact Us    |     About Us