Exposure by Seamus Heaney
‘Exposure’ by Seamus Heaney discusses the poet’s role in a society and how he might contribute helpfully to the discourse of the time.
To A Shade by William Butler Yeats
‘To A Shade’ is a political poem that speaks on the treatment of Charles Parnell the leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party.
Weariness by Eva Gore-Booth
‘Weariness’ by Eva Gore-Booth describes a world weary speaker who is tired of living amongst the constant chatter of her everyday life.
A Memory by Lola Ridge
‘A Memory’ by Lola Ridge describes a speaker’s memories of a specific emotional night she spent with the listener on the shore of a tropic sea.
Thee, Thee, Only Thee by Thomas Moore
‘Thee, Thee, Only Thee’ by Thomas Moore describes the state of a speaker’s life as he uncontrollably obsesses over a woman he loves.
The Circus Animals’ Desertion by W.B. Yeats
‘The Circus Animals’ Desertion’ by W.B. Yeats describes moments of Yeats’ own experience when he struggled to find a theme to write on.
Meru by William Butler Yeats
‘Meru’ by William Butler Yeats describes the illusion of civilization and the importance of embarking on a spiritual journey.
Mid-Term Break by Seamus Heaney
‘Mid-Term Break’ by Seamus Heaney describes the emotional turmoil experienced by a speaker who has lost a loved one in a traumatic way.
Please Hold by Ciaran O’Driscoll
‘Please Hold’ by Ciaran O’Driscoll speaks to a general frustration about the automated nature of contemporary life and the horror of being “on hold.”
Genetics by Sinéad Morrissey
‘Genetics’ by Sinéad Morrissey speaks on the composition of one’s body and how one is made of their mother, father, and their combined history.
The Song of Wandering Aengus by William Butler Yeats
‘The Song of Wandering Aengus’ by William Butler Yeats describes Aengus’ life-consuming quest to find a girl he once saw in his youth
The Garden of Eros by Oscar Wilde
‘The Garden of Eros’ describes a metaphorical garden that plays host to various flowers and the memories of some of the greatest English poets.
The Sad Shepherd by William Butler Yeats
‘The Sad Shepherd’ by William Butler Yeats describes one man’s deepest sorrow and his quest to share his emotions with whomever or whatever he can find.
The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde
‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’ by Oscar Wilde is a heartbreaking depiction of the losses, betrayals, and tragedies that all ‘men’ suffer in their lifetime.
The Grave of Keats by Oscar Wilde
‘The Grave of Keats’ by Oscar Wilde describes the physical state of Keats’ grave and the emotional impact that his short life had on England.
Requiescat by Oscar Wilde
‘Requiescat’, by Oscar Wilde, is a mournful poem that describes the sorrow felt over the passing and burial of a young woman.
On the Massacre of Christians in Bulgaria by Oscar Wilde
‘On the Massacre of the Christians in Bulgaria’ is a sonnet that questions the divinity of God after a massacre of Christians in Batak, Bulgaria.
Her Voice by Oscar Wilde
‘Her Voice’ by Oscar Wilde is told by a speaker who is having to accept the end of a relationship she once vowed to uphold for eternity.
He Wishes His Beloved Were Dead by William Butler Yeats
‘He Wishes His Beloved Were Dead’ by William Butler Yeats is a ballad in which one lover yearns for the death of the other so that they may be together as he wishes.
At a Potato Digging by Seamus Heaney
‘At a Potato Digging’ written by Seamus Heaney. The poem consists of four sections that depict men’s relationship with the land.
Thatcher by Seamus Heaney
The speaker describes the intricate work of a ‘Thatcher’ from the perspective of a child. We feel a sense of wonder and awe at the tradesman’s skill.
The Cap and Bells by William Butler Yeats
‘The Cap and Bells’ highlights that in situations of infatuation and love, one person sacrifices their existence just to be recognized and maybe even loved.
An Advancement of Learning by Seamus Heaney
In ‘An Advancement of Learning’, a boy is faced with a rat, and through confronting it he addresses his fear and returns more confident.
Last Look by Seamus Heaney
In ‘Last Look’ by Seamus Heaney the tale is told of an older man who is standing stationary and staring blankly toward a physical “field,”
A Frosty Night by Robert Graves
Robert Graves presents a compelling duologue in his poetic ballad, ‘A Frosty Night.’ He uses simple ideas and complex language to create a meaningful poem.
District and Circle by Seamus Heaney
‘District and Circle’, written by Seamus Heaney, depicts parts of a journey, or of several journeys, on the London Underground.
I Hear An Army by James Joyce
‘I Hear An Army’ by James Joyce is a lyrical poem that expresses the lamentation of lost love.
Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney
‘Death of a Naturalist’ shows a child’s fascination of the countryside, followed by a sharp shock when he senses the dark side of nature.