Birthdays are usually synonymous with celebrations, exchanging gifts, expressions of love and hope, “and many more,” and joy. They are also occasions, particularly for poets, for reflection: day-dreaming, regret, guilt, sorrow, nostalgia, pain, fears, and the like. Consequently, throughout history we find poets inspired, or perhaps compelled, to write poems on or about their birthdays. Some find occasions to celebrate other poets, family or friends on their birthdates. To illustrate, I have provided, at the end of this article, a mini-bibliography of 20th and 21st century poems. The list – over 100 poems – is by no means comprehensive but may whet the appetite of those inclined to go deeper into this world of poems “On Turning.” 

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