Andrew Walker Poetry Expert

Andrew Walker

Andrew joined the team back in November 2015 and has a passion for poetry. He has an Honours in the Bachelor of Arts, consisting of a Major in Communication, Culture and Information Technology, a Major in Professional Writing and a Minor in Historical Studies.

The Castle-Builder

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow demonstrates in ‘The Castle-Builder’ his unique appreciation for youthfulness, imagination, and childhood days.

Old David Smail

‘Old David Smail’ tells the story of a dreamer, a character that is both relatable and strange, and one that most people could learn from.

My Masterpiece

‘My Masterpiece’ seems to be the poem Robert Service wrote to warn the reader about the regrets they may discover too late in their lives.

My Book

In writing ‘My Book,’ Robert Service reminds his readers about the importance of avoiding judgement on others and instead focusing on themselves.

Do not go gentle into that good night

‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ is a powerful poem about how important it is, despite death’s inevitability, to fight against it until the bitter end.

The Indian Hunter

Through ‘The Indian Hunter,’ H. W. Longfellow tells a story rarely told in his time: the story of land thefts and injustices for the Native American people.

Fern Hill

Dylan Thomas wrote his famous poem ‘Fern Hill’ as a way of looking back towards childhood and appreciating the pure joy that becomes so hard to find after.

It Is Not Always May

It Is Not Always May is a fairly straightforward statement, and one that just about everyone can agree is undeniably

Atoll

Robert Service visits the fantasy of living alone on an island in ‘Atoll,’ and depicts it as an experience both unique and unsettling.

The Other One

Robert Service writes about one of the most powerful forms of grief in the world in ‘The Other One’: the grief of a parent for a lost child.

Don’t Despise Me

‘Don’t Despise Me’ by Akka Mahadevi is a plea to the listener. It showcases the poet’s devotion and adherence to her faith.

I Have Fallen in Love

‘I Have Fallen in Love’ by Akka Mahadevi expresses the poet’s faith with incredible honesty. She uses powerful images and metaphors to speak of religion and love.

A Limb Just Moved

‘A Limb Just Moved’ is a poem attributed to Mirabai, a Hindu mystic and Bahkti saint who lived in the sixteenth century and was well-known for her incredible devotion to Krishna, and to her faith.

Midnight on the Great Western

Thomas Hardy’s ‘Midnight on the Great Western’ is a powerful piece of poetry that examines the story of a young boy, traveling forward to an unknown destination from an unknown place.

The Call

In ‘The Call,’ Robert Service reflects on the propaganda used to recruit soldiers into World War I, based on his living in France at the time.

The Woman and the Angel

‘The Woman and the Angel’ is an allegory by Robert Service that reflects on the evolving nature of ethics and morality in human society.

A Frosty Night

Robert Graves presents a compelling duologue in his poetic ballad, ‘A Frosty Night.’ He uses simple ideas and complex language to create a meaningful poem.

Lament

‘Lament’ is Gillian Clarke’s war-inspired perspective on taking the time to remember the devastation and destruction that humanity is capable of today.

The Call of the Wild

Robert Service wrote ‘The Call of the Wild’ from the middle of the wilderness, and in it fervently invites his reader to join in the experience.

On the Death of a Young Lady

Lord Byron wrote ‘On the Death of a Young Lady’ in memory of his cousin Margaret Parker. This poem contains great emotional content, focusing on atmosphere over the story.

The Chamber Over the Gate

The Chamber Over the Gate, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is a poem filled with emotion, faith, and history.

The Stretcher-Bearer

‘The Stretcher-Bearer’ is one of Robert Service’s signature wartime poems that recalls his experiences during the First World War.

The Slave in the Dismal Swamp

‘The Slave in the Dismal Swamp’ by H. W. Longfellow is written during a chaotic period in an attempt to garner support for the abolitionist cause.

The Poet and His Songs

The Poet and His Songs’ written by H. W. Longfellow is both inspirational and introspective, as this poem examines what it is that motivates a poet to write.

The Meeting

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s ‘The Meeting’ is a poem that reflects upon the nature of aging and of memory both.

Afternoon in February

‘Afternoon in February’ by Longfellow is a poem that explores profound sadness, and, more notable, the way that people can see their sadness in every aspect of life when the feeling is strong enough.

The Witnesses

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived in a time of significant upheaval in the United States. During his lifetime, he witnessed the

Encouragement

‘Encouragement’ by Emile Brontë is one of the most touching poems written by the gifted poet, about the loss of

Excelsior

Excelsior, the Latin phrase for “ever higher” (or a similar equivalent) is the focus of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem with

Belisarius

‘Belisarius’ is Longfellow’s timeless poem based on the historic figure of the same name that weaves together the mythology of

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