A wedding anniversary is an occasion that often calls for celebrations, for toasts and well-wishes. It has also been the inspiration for many poets, who have commemorated their anniversaries or the anniversaries of others in verse.

One poet who celebrated the occasion of her own anniversary in verse is Russian poet Anna Ahkmatova (1889-1966). Ahkmatova captures both the history of her marriage and her hope for the future of her relationship in “Celebrate:”

Without resorting to trite expressions, Ahkmatova reveals her adoration for her mate, whose “soul can compare to my soul,” and whose voice can warm a cold night.

Sometimes it is not to celebrate the anniversary, but to celebrate the celebration itself that drives a poet to his pen. German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) chose the latter in his “Anniversary Song,” an amusing account of an anniversary celebration:

Anyone who has been to an uproarious family gathering, be it a wedding or anniversary, can find humor in von Goethe’s words, which despite it’s age – the poem was written in 1802 – is still relevant. Little has changed when it comes to celebrating with family!

Some poets are inspired by anniversaries that could have been, such as Dylan Thomas (1914-1953), who writes “On a Wedding Anniversary” to commemorate a marriage that has ended:

Dylan’s bittersweet words remind us that even though the marriage may not last – whether by accident or purpose – the sentiment remains.