Welcome to a page full of funny graduation poems. Try them on for size and see if any are appropriate for the graduate in your life. If you would like to use one or some of these funny poems for commercial purposes, please see our terms of use.)
The first featured poem is bittersweet. It is from the point of view of a parent watching her (or his) child graduate. The photo is one that I took in 2005, on the occasion of my oldest son's graduation from law school. He is standing with my mom. If you look close, you can see my dad photographing more family members in the background. Oh -- and beyond that, in the background, is Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.
Can't Be True
They say you’re a senior.
I know it’s not true.
They say that you’ll
Walk down the aisle.
No, not you!
It cannot be over.
You can’t be a grad.
‘Cause that makes me old
and the old makes me sad.
by Denise Rodgers
Copyright© Denise Rodgers
All Rights Reserved
Photo by Denise Rodgers
If you'd like to encourage the graduate in your life to maintain their humor (and have a happy outlook in life), consider a gift of a funny poetry book.
I like the next poem on this page because it has what a
friend of mine calls "an economy of words." Each line has four or five
syllables . . . and one word. Now that's economical!
Of course, I had to give it a long wordy title, just to balance the thing out.
Just a Few Words
on the Occasion
of Your Graduation . . .
Concentration
Consternation
Contemplation
Excitation
Captivation
Application
Analyzation
Memorization
Examination
Graduation
Congratulations!
Copyright© Denise Rodgers
All Rights Reserved
The following poem addresses the fact that now that all the time and work has been invested in schooling, the graduate gets a piece of paper. And a pointy hat. After that, you have to find a job and get to work. Who knew?
Pointy Hat
It’s time to wear
That pointy hat
With four sides and a tassel,
To celebrate your years of work
Of study
And of hassle.
Now you are a graduate,
So please don't try to shirk.
You may not have to study now, but soon,
You’ll have to work!
by Denise Rodgers
Copyright© Denise Rodgers
All Rights Reserved
The next graduation rhyme has a lot of internal rhyme -- meaning that the rhyming words are within the line, not just at the end. This is a lot of fun to write (when it's going well).
A Senior
You’ve studied.
You’ve buddied.
You’ve partied.
Such fun!
Been tested,
And rested,
Contested,
And won.
You’ve worried
And hurried
To go take
A test.
But now you’re
A senior,
So give it
A rest.
by Denise Rodgers
Copyright© Denise Rodgers
All Rights Reserved
Okay, the next poem for your graduate has a naughty word in it. I hate to spoil my perfect G-rating on this site, but the rhyme is such a good zinger, I can't restrain myself. (So let's call it G-13, for this poem only.)
They Say
They say you’re walking down the aisle
To get your new degree.
The moment that you grab it,
You’ll be off the stage
And free.
Free to start your life anew
Unfettered by your classes.
And free to get
A brand new job
And kiss some
Brand new asses.
Congratulations!
by Denise Rodgers
Copyright© Denise Rodgers
All Rights Reserved
Or you may go directly to
Funny Birthday Poems
Funny Family Poems
Funny Anniversary Poems