To help celebrate and commemorate a graduation, be it from high school, university, or even junior high, here are a few graduation poems to inspire and advise new graduates, whether they are heading into the world, or heading into high school! While perhaps not written specifically for graduation, these make excellent graduation poems for the occasion.

Few poems are as inspiring or wise as Rudyard Kipling’s “If,” a perfect poem to share with a new graduate:

For the reluctant student, or the one who had a difficult time reaching graduation, Edgar Guest’s “It Couldn’t Be Done” relays a wonderful message:

And for those who are not confident in going out into the world after graduation, Berton Braley’s “Opportunity” is an inspiration:

Give the gift of poetry at graduation!