The Language of the Brag by Sharon Olds
‘The Language of the Brag’ by Sharon Olds is an unforgettable poem about the strength and exceptionality of women’s bodies. It is set against the backdrop of giving birth.
Anniversary by Louise Glück
‘Anniversary’ by Louise Glück contains the words of a cold male speaker to his female partner. These lines, taking place on their anniversary, convey a troubling relationship dynamic.
I Shall Paint My Nails Red by Carole Satyamurti
‘I Shall Paint My Nails Red’ by Carole Satyamurti is a poem about why a female speaker painted her nails. The simple premise is made more complicated as she lists out the reasons why she painted her nails red.
Who Said It Was Simple by Audre Lorde
‘Who Said It Was Simple’ by Audre Lorde is a powerful poem about the inequalities in various civil rights movements during the poet’s lifetime.
The Poem as Mask by Muriel Rukeyser
‘The Poem as Mask’ by Muriel Rukeyser is a powerful, feminist poem that speaks to the poet’s experiences in life and with her poetry.
A Valediction Forbidding Mourning by Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich’s ‘A Valediction Forbidding Mourning’ describes a speaker’s inability to express her thoughts in conventional poetic decorum. Rich wrote this piece in 1970.
My Wicked Wicked Ways by Sandra Cisneros
‘My Wicked Wicked Ways’ is the cover poem of the 1987 poetry collection by the same title. This piece is written by the Chicano poet Sandra Cisneros and it centers on an old photograph of a speaker’s family.
Women by Alice Walker
‘Women’ is a short poem praising previous generations of African American women who fought for the education of girls.
Postfeminism by Brenda Shaughnessy
‘Postfeminism’ by Brenda Shaughnessy is a powerful poem that uses imagery to depict a woman’s experience in the world while alluding to the phases of feminism.
I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed by Emily Dickinson
‘I tasted a liquor never brewed’ by Emily Dickinson celebrates life. The poet uses natural imagery, such as that of berries, and pearls, to depict it.
Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath
‘Lady Lazarus’ is one of the best poems of Sylvia Plath and an ideal example of Plath’s diction. This poem contains Plath’s poetic expression of her suicidal thoughts.
Metaphors by Sylvia Plath
‘Metaphors’ by Sylvia Plath is an autobiographical piece. It was written during Plath’s pregnancy and discusses the meaning of motherhood.
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
‘Phenomenal Woman’ by Maya Angelou defies the stereotypes women are often faced with today. It is a poem filled with strength and determination.
