The Planster’s Vision by John Betjeman
‘The Planster’s Vision’ by John Betjeman satirizes the goals of men who indiscriminately demolish buildings of cultural or aesthetic significance.
Steven Ward
Elegy by Ambrose Bierce
‘Elegy’ by Ambrose Bierce parodies another famous elegy in order to humorously critique the self-indulgence of such poetic lamentations.
What Work Is by Philip Levine
‘What Work Is’ by Philip Levine attempts to reconcile the speaker’s perceptions of what work is versus the tormenting experience of waiting for it.
Tomorrow, At Dawn by Victor Hugo
‘Tomorrow, At Dawn’ by Victor Hugo follows the speaker as they journey to the grave of a loved one, capturing all the ways in which grief has become their sole fixation.
More Strong Than Time by Victor Hugo
‘More Strong Than Time’ by Victor Hugo is a powerfully romantic poem that declares love as withstanding the withering effects of time.
Sunset by Victor Hugo
‘Sunset’ by Victor Hugo is a poignant poem that uses the setting sun to explore the speaker’s views on time and life’s various cycles, coming to the conclusion that the grim finality of human life is softened by the continuation of nature’s beauty.
Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand by Walt Whitman
‘Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand’ by Walt Whitman presents itself as a declaration of how best to engage with the poet’s ardently intimate verses.
Mannahatta by Walt Whitman
‘Mannahatta’ by Walt Whitman is a stunning poem that marvels over a city deeply admired by the poet, encompassing all the wondrous elements of its populace.
The Jewel Stairs’ Grievance (translated by Ezra Pound) by Li Bai
‘The Jewel Stairs’ Grievance’ (translated by Ezra Pound) by Li Bai captures the lovelorn yearning of a woman waiting for her lover late at night in a picturesque scene of melancholic beauty.
Oh! Snatched Away in Beauty’s Bloom by Lord Byron
‘Oh! Snatch’s Away in Beauty’s Bloom’ by Lord Byron is a beautiful poem about grief and the importance of expressing such emotions as a means of catharsis.
I tie my Hat—I crease my Shawl by Emily Dickinson
‘I tie my Hat—I crease my Shawl’ by Emily Dickinson is a deeply melancholic poem that elucidates the ways in which people try to go on living when they’ve lost all love of life.
Beeny Cliff by Thomas Hardy
‘Beeny Cliff’ by Thomas Hardy examines the disenchantment of a location that was once fondly beloved for its setting as a happy memory.
My Number by Billy Collins
‘My Number’ by Billy Collins takes a jocular approach to wrangling with the existential anxieties brought on when thinking about death.
Come In by Robert Frost
‘Come In’ by Robert Frost is a poem that takes a look at how we as people project ourselves onto nature.
I Was Made Erect and Lone by Henry David Thoreau
‘I Was Made Erect and Lone’ by Henry David Thoreau is a poem about trusting in your own individual autonomy.
Dreams by John Henry Dryden
‘Dreams’ by John Henry Dryden presents a vivid illustration of the ways in which dreams are steeped in paradox and irrationality.
Be Drunk by Charles Baudelaire
‘Be Drunk’ by Charles Baudelaire is a stirring poem meant to incite the reader to passion about life.
Can life be a blessing by John Henry Dryden
‘Can life be a blessing’ by John Henry Dryden is a poem devoted to arguing the necessity of love despite the inevitable pain it might cause.
A Thunderstorm In Town by Thomas Hardy
‘A Thunderstorm In Town’ by Thomas Hardy presents two contrasting scenes: the dry interior of a carriage and the havoc of a thunderstorm outside. But the powerful imagery and symbolism mainly illustrate a memory of lovelorn regret by the speaker.
Easter Hymn by A. E. Houseman
‘Easter Hymn’ by A. E. Houseman unearths the contradictions between religious teachings and their implementation. The poet is juxtaposing biblical moments of violence with modern ones to highlight the incomplete nature of Christ’s promise to save humanity from itself.
In Heaven by Stephen Crane
‘In Heaven’ by Stephen Crane offers a parable-like anecdote that contrasts humility with self-righteous pride. It also challenges religion and those the poet’s speaker deemed hypocritical.
My True Love Hath My Heart by Sir Philip Sidney
‘My True Love Hath My Heart’ by Sir Philip Sidney is a Shakespearean sonnet. It captures the intensity and depth of two people who experience love at first sight.
They Feed They Lion by Philip Levine
‘They Feed They Lion’ by Philip Levine is a powerful poem that visualizes a scene of apocalyptic proportions. It was inspired by the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit riots.
Latin & Soul by Victor Hernández Cruz
‘Latin & Soul’ by Victor Hernández Cruz conveys the sublimely affecting power of music on a group of dancers.
Winter Stars by Larry Levis
‘Winter Stars’ by Larry Levis tries to reconcile the estranged relationship between a son and their dying father.
She Had Some Horses by Joy Harjo
‘She Had Some Horses’ by Joy Harjo illustrates the plurality of differences among people.
To My Brother by Lorna Dee Cervantes
‘To My Brother’ by Lorna Dee Cervantes captures the intense bittersweetness of remembering a childhood checkered by both strife and happiness.
Star-Fix by Marilyn Nelson
‘Star-Fix’ by Marilyn Nelson is a poem that lionizes the noble role of the navigator onboard an aircraft.
To a Dead Friend by Langston Hughes
‘To a Dead Friend’ by Langston Hughes is a depressing poem about the ways death can permanently alter one’s ability to see or feel joy.
How Did You Die? by Edmund Vance Cooke
‘How Did You Die?’ by Edmund Vance Cooke is a rhyming poem that tries to impart an idealized view of perseverance in life.
