A Rolling Stone
by Robert Service
In ‘A Rolling Stone’, Robert Service reflects on the simple idea of getting away from the convoluted machinations of the modern world. The poem was published in Rhymes of a Rolling Stone in 1912.
a song in the front yard
by Gwendolyn Brooks
‘a song in the front yard’ by Gwendolyn Brooks is a well-known poem about a young speaker’s interest in the darker side of life.
A Time for Everything
by Ecclesiastes
These words have offered comfort to those who are mourning loss, and brought joy to those experiencing life’s miracles. These
Acrostic
by Lewis Carroll
‘Acrostic’ by Lewis Carroll is an acrostic poem. The poet talks about three “little maidens” in the poem and how
Admonition
by Elizabeth Jennings
‘Admonition’ by Elizabeth Jennings describes how one should maintain control over their own life rather than designate their responsibilities to others.
After Prayers, Lie Cold
by C.S. Lewis
This poem, After Prayers, Lie Cold, was written by C.S. Lewis, a man little known for his poetry, but greatly known
All the world’s a stage
by William Shakespeare
‘All the world’s a stage’ is a well-known monologue found in William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’. This speech of Jaques explores the seven ages of man and their implications.
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
Ambulances
by Philip Larkin
‘Ambulances’ by Philip Larkin presents readers with a thoughtful and concerning depiction of cities. He focuses on the presence of death and its inevitability.
Answers
by Elizabeth Jennings
‘Answers’ by Elizabeth Jennings describes how one speaker compartmentalizes the big questions and answers in life in the back of her mind.
Any Human to Another
by Countee Cullen
In Countee Cullen’s poem, ‘Any Human to Another,’ the speaker describes how essential human interaction is. He also reveals how one person suffering affects everyone.
As I Walked Out One Evening
by W.H. Auden
‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ by W. H. Auden is a poem about the unconquerable nature of death and the imperfect nature of love. This piece was first published in 1940 in the poet’s collection Another Time.
Ascetic
by Patrick Kavanagh
The poem’s title, ‘Ascetic’, is basically the practice of going without, usually this means leading a Spartan lifestyle and avoiding
Ask Me
by William Stafford
‘Ask Me’ appears in William Stafford’s one of the best-known poetry collections, Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford. This metaphorical poem is bout life and memories.
Auguries of Innocence
by William Blake
‘Auguries of Innocence’ by William Blake is a poem from his notebook, known as the Pickering Manuscript. This poem by presenting a series of paradoxical ideas revolves around the theme of innocence vs experience.
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour
Babies
by Alice Fulton
‘Babies’ by Alice Fulton describes the different ways that children and adults understand the world. The latter’s perspective is informed by years of conflict, lies that can’t be apologized for, and the realization that some parts of one’s life are so important that you only get one shot at them.
Be Strong
by Maltbie D. Babcock
‘Be Strong’ by Maltbie D. Babcock describes a certain way of living in the world in which one faces down all their troubles bravely.
Beyond the Years
by Paul Laurence Dunbar
‘Beyond the Years’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a three section poem in which the speaker describes what one will, and will not, experience after death.
Blaen Cwrt
by Gillian Clarke
‘Blaen Cwrt,’ a poem by Welsh poet Gillian Clarke depicts the pleasant dwelling of the speaker in rural Ceredigion, West Wales.
Born Yesterday
by Philip Larkin
‘Born Yesterday’ by Philip Larkin is a poem about happiness. It explores what true happiness is and how one young woman should look for it.
Breaking the Surface
by Jean Bleakney
‘Breaking the Surface’ by Jean Bleakney is about the “art of skimming,” an extended metaphor for the art of writing poetry.
broken bowl
by Penny Harter
‘broken bowl’ by Penny Harter is a short and memorable haiku about a broken bowl. The poem uses three very short lines to describe its rocking pieces.
Clocks
by Gillian Clarke
‘Clocks’ by Gillian Clarke is a unique and deep poem that reflects the passage of time and the wonders of growing older.
Comfort
by Robert Service
Here’s an analysis of ‘Comfort’ by Robert Service. Some poems look to tell a story; others try to convey a feeling;
Count that Day Lost
by George Eliot
‘Count That Day Lost’ by George Eliot describes what one must do to count their days well spent with goodness and kindness.
Darling
by Jackie Kay
‘Darling’ by Jackie Kay describes a woman’s death on a beautiful summer day and her close friend’s reaction. It was inspired by a personal loss the poet experienced.
Departmental
by Robert Frost
‘Departmental’ by Robert Frost is a clever poem that presents a satire of ant society. It suggests that the control and compartmentalization in the ant world would not work, or should not work, in human society.
An ant on the tablecloth
Ran into a dormant moth
Of many times his size.
He showed not the least surprise.
Died..
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
‘Died..’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning explores the impact of a man’s death while also exploring the immorality of passing judgements, good or bad.
Discovery
by Florence Ripley Mastin
‘Discovery’ by Florence Ripley Mastin describes a walk through the woods during which a speaker experiences an important change.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
by Mary Frye
‘Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep’ by Mary Frye was written out of heartfelt compassion, and it has resonated with millions of people experiencing loss and grief.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
Don’t Quit
by Edgar Guest
‘Don’t Quit’ by Edgar Albert Guest is a simple poem about facing the difficulties in one’s life and persevering through them.
