The Stinking Rose
by Sujata Bhatt
‘The Stinking Rose’ by Sujata Bhatt describes the way that garlic is judged based on its name and how a changed name might influence that fact.
The Storm-Wind
by William Barnes
‘The Storm-Wind’ by William Barnes contrasts peace and danger with images of home and a terrifying storm. The poem emphasizes how much easier it is to appreciate the safety of home when the conditions outside are so inhospitable.
The Summer of Lost Rachel
by Seamus Heaney
‘The Summer of Lost Rachel’ by Seamus Heaney was written after the death of the poet’s young niece. The poem uses nine quatrains with a ballad rhyme scheme.
The Tantrum
by A. E. Stallings
‘The Tantrum’ by A.E. Stallings is an compelling poem about loss. The speaker describes what a specific listener did when they saw their mother’s newly cut hair.
The Vast Hour
by Genevieve Taggard
‘The Vast Hour’ by Genevieve Taggard describes the changes that come over the world as day gives way to a sightless and soundless night.
The Wedding
by Moniza Alvi
‘The Wedding’ by Moniza Alvi depicts a wedding ceremony and a bride’s apprehensive approach to her new home in England and her new English family.
This World is not Conclusion
by Emily Dickinson
‘This World is not Conclusion’ is a deeply thoughtful exploration of faith and doubt from one of America’s finest poets.
To an Early Daffodil
by Amy Lowell
‘To an Early Daffodil’ by Amy Lowell contains a depiction of the beauty and strength of a single blooming daffodil.
Valentine
by Carol Ann Duffy
‘Valentine’ by Carol Ann Duffy is a memorable poem that talks about an onion that the poet gives her partner as a valentine-gift.
Vermilion Flycatcher, San Pedro River, Arizona
by Margaret Atwood
‘Vermilion Flycatcher, San Pedro River, Arizona’ by Margaret Atwood discusses the ways that nature changes and doesn’t change over time as well as humanity’s impact (or lack thereof).
Virtue
by George Herbert
‘Virtue’ is one of George Herbert’s spiritual poems stressing the need of keeping a virtuous soul. Herbert creates a contrast between earthly things and a virtuous soul to make his point.
Void in Law
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
‘Void in Law’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning depicts the scuffle many Victorian women endured after getting married. The woman has been left alone with no real resources by a husband who prefers to spend time with his mistress.
When You Come
by Maya Angelou
‘When You Come’ by Maya Angelou is a powerful piece about a past love. The poet uses figurative language to emphasize the experience of reliving the past.
White Roses
by Gillian Clarke
‘White Roses’ by Gillian Clarke is a heart-wrenching poem and true story about a sick child who bravely contends with pain during his short life.
Why Flowers Change Color
by Robert Herrick
‘Why Flowers Change Color’ by Robert Herrick is a short poem that speaks about virginity, virgins, and the reason that flowers change colors. The poem is often interpreted in different ways due to the few details Herrick provides in the four lines.
Winter Rain
by Christina Rossetti
‘Winter Rain’ by Christina Rossetti is about the power rain has in the natural world and how without it nothing would be the same. She uses several examples and images to depict the world flourishing after a rainstorm.
Women and Roses
by Robert Browning
‘Women and Roses’ by Robert Browning conveys a man’s perspective on women throughout time. They are represented by three apples on his metaphorical apple tree.
Your Riches — taught me — Poverty
by Emily Dickinson
‘Your Riches — taught me — Poverty’ by Emily Dickinson is about wealth and possessions. She addresses a personal friend and explores these subjects through the eyes of an adult.