Touch Me by Stanley Kunitz
‘Touch Me’ by Stanley Kunitz is a moving poem about aging, the loss of identity, and desire. It explores what keeps people, and creatures of all varieties, going as they enter the final “season” of their life.
Patterns by Amy Lowell
‘Patterns’ by Amy Lowell is an unforgettable poem about a woman’s loss during World War I. It describes the “patterns” of a speaker’s life and how, with the knowledge that her fiancé has died in the War, she’s doing to be confined to a far more sorrowful one.
Mementos, 1 by W. D. Snodgrass
William DeWitt (W. D.) Snodgrass’s personal piece ‘Mementos, 1’ is about the discovery of an old photograph of the speaker’s divorced wife and the stream of memories that came with it.
To Speak of Woe That Is In Marriage by Robert Lowell
‘To Speak of Woe That Is in Marriage’ by Robert Lowell is a memorable, confessional poem. In it, lol taps into the life experiences of a wife who is fearful of her lustful husband.
DIVORCE by Kanye West
‘DIVORCE’ by Kanye West was written in order to reflect the writer’s experiences during his divorce from Kim Kardashian.
DEAD by Kanye West
‘DEAD’ by Kanye West addresses feelings of alienation and isolation. Specifically, those surrounding the writer’s relationship with his now ex-wife, Kim Kardashian.
may i feel said he by E.E. Cummings
‘may i feel said he’ by E.E. Cummings is a deceptively complicated poem that describes two people engaged in an affair and the various emotions associated with it.
Advice to Women by Eunice de Souza
‘Advice to Women’ by Eunice de Souza is a clever poem that suggests women should own a cat in order to understand relationships.
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.
The Wedding by Moniza Alvi
‘The Wedding’ by Moniza Alvi depicts a wedding ceremony and a bride’s apprehensive approach to her new home in England and her new English family.
The Pride of Lions by Joanna Preston
‘The Pride of Lions’ by Joanna Preston describes what happens after a speaker’s husband is transformed into a lion. It presents a message about what relationships require in order to be successful.
One Girl by Sappho
‘One Girl’ by Sappho is a beautiful and moving poem. In the two short stanzas, readers can explore imagery Sappho relates to marriage and the loss of freedom for a young woman.
Alzheimer’s: The Wife by C. K. Williams
‘Alzheimer’s: The Wife’ by C. K. Williams is a powerful and moving poem. In it, the poet depicts a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s and a few simple moments from her day.
Daystar by Rita Dove
‘Daystar’ by Rita Dove is a powerful and moving poem. It describes a mother’s life and the only moment of peace she has throughout her entire day.
Always Marry an April Girl by Ogden Nash
‘Always Marry an April Girl’ by Ogden Nash is an interesting, short poem about a relationship. The speaker is celebrating his “April girl” and all her contrasting character traits.
50-50 by Langston Hughes
’50-50’ by Langston Hughes contains a dialogue between a man and a woman. The woman is looking for a partner and the man is telling her, rudely, how to acquire him as one.
I’m a Fool to Love You by Cornelius Eady
‘I’m a Fool to Love You’ by Cornelius Eady is a moving poem. It details the choices of a young black woman, the speaker’s mother, and why she did what she did.
Oh, oh, you will be sorry for that word! by Edna St. Vincent Millay
‘Oh, oh, you will be sorry for that word!’ by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a powerful poem about a woman’s decision to assert her independence.
Before the Birth of One of Her Children by Anne Bradstreet
‘Before the Birth of One of Her Children’ by Anne Bradstreet is a moving poem about a woman’s opinion on death. Inspired by her pregnancy, the speaker pens this epistolary to her husband.
September by Ted Hughes
‘September’ by Ted Hughes is a moving poem that touches on a troubled and important relationship.
The Robber Bridegroom by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Robber Bridegroom’ details the haunting compulsions and marriage of a murderous bridegroom and his innocent bride.
The Beauty of Union by George the Poet
George the Poet’s ‘The Beauty of Union’ is a thoughtful poem about marriage and partnership, specifically that of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
Wife by Ada Limón
‘Wife’ by Ada Limón investigates how women are portrayed within their marriages and challenges the patriarchal mindset that women have to be submissive to their husbands.
Love Poem for a Wife by A. K. Ramanujan
‘Love Poem for a Wife’ by A. K. Ramanujan depicts the poet’s sleeping wife with unusual, thoughtful, and very memorable imagery and then alludes to their unity as one being.
Places, Loved Ones by Philip Larkin
‘Places, Loved Ones’ by Philip Larkin is a poem about the complexities of marriages. No matter who the couple it, the relationship isn’t going to be perfect.
An Apple Gathering by Christina Rossetti
‘An Apple Gathering’ is a first-person account of a woman who had a relationship before marriage and suffered the societal consquences.
For My Lover Returning to His Wife by Anne Sexton
‘For My Lover Returning To His Wife’ by Anne Sexton compares the relationship the speaker has with her lover and that which he has with his wife.