Passion Poems

“Take me anywhere” (from Hermetic Definition: ‘Red Rose and a Beggar’)

by Hilda Doolittle

In “Take me anywhere, anywhere;” by Hilda Doolittle, the poet-speaker addresses a lover, expressing the way in which she takes refuge in their affection.

Doolittle's passion for her lover is the driving force of the poem, spurring her explanation of how she wants to coexist with them. She is devoted beyond reason, wanting to recede into her lover, as if disappearing into his thoughts or becoming a part of his body. While this passion seems sweet, it is slightly worrying as it is accompanied by a much darker tone.

I have never seen “Volcanoes”

by Emily Dickinson

‘I have never seen “Volcanoes”’ by Emily Dickinson is a clever, complex poem that compares humans and their emotions to a volcano’s eruptive power. 

Ultimately, volcanoes are both terrifying and beautiful; they are destructive and yet volcanic soil is fertile. The symbol of the volcano is therefore intended to represent the power of passion, both able to destroy and to create.

The Tables Turned

by William Wordsworth

In ‘The Tables Turned,’ Wordsworth invites us to break free from the constraints of modern society and rediscover the natural world’s beauty and wisdom.

This poem has a lot of passion behind its words, as do most poems that try to persuade to convince the reader to a certain degree. This poem has its passionate moments, the tension building from the first lines and peaking just before the end, where the speaker relinquishes control of the narrative to allow the reader to decide their own fate after reading the poem.

The Sea and the Hills

by Rudyard Kipling

‘The Sea and the Hills’ by Rudyard Kipling depicts the ocean, its heaving waves, incredible winds, and ever-present danger. It has evoked longing in men throughout time and will continue to do so, just as one longs to return home. 

Kipling presents the sea as a conduit for passion and its unpredictability to be reminiscent of human behavior.

Be Drunk

by Charles Baudelaire

‘Be Drunk’ by Charles Baudelaire is a stirring poem meant to incite the reader to passion about life.

An important emotion that the poem inspires is passion, which is seen both in the speaker's recommendation to be drunk as it is in offering other options like poetry. The point is that one should find something that ignites a fire within them in the same way art might or aspiration toward certain ideals would.

Latin & Soul

by Victor Hernández Cruz

‘Latin & Soul’ by Victor Hernández Cruz conveys the sublimely affecting power of music on a group of dancers.

One emotion Cruz imagines with startling clarity is the passion instilled by listening to music, especially live music. All the kinetic and auditory imagery is directed at creating an energetic understanding of what his experience means and does to the speaker and the audience. There's also examples of intense passion in the last two stanzas, when a misunderstanding leads to a possible act of violence.

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.

Another emotion that the poem inspires is intense passion. Much of the imagery and figurative language in the poem is directed and articulates the fiery love between the speaker and their beloved. It is this passion that fuels the speaker's boldness, urging them to declare their bond stronger than time itself, as time can never erase that love from their hearts.

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.

If there is one emotion that Whitman's poem seems to always overflow with it is passion. Here that expression takes a number of forms and contexts. There is a passion for life and art, as well as nature, but also a sensual one. The way the poet intertwines all these emotions is powerfully reflective and an ode to the ardent human spirit.

Ravenna

by Oscar Wilde

‘Ravenna’ by Oscar Wilde is the poet’s recollection of a trip to the culturally and historically important Italian city of Ravenna.

High-flown, extravagant, passionate language mark this poem about the city of Ravenna by Oscar Wilde. Throughout 'Ravenna,' an intense, passionate style is adopted. While the poem is sometimes melancholic and sorrowful and sometimes more simply happy and optimistic, the passion remains throughout.

My True Love Hath My Heart

by 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.

The poem includes feelings of passion, both bliss and as pain. In this way, the poem reveals the paradoxical raptness of such intense emotion as love. The speaker describes being wounded by the sight of their love and how great their passion is for each other.

Poem About My Rights

by June Jordan

‘Poem About My Rights’ by June Jordan is a one-stanza poem revealing a speaker’s thoughts on misogyny, sexism, and racism from their experience. It is celebrated for accurately portraying the struggles of women and men of color in a patriarchial and predominantly white society.

Passion has to do with the poet persona's tone throughout the poem. It is not an overarching emotion, but can be easily mistook for anger, which is more obvious.

Sonnet 227

by Petrarch

‘Sonnet 227’ is about “Love,” particularly “Unrequited love.” Petrarch expresses his deep love for Laura, her indifference towards his love, and the various contrasting emotions he undergoes in the poem.

Passion is an important emotion in Petrarch's poetry. This sonnet, and many others, is marked by a deep emotional intensity that is as memorable as poignant. Readers who enjoy his work will likely find this same passion in this poem.

In the Light of the Moon

by Delmira Agustini

‘In the Light of the Moon’ by Delmira Agustini explores the power of the moon. The speaker is drawn to the moon due to its white innocence and its power to soothe her soul.

Passion is the driving force behind this poem. It describes the intense passion and longing that two lovers feel for each other, as well as the sense of enjoyment and devotion that they share. Agustini's use of sensual language and vivid imagery serves to heighten the emotions of the two lovers, emphasizing the intensity of their passion.

Before The Cask of Wine

by Li Bai

‘Before The Cask of Wine’ is a beautiful lyric that emphasizes enjoying one’s youthful hours to the fullest. As one can’t savor those moments in old age.

Passion is a strong emotion explored in 'Before The Cask of Wine.' The poem speaks to the youthful energy and passioe, urging the reader to seize the moment and enjoy the excitement of new experiences. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of our time while we can.

The Woman and the Angel

by Robert Service

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

The woman's desperate desire to be with the angel may evoke longing in the reader. The poem explores the human longing for connection, both with other people and with the divine, and may inspire a sense of yearning or a desire for transcendence.

Marrysong

by Dennis Scott 

‘Marrysong’ by Dennis Scott describes the relationship between a husband and wife whose relationship is constantly shifting.

This poem relates to passion in that it portrays the speaker's intense love for his partner, despite the challenges of navigating a complex relationship. The poem suggests that the speaker's passion is fueled by the constant discovery of new aspects of his partner's personality and the ever-changing nature of their relationship.

High Flight

by John Gillespie Magee

‘High Flight’ by John Gillespie Maggee Jr. is a powerful WWII poem that was written in the weeks prior to the poet’s death. It explores flying, God, and human mortality.

The poem is imbued with a sense of passion, capturing the exhilaration of soaring through the skies and exploring the limits of human potential. The poet's feelings while flying come through very clearly.

Summum Bonum

by Robert Browning

‘Summum Bonum’ by Robert Browning is a fairly straightforward and memorable poem about love and how it is far more important, and valuable than any beautiful summer day or shining gemstone. 

The speaker loves the natural world but has a true passion for the woman mentioned in the final line. He feels that her love outweighs everything else of value in the world.

To a Butterfly

by William Wordsworth

There are two poems by the title ‘To a Butterfly’ in William Wordsworth’s 1807 poetry collection, “Poems, in Two Volumes.” The first poem is the best-known in comparison to the latter one.

The speaker's passion for the natural world and childhood memories is evident in the poem's vivid imagery and emotional tone. The exclamation marks and exclamatory phrases further emphasize the intensity of the speaker's emotions.

This Is Not a Small Voice

by Sonia Sanchez

‘This Is Not a Small Voice’ by Sonia Sanchez is a well-loved poem that celebrates the power of Black men, women, and children, as well as their communities. 

The poem describes the love of Black people as a "passion for kissing learning on its face." The use of the word "passion" suggests a strong and intense emotion, conveying the idea that the love of black people is a driving force that motivates and inspires.

Virgil

by Giusue Carducci

‘Virgil’ by Giusue Carducci uses nature imagery to evoke historical and mythical themes and events.

The poem is filled with passion in its descriptions of nature and its celebration of poetry. It captures the intense emotions that can be stirred up by both nature and language and how they can provide solace and comfort in difficult times.

[love is more thicker than forget]

by E.E. Cummings

‘[love is more thicker than forget]’ by E.E. Cummings conveys the idea that love can be a source of hope, comfort, and joy in times of darkness.

The speaker Cummings uses in this four-stanza poem is incredibly passionate and helps create a passionate and appreciative mood for the reader as well. The speaker is very passionate about love and the many ways it manifests.

I Saw From the Beach

by Thomas Moore

‘I Saw From the Beach’ by Thomas Moore is a thoughtful poem. It considers the soul and passion and how the two things change over time as one ages. 

The poem's central emotion is passion, with the speaker reflecting on the moment when passion first woke a new life through his frame and carrying that feeling throughout the entire poem.

All You Have is a Country

by Ha Jin

“All You Have is A Country” by Ha Jin explores patriotism and how it can be negatively ingrained into someone’s personality.

The speaker is very passionate in his allusions to the destructive power of aligning one's identity with a country's culture. The speaker knows that people, like the unnamed person they're describing in the text, connect their lives directly to what a country, in this case, China, tells them to.

Carpe Diem

by William Shakespeare

‘Carpe Diem’ by William Shakespeare is a love song from Twelfth Night, sung by Feste the clown/fool. It’s about love and youth. 

The speaker's language is filled with passion. They love the person they're talking to and feel passionate about the message they're conveying in this poem.

The Flag Goes By

by Henry Holcomb Bennett

‘The Flag Goes By’ by Henry Holcomb Bennett is a patriotic American poem that focuses on the symbolism of the American flag. It encourages those reading to respect the flag as a symbol. 

The speaker is incredibly passionate about America and what the American flag symbolizes. They implore those around them to take off their hats when the American flag passes by.

The Things That Are More Excellent

by William Watson

‘The Things that Are More Excellent’ by William Watson is a highly relatable poem that reminds readers to value the truly “excellent” things in life. One should not waste time on societal norms or acquiring material possessions.

Throughout this nine-stanza poem, the poet shares his passion for "excellent" things with the reader. It's clear that Watson cared deeply about the quality of one's life and ensuring that one's days aren't wasted on things that don't matter.

To Speak of Woe That Is In Marriage

by Robert Lowell

‘To Speak of Woe That Is in Marriage’ by Robert Lowell is a memorable, confessional poem. In it, lol taps into the life experiences of a wife who is fearful of her lustful husband.

The poem describes the husband's lust in vivid and harsh terms, as a destructive and dangerous force that threatens to harm the speaker. It highlights the darker side of passion, one that is not always positive or healthy.

Christmas Everywhere

by Phillips Brooks

‘Christmas Everywhere’ by Phillips Brooks is an uplifting Christmas and religious poem about the power of the season. The poet implies that if people wanted to, they could carry the same feeling of faithfulness throughout the whole year. 

The speaker is filled with passion, passion for Christmas and passion for Christianity. He also feels strongly about the faithful feelings that Christmas inspires in people worldwide.

Each In His Own Tongue

by William Herbert Carruth

‘Each In His Own Tongue’ by William Herbert Carruth depicts the world and all its beauty and suffering, attributing the elements to evolution, longing, consecration, or God. 

The speaker describes the world in passionate and interested language, encouraging the readers to look toward their faith or towards any alternate means of understanding the world.