Fear by Gabriela Mistral
‘Fear’ by Gabriela Mistral is a passionate poem about a mother’s hopes for her daughter’s future. It includes three stanzas that contain the speaker’s worries about who her daughter may turn into.
My Mother Enters the Work Force by Rita Dove
‘My Mother Enters the Work Force’ by Rita Dove is a powerful poem about a mother who enters the workforce.
The Youngest Daughter by Cathy Song
‘The Youngest Daughter’ was published in Cathy Song’s first poetry collection Picture Bride (1983). This poem explores the relationship of an aging daughter and her mother.
Women by Alice Walker
‘Women’ is a short poem praising previous generations of African American women who fought for the education of girls.
Wedding Cake by Naomi Shihab Nye
‘Wedding Cake’ by Naomi Shihab Nye describes a brief moment a speaker took care of a child on an airplane.
The One Girl at the Boys Party by Sharon Olds
‘The One Girl at the Boys Party’ by Sharon Olds is about a young girl who attends a boy’s pool party. She stands apart from them in a powerful and beautiful way.
35/10 by Sharon Olds
’35/10’ by Sharon Olds is a moving poem about the poet’s relationship with her daughter. The latter is coming into her own while the former is growing old.
Hot Combs by Natasha Trethewey
‘Hot Combs’ by Natasha Trethewey is an emotional poem about the past. It includes images of a speaker’s mother and how she looked as she fixed her hair.
The Tantrum by A.E. Stallings
‘The Tantrum’ by A.E. Stallings is an compelling poem about loss. The speaker describes what a specific listener did when they saw their mother’s newly cut hair.
Coat by Jane Duran
‘Coat’ is written by the Spanish-American poet Jane Duran. This poem taps on the themes of motherhood, love, and memory.
The Black Walnut Tree by Mary Oliver
‘The Black Walnut Tree’ by Mary Oliver is a thoughtful poem about familial history. The poet depicts a discussion between herself and her mother.
Gymnopédies No. 1 by Adrian Matejka
‘Gymnopédies No. 1’ by Adrian Matejka is a comforting poem that depicts a snowy landscape and explores the peace one can find in it alongside loved ones.
Transfiguration by Louisa May Alcott
‘Transfiguration’ by Louisa May Alcott is a personal poem written from the poet’s own perspective. It details her emotions surrounding her mother.
A Child’s Sleep by Carol Ann Duffy
‘A Child’s Sleep’ by Carol Ann Duffy describes the ideal, peaceful sleep of a child, who is watched over by her mother as she dreams.
To My Daughter On Being Separated from Her on Her Marriage by Anne Hunter
‘To My Daughter On Being Separated from Her on Her Marriage’ by Anne Hunter is a touching poem in which the speaker describes her hopes and dreams for her daughter as she marries.
The Lost Woman by Patricia Beer
‘The Lost Woman’ by Patricia Beer is a poem about the relationship between a daughter and her mother; examining the life and death of her.
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.