Jamie Jenson
Half-Caste by John Agard
John Agard’s poem ‘Half-caste’ is a poem that is, in a majority, filled with the speaker responding to being called half-caste.
Sailing to Byzantium by William Butler Yeats
Yeats’ poems are continually referenced in popular culture, including the poem ‘Sailing to Byzantium’. Its first line, “That is no country for old men…” was used for the title of Cormac McCarthy’s popular novel, “No Country for Old Men,” later adapted for the big screen.
Acquainted with the Night by Robert Frost
‘Acquainted with the Night’ by Robert Frost is a personal poem that deals with themes of depression. It’s told, perhaps, from the poet’s own perspective.
Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley
‘Ozymandias’ is about the nature of power. It is an important piece that features how a great ruler like Ozymandias and his legacy was buried in the pages of history.
Courage by Anne Sexton
‘Courage’ by Anne Sexton conveys the different ways in which a person can show courage, ranging from the seemingly insignificant to the much more heroic.
Sonnet 116: Let me not to the marriage of true minds by William Shakespeare
Sonnet 116: ‘Let me not to the marriage of true minds’ by William Shakespeare is easily one of the most recognizable sonnets of all time. It explores the nature of love and what “true love” is.
If— by Rudyard Kipling
Many people consider ‘If—’ to be one of the most inspirational poems ever written. It is certainly a poem that has garnered a great deal of attention in popular culture.
Mad Girl’s Love Song by Sylvia Plath
‘Mad Girl’s Love Song’ by Sylvia Plath explores the truth of a relationship. The speaker wonders how deep and meaningful it really was.
Invictus by William Ernest Henley
‘Invictus’ is W.E. Henley’s most famous and inspirational poem, that resonates with people worldwide. He wrote the poem in 1875 and dedicated it Scottish flour merchant named Robert Thomas Hamilton Bruce.
When You Are Old by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats’ poem ‘When You Are Old’ is directly addressed to his lover, most probably Maud Gonne who was an Irish revolutionary.
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
In short, ‘Wild Geese’ is a poem, written by Mary Oliver, that expresses what one must do in order to lead a good life.
Quarantine by Eavan Boland
Eavan Boland’s poem ‘Quarantine’ is a non-traditional love poem about a husband and wife who are forced to move north during the Great Irish Famine in 1847. RTÉ shortlisted 10 poems as Ireland’s favorite poems of the last century in 2015. Boland’s ‘Quarantine’ was one of them.
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
‘Phenomenal Woman’ by Maya Angelou defies the stereotypes women are often faced with today. It is a poem filled with strength and determination.