Stephen Spender Poems

Stephen Spender was an English poet and essayist. Much of his work, written prior to his death in 1995, was about class differences and injustice. He served as Poet Laureate Consult in Poetry to the United States Library of Congress beginning in 1965.

Two Armies

by Stephen Spender

‘Two Armies’ by Stephen Spender describes two armies on a devastating battlefield where every individual is suffering. Their common humanity is highlighted. 

This is a very good Spender poem but is not one of his most important.

The Double Shame

by Stephen Spender

‘The Double Shame’ by Stephen Spender conveys a depiction of what the world feels like when one loses a very important person in their life. Everything is transformed in a way that makes a living from day to day difficult. 

This is a very good Stephen Spender poem but it is not one of his best.

A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map

by Stephen Spender

‘A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map’ by Stephen Spender explores the Spanish Civil War through the lyrical depiction of one man’s death. It is marked by a stopwatch, the olive trees, and the continued conflict around him. 

Air Raid

by Stephen Spender

Stephen Spender’s poem ‘Air Raid’ depicts the impact of the Blitz or German Luftwaffe air strike on the United Kingdom.

Darkness and Light

by Stephen Spender

‘Darkness and Light’ by Stephen Spender is a complex, abstract poem in which a speaker battles with two sides of himself. 

Missing My Daughter

by Stephen Spender

‘Missing My Daughter’ by Stephen Spender is a poem about a speaker’s desire to see his daughter and how he feel trapped in a prison of loneliness. 

My Parents

by Stephen Spender

‘My Parents’ by Stephen Spender is a poem based on bullying and the desire to make friends.

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. 

The Express

by Stephen Spender

‘The Express’ is an enthralling and uncanny poem which explores the feelings of awe and concern after a new train leaves the station.

The Pylons

by Stephen Spender

‘The Pylons’ is a foreboding poem that explores the collision between two worlds and the devastating consequences for the innocent.

The Truly Great

by Stephen Spender

In Stephen Spender’s Poem ‘The Truly Great’, he discusses the traits of heroes who have passed away before us.

Ultima Ratio Regum

by Stephen Spender

‘Ultima Ratio Regum’ translates to English as “the last (ultimate) argument of kings,” which is an insinuation of war. In this poem, Spender portrays the effect of war on innocent, insignificant lives.

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