Retirement Poems: A touch of class

Poems for retirement express feelings...

Why have retirement poems? Poetry is often overlooked as boring and out of date. Yet there can be great value from hearing or reading good poetic content. It is an excellent avenue for expressing deep feelings, thoughts and ideas. It can inspire noble action and give the courage to stand strong under trials. What is important in life can be conveyed beautifully through poetry. People tend to listen and focus more closely as poetic words are spoken. It is something that is memorable and will always be associated with the special event. It can be a tribute to achievement and contributions made at work or personal life.

Retirement is one such event. It is once in a life time. The retiree life is about to change and go in another direction. Emotions run high and low during this time. There can be exhillaration, happiness, and anticipation. On the other, there could fear, anxiety, and stress.

Poetry can capture these feelings and sediments. It can be shared as part of invitations sent out or spoken orally during the celebration.

Saying Goodbye

The Retirement Party is a good opportunity to wish the retiring individual well. Here are two examples of poetry for a well loved retiree.

      May you always have work for your hands to do.
      May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
      May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
      May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
      May the hand of a friend always be near you.
      And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
           — Irish Retirement Blessing

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      May you have enough happiness to keep you happy.
      Enough trials to keep you strong.
      Enough sorrow to keep you human.
      Enough hope to keep you thoughtful.
      Enough failure to keep you humble.
      Enough success to keep you eager.
      Enough friends to give you comfort.
      Enough faith and courage in yourself to banish depression.
      Enough wealth to meet your daily needs.
      Enough determination to make each day a better day than yesterday.


Happy poems for retirement

Retirement Poems can also come from others to honor the retiree by paying tribute to what they have done. These thank you poems express gratitude for the job done.

      With honesty and dedication,
      You pledged to protect and serve.
      Using courage and compassion,
      Your community you did preserve.

      May the years of your Retirement,
      Be rich rewarding kind,
      And may there be no limit to,
      The happiness you find.

Here are examples of funny retirement poems that will add spice to the occasion:

      Retired is being twice tired, I've thought
      First tired of working, then tired of not.
           Richard Armour

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      Over the hill but not yet old.
      I’m still spunky, so I am told.
      My life has been a bumpy ride.
      But, my inner-child smiles inside.

      As the winter of my life slowly nears.
      It’s time for me to switch some gears.
      But, while I’m waiting for that time.
      I’m kicking and alive at sixty-five.


Some of the most touching thoughts come from inspirational friendship poems. Here are several that could reach the heart:

      May the road rise up to meet you
     May the wind be always at your back
     May the sun shine warm upon your face
     May the rain fall soft upon your field
     And until we meet again
     May God hold you in the palm of his hand
          ( A celtic blessing )

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Short farewell poems can express sadness that a loved and valued coworker is leaving.

     All of us will miss you
     And we would like to say
     We hope this card brings you good luck
     Each and every day


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A poem about New Job & Place

     You're a very special person
     Destined to go far
     I hope your new workmates and neighbours
     Know how lucky they are

Example of a famous retirement poem:

Don’t you stay at home of evenings?Don’t you love a cushioned seatIn a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?— Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.


Poetry helps you experience things more completely. Specially crafted words can give new perspective. It gets your attention. Colorful language can paint a picture that stays with you. The picture may come out differently for each individual, but still equally as valid. Inspirational poems about retirement are to be shared. New understanding comes from the view point of others. It requires effort to write a poem and it requires a deeper effort to understand poetry.

Having retirement poems at your party is a nice touch. Setting aside a special retirement poem time will add great value and elegance to your celebration.

Other retirement poems sources...

The Poet Sanctuary is an excellent source of quality poetry.

Shadow Poetry is a World of Poetry at Your Fingertips: Offers Poetry Contests, Chapbooks, SP Quill Quarterly Magazine, White Lotus Magazine, Publication, Community of Poets, Interactive Poetic Activities, and Educational Tools for learning poets everywhere!

Christian Articles - Christian Poetry-Access thousands of Family Safe articles in categories of your choice.

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