You Can’t Have It All by Barbara Ras
‘You Can’t Have It All’ celebrates life’s diverse experiences, urging appreciation for moments amid constraints, fostering gratitude and acceptance.
Hilary Benard
The Pilgrims Came by Annette Wynne
Reflecting on Pilgrims’ journey, ‘The Pilgrims Came’ by Annette Wynne unearths forgotten joy, crafting history into Thanksgiving’s legacy.
The Light of the World by Derek Walcott
Through shared journeys, Derek Walcott’s ‘The Light of the World’ unveils beauty, empathy, and privilege, fostering connections amid life’s complexities.
The End and the Beginning by Wislawa Szymborska
Szymborska contemplates the aftermath of war, urging resilience and reflection amidst destruction, evoking emotions of melancholy and hope.
Domestic Peace by Anne Brontë
‘Domestic Peace’ laments a transformed household, contrasting external calm with internal desolation, emphasizing the profound impact of emotional connections.
The Sleepers by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman’s ‘The Sleepers’ portrays a brave swimmer’s perilous journey through nature’s might, evoking awe and mortality.
The Lovers of the Poor by Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks’ scathing critique exposes Ladies’ insincere charity, highlighting social inequality and privilege.
Crossing the Swamp by Mary Oliver
Amidst the swamp’s trials, bones knock for foothold, revealing resilience, transformation, and growth through struggle.
The Pumpkin by John Greenleaf Whittier
‘The Pumpkin’ by John Greenleaf Whittier celebrates the pumpkin’s beauty, nostalgia, and its power to evoke cherished memories and emotions.
To BRYANT, the Poet of Nature by Walt Whitman
In ‘To BRYANT, the Poet of Nature,’ Bryant’s legacy is intertwined with nature’s eternal embrace. It is a poetic testament transcending time, honoring the divine bond between art and environment.
A Thanksgiving Poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
In grateful hymns, Dunbar lauds God’s mercy, human flaws, and divine abundance in a harmonious ode.
Ulalume by Edgar Allan Poe
‘Ulalume’ explores the depths of sorrow and the haunting impact of loss, as the speaker navigates a dark and mysterious landscape.
Pleasures by Denise Levertov
Denise Levertov’s ‘Pleasures’ celebrates the beauty hidden within everyday objects, inviting readers to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Populist Manifesto by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Lawrence Ferlinghetti passionately urges poets to break free, engage the world, and speak out for transformative change.
Esta Noche by Mark Doty
In ‘Esta Noche,’ Lola’s vibrant persona celebrates self-expression, challenging norms with captivating language and the allure of drag performance.
The Slave Mother by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s ‘The Slave Mother’ portrays an enslaved woman’s anguish, emphasizing the enduring power of love amid oppression.
Miami Heart by Jane Miller
‘Miami Heart’ delves into life’s complexities, juxtaposing superficiality with profound desires, a contemplative journey through existence’s intricacies.
Burning the Old Year by Naomi Shihab Nye
Naomi Shihab Nye’s ‘Burning the Old Year’ explores the transience of time, the impact of loss, and the potential for renewal.
The Trial by Existence by Robert Frost
The poem explores the paradox of bravery and the rewards of daring to face challenges in existence.
Double Dutch by Gregory Pardlo
‘Double Dutch’ by Gregory Pardlo captures the vibrant energy and skillful artistry of girls playing the game with vivid imagery and rhythmic language.
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell by William Blake
‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell’ by William Blake explores the tension between opposing forces and the transformative power of embracing contradiction.
The Lights at Carney’s Point by Alice Moore Nelson-Dunbar
‘The Lights at Carney’s Point’ explores the transformative nature of light, shifting from serenity to darkness, and ultimately finding peace and acceptance.
Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur’s ‘Dear Mama’ expresses heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for a mother’s love and sacrifices, showcasing profound emotions.
To a Highland Girl by William Wordsworth
‘To a Highland Girl’ by Wordsworth celebrates the beauty and innocence of the girl, her harmonious connection to nature.
At My Grandmother’s by David Malouf
‘At My Grandmother’s’ by David Malouf explores the haunting presence of the past and the interplay between memory, time, and mortality.
Santa Filomena by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
‘Santa Filomena’ explores the transformative power of noble deeds and thoughts, bringing light and solace amidst suffering.
Ex-Basketball Player by John Updike
‘Ex-Basketball Player’ by John Updike explores the faded glory of Flick Webb, a former basketball star, as he navigates a life of unfulfilled potential and routine.
The Broken Oar by HenryWadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s contemplative journey reveals the weariness of the human experience and the limitations of language.
A Child Asleep by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem celebrates the ethereal beauty of a sleeping child and his profound connection to the divine.
Dream Song 149 by John Berryman
In ‘Dream Song 149,’ Berryman mourns Delmore’s death and reflects on their profound connection amidst disillusionment with the world.
