Heart and Mind
by Edith Sitwell
‘Heart and Mind’ is a poem that was written in 1944. Edith Sitwell’s best known work is the one produced during the Second World War.
I did not reach Thee
by Emily Dickinson
‘I did not reach Thee’ by Emily Dickinson is a complex poem about a speaker’s journey through life. She expresses both optimism and hesitation in the face of her death and attempts to reach God.
I did not reach Thee
But my feet slip nearer every day
Three Rivers and a Hill to cross
If those I loved were lost
by Emily Dickinson
‘If those I loved were lost’ by Emily Dickinson is a complex poem. It uses allusions to describe how the poet, or at least her speaker, would react to the loss of loved ones.
If those I loved were lost
The Crier’s voice would tell me —
If those I loved were found
The bells of Ghent would ring —
In this short life that only lasts an hour
by Emily Dickinson
‘In this short life that only lasts an hour’ by Emily Dickinson is a thoughtful, short poem. It is about how little we can control in our everyday lives.
In this short Life that only lasts an hour
How much - how little - is within our power
Lunchtime Lecture
by Gillian Clarke
‘Lunchtime Lecture’ depicts the story of a “woman” from ancient history whose remains have been uncovered.
May-Flower
by Emily Dickinson
‘May-Flower’ is a beautiful short poem in which Dickinson uses her skill with imagery to depict a forest scene, a May flower, and its connection to the human soul.
Pink, small, and punctual,
Aromatic, low,
Covert in April,
Candid in May,
My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close
by Emily Dickinson
‘My life closed twice before its close’ by Emily Dickinson uses heartbreak as a metaphor for death. She also experiments with the meaning of “closure.”
My life closed twice before its close—
It yet remains to see
If Immortality unveil
A third event to me
Plague
by Jackie Kay
‘Plague’ by Jackie Kay is a poem about death, specifically about the plague in London and how a mother is forced to contend with the knowledge that both her sons are going to die.
Power
by Audre Lorde
‘Power’ is based on a real-life murder and court case. This poem was first published in 1978 but is just as relevant today as it was then.
The difference between poetry and rhetoric
is being ready to kill
yourself
instead of your children.
Queenhood
by Simon Armitage
‘Queenhood’ by Simon Armitage was written to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. It celebrates the Queen’s lifetime of service and describes the unique features of her life.
Seascape
by Stephen Spender
‘Seascape’ by Stephen Spender depicts a seascape that is both peaceful and dangerous. The poem reminds readers of how fickle and dangerous the ocean can be.
Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
by Emily Dickinson
‘Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –’ is one of Emily Dickinson’s best-known poems. It features the poet’s growing disbelief regarding the customary Christian rituals and her intention to seek salvation without resorting to the conventional means.
Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
I keep it, staying at Home –
With a Bobolink for a Chorister –
And an Orchard, for a Dome –
Something Told the Wild Geese
by Rachel Field
‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ by Rachel Field discusses geese, and other animals, reactions to signs of winter. The poem takes place in summer and warns against being unprepared and dwelling on unhappiness.
That it will never come again
by Emily Dickinson
‘That it will never come again’ by Emily Dickinson is a short and thoughtful poem. In it, the poet presents a relatable opinion of life, its brevity, and its importance.
That it will never come again
Is what makes life so sweet.
Believing what we don't believe
Does not exhilarate.
The Bustle in a House
by Emily Dickinson
‘The Bustle in a House’ by Emily Dickinson is a short poem about the effects of death. It describes the “bustle” in a home the morning after an important loss.
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted opon Earth –
The Forced Recruit
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
‘The Forced Recruit’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning tells the very real story of a brave Italian man who was forced to fight against his country.
The Gods of Copybook Headings
by Rudyard Kipling
‘The Gods of Copybook Headings’ by Rudyard Kipling speaks on the nature of progress and humanity’s eventual return to basic principles of a good life.
The Moon and the Yew Tree
by Sylvia Plath
‘The Moon and the Yew Tree’ by Sylvia Plath defines the poet’s relationship with her parents. It’s a poem that’s just as beautiful as it is complicated.
This is the light of the mind, cold and planetary. The trees of the mind are black. The light is blue. The grasses unload their griefs at my feet as if I were God, Prickling my ankles and murmuring of their humility.
There came a Day—at Summer’s full
by Emily Dickinson
‘There came a Day—at Summer’s full’ by Emily Dickinson depicts two lovers in a tricky situation that keeps them apart. But, they know they’ll be reunited in the next life.
There came a Day—at Summer's full,
Entirely for me— I thought that such—
were for the Saints—
Where Resurrections—be—
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.
This World is not Conclusion.
A Species stands beyond -
Invisible, as Music -
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).
What I Expected (XIII)
by Stephen Spender
‘What I Expected’ is a harrowing account of failed hopes and unrealized dreams, which captures the hopelessness of the 1930s.
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.
Whose cheek is this?
by Emily Dickinson
‘Whose cheek is this?’ by Emily Dickinson is a complicated poem in which the poet describes finding a flower that metaphorically resembles a dead girl.
Whose cheek is this?
What rosy face
Has lost a blush today?
Wodwo
by Ted Hughes
‘Wodwo’ by Ted Hughes is a dramatic monologue that depicts a “Wodwo” or fictional human-like creature. The creature investigates his surroundings and repetitively questions his existence.
