Edgar Allen Poe

William Shakespeare

So, it's a friend or family member’s birthday and let’s face it, those corny punch lines already printed on birthday cards just are not going to cut it this year. A solid birthday poem can really push a card over the top, but only if you can find the right words to express what you hope to say. No one wants their birthday poem to be too overt. Of course, no one wants to give their friend a dirty limerick for their birthday poem either.

Birthday poems range in all sizes and shapes, just like people. So, therefore there should be a perfectly suited poem available for nearly anyone you know. Step one then is to find the right tone for your birthday tone. Is it for your mother, your wife, your husband, your son or daughter, or maybe just a good friend or co-worker. Now, what kind of poem would that person appreciate?

Even for a spouse or family member, a funny birthday poem can be a light and distracting way to enjoy the annual reminder of how old they are. Jonathan Swift, the author Gulliver’s Travels and one of the English language’s first satirists wrote “Stella’s Birthday” for a woman with whom he frequently corresponded. With the light touch of humour that he imbued into everything he wrote, he reminded her of exactly how old she was:

Of course, some instances of humour are best left untouched. If someone is particularly touchy about their age, finding a poem that outlines the exact age and then makes comment on the advanced decrepit state of that age is not the best idea. Be considerate even as you seek a light and humorous way to celebrate that most important of days.

Birthday Poem

More Birthday Poem

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Birthday Poem

Step #1 – Find the Right Tone

Step #2 – Humour Goes a Long Way

Step #3 – Being Wary