Graduating from high school is a major milestone! And whether you're a grad yourself, or you want to find a graduation poem to express your sentiments for someone special, our high school graduation poems will give you all the feels.
Thoughtful High School Graduation Poems
There are so many feels when graduating from high school. Some grads might be feeling a little nostalgic and sad about the end of an era or excited and nervous about the future. We get it. All those feelings are totally valid. Our thoughtful high school grad poems echo some of the things grads could be feeling.
Take a Moment
by Kelly Roper
As "Pomp and Circumstance" serenades you down the aisle,
Take a moment to contemplate how you arrived at this moment.
Remember the help your parents gave and the sacrifices they made.
Spare a thought of gratitude for the teachers who were willing to explain things one more time.
Be thankful for the friendships you've made, the life lessons you've learned, and all the experiences you had — the good as well as the bad.
They've shaped who you are today.
As the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" guide you down the aisle toward that stage,
Realize you're not just heading toward your high school graduation, you're stepping into your future.
Related: 80 Classy Graduation Instagram Captions That Celebrate Success
Your Day Has Arrived
by Kelly Roper
Graduation day is finally here,
And so now ends your high school career.
Always remember the friends you hold dear,
And look toward your future without any fear.
This is the day you've been preparing for
Since the day you walked through that first classroom door.
Now it is time to say goodbye,
And spread your wings — you're ready to fly.
So shed a tear and share a smile,
And be sure to remember all the while,
That although it may now be time to move on,
Today's memories will last your whole life long.
Now Is the Time to Dare
by Kelly Roper
Dare to jump into your future with enthusiasm.
Dare to place no limits on what you hope to accomplish.
Dare to dream big and realize it's not just a cliché.
Dare to bring excellence to everything you do.
Dare to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.
My Cap and Gown
by Kelly Roper
When I thought about my graduation,
I was never sure how I would feel.
It always seemed like a far-off dream;
Putting on my cap and gown just made it real.
We're all lined up in the hallway,
And the orchestra is beginning to play.
It's time to get this show on the road;
The next stage of our lives begins today.
High School Memories
by Kelly Roper
Classroom bells and noisy halls,
Watching the clock as last period crawls,
Getting a demerit for talking in class,
Trying to remember where you left your hall pass.
Rooting for your team at a big football game,
Hoping the teacher would not call your name,
Studying for tests trying to get higher scores,
The echoing slams of the hall locker doors.
Pep rallies, homecoming and class elections,
Trying to decide next year's course selections,
Pondering the source of the lunch room's mystery meat,
Choosing lab partners and changing your seats.
Some of these moments may seem rather small,
But it's the little things that you'll remember most of all.
So put on your cap and your gown and stand tall,
It's graduation day, so savor it all.
Graduation and Possibilities
by Kelly Roper
A time for goodbyes
A time for fresh beginnings
A time for remembering the past
A time for looking forward with hope
A time for taking stock of life so far
A time for celebration
A time of infinite possibilities...
Sign My Yearbook
by Kelly Roper
Our time together is almost finished,
But I want to remember you, my friend.
Will you please sign my yearbook
Before we march to our graduation's end?
I saved a spot for you right here
on the inside of the front cover.
It's a special spot I'll always see first,
And it could belong to no other.
So write a joke or something thoughtful —
Whatever's in your heart.
I'll read it and remember the fun we had,
Even though we'll be miles apart.
Light-Hearted Poems for High School Graduates
Why so serious? Sure, a grad's life is about to change big time, but one of the best lessons of adulthood is to greet everything with a laugh. These light-hearted poems bring that message home.
Warning: Adulting Ahead
by Karen Frazier
Graduation is so crowded
Look at this huge mob!
I can't wait to do adult things.
Wait... I have to get a job???
We're having a big grad party
It's going to be so chill
I'm so excited to party all night.
Wait... I have to pay bills???
This party is going to be so lit
It'll be a happening scene
We'll sing and laugh and dance all night
Wait... I have to clean???
Maybe I should think this over
Tell me it's not too late
Do you think adulting can be postponed
Until long after I graduate???
Yearbook Messages
by Karen Frazier
Great sitting behind you in Chem!
Remember that time at lunch?
Always stay sweet!
Dude! You're awesome!
Umm... I never know what to write in these things.
Awesome time at Prom!
Too bad high school is over. Oh, who am I kidding?
I hope you have a great summer (and a great life).
Only you can make soda come out of my nose when I laugh.
No more school. Yeahhhhhhh!
What Are We Wearing Haiku
by Karen Frazier
Flat top and tassel
Shapeless polyester robe
What are we wearing?
Graduation With My BFF
by Karen Frazier
I saw you in the hallway
Every single day
I saw you by your locker
And in the school play
Together we did your homework
And lied to your dad
About our fun adventures
And all the good times we had
Today you walk beside me
We're both wearing cap and gown
We'll graduate together
And then we'll both leave town
We've been besties forever
Always dreaming about today
Will we always be besties
When we go our separate ways?
You've always been beside me
I've always been with you
And though our paths diverge today
I know one thing is true
Nobody will replace you
You'll always be my best friend
And though we may live far apart
Our fun times will never end
We'll stay in touch forever
Unless we drift apart
And even then our high school days
Will always fill my heart
Short Graduation Poems
No time for a super long poem? We get it. You have lots going on. These short poems will be perfect.
Graduation Feelings
by Kelly Roper
Excited and scared,
Hesitant, but committed,
Filled with joyful hope.
On This Day
by Kelly Roper
On this day,
We honor the memories,
We honor the past,
And we look to the future.
I Remember
by Kelly Roper
I can still remember learning to tie my shoes
And taking the school bus on my own.
Now I am a high school graduate,
And I want to thank those who helped along the way.
Those who helped teach me to walk
And to grin and bear.
Thank you for all of your love and attention.
I hope to make you proud.
A New Chapter
by Karen Frazier
We aren't closing the book on high school.
We're turning the page
And starting a new chapter
That leads to the rest of our lives.
Graduation Day
by Kelly Roper
Graduation has come.
Graduation is here.
We're so glad to greet this day,
And we hope you'll join us there.
Thankful for This Time
by Kelly Roper
My future is my present,
My past is flying by.
My dreams are all coming true,
And I'm thankful for this time.
Friends Until the End
by Kelly Roper
Now that we have graduated,
The world seems infinite.
Everything is changing one second at a time,
And I can't seem to find my next step.
No matter what, I'm thankful for my friends.
They've been here since the beginning,
And they will be here until the end.
Writing Graduation Poetry
While you can use graduation verses already written by someone else, they are also good to use as inspiration for writing original poetry. In addition to catering to the feelings you want to describe, writing your sentiments for graduation can personalize the experience. You can even write a humorous poem, which could be especially appropriate if you plan to give a funny graduation speech.
- Think of personal experiences you'd like to focus on. For example, if you're using the verse for a close friend, think of a time the two of you spent together and use the verse to honor that.
- Some graduation poems cleverly incorporate the date and time of the party. It's perfectly acceptable to tell the date and time of the event and a little more.
- Don't be afraid to write something so you can see what it sounds or looks like; you may be surprised how something you don't think will be good actually ends up being perfect.
More Sources for Graduation Poems
If your graduate is graduating from something other than high school, consider poems for different ages, such as pre-school graduation poems or eighth grade graduation poems.
Using Poems About Graduation
Whether you're using a poem to express sentiments or create a one-of-a-kind gift, your thoughtfulness is sure to be appreciated. This special day is the end of one chapter with all the promise and possibilities of a new chapter in life. Celebrate it with feeling and a sense of accomplishment. You've earned it, grad!
