Kenneth Koch Poems

Kenneth Koch was an American poet who is closely associated with the New York School. His work is well regarded for its elements of surrealism, irony, and satire. He passed away in 2002.

Permanently

by Kenneth Koch

‘Permanently’ by Kenneth Koch is a poem that compares the speaker’s love to the part of speech they view as the most essential.

Kenneth Koch is known for using surrealism and irony, this poem uses both in a way that is original and affecting. The wordplay and use of personification present a unique perspective on love and love poems as well.

One day the Nouns were clustered in the street.

An Adjective walked by, with her dark beauty.

The Nouns were struck, moved, changed.

The next day a Verb drove up, and created the Sentence.

To you

by Kenneth Koch

‘To You’ by Kenneth Koch is a love poem, with Koch depicting his love through various similes that span from

You Know All This

by Kenneth Koch

‘You Know All This’ by Kenneth Koch discusses how relationships can last beyond their expiration date, memories still impacting the

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