Earth Voices by Bliss Carman
‘Earth Voices’ by Bliss Carman is a clever poem that utilizes personification in order to convey the perspective of the sun, the wind, and the rain.
Epitaph on a Tyrant by W.H. Auden
‘Epitaph on a Tyrant’ by W.H. Auden is a thoughtful poem written at the beginning of WWII. The piece describes a tyrant’s beliefs and his power over everything around him.
Gale in April by Robinson Jeffers
‘Gale in April’ by Robinson Jeffers was inspired by a storm that Jeffers observed in April while living on the Pacific coast.
Departmental by Robert Frost
‘Departmental’ by Robert Frost is a clever poem that presents a satire of ant society. It suggests that the control and compartmentalization in the ant world would not work, or should not work, in human society.
The Sun Has Burst in the Sky by Jenny Joseph
‘The Sun Has Burst The Sky’ by Jenny Joseph uses hyperbolic images of nature to describe a speaker’s love for “you.” They suggest that incredible natural events occur because of the intensity of their love.
An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo
‘An American Sunrise’ by Joy Harjo is a powerful poem about Native American culture written by the current Poet Laureate of the United States. The poem explores the struggles of the poet’s community as well as the successes and celebrations.
Of Treason by John Harington
‘Of Treason’ by John Harington is a two-line poem that uses humor and wit to describes the nature of successful and unsuccessful treason.
Song of the Powers by David Mason
Published in 1996, in David Mason’s award-winning collection, The Country I Remember, ‘Song of the Powers’ uses a children’s game, “stone, paper, scissors,” in order to comment on the futility of power.
Rosa Parks by Nikki Giovanni
‘Rosa Parks’ by Nikki Giovanni is a poem about activism and the importance of remembering important moments in African American history. The poem pays tribute to the heroic actions of the Pullman Porters who spearheaded the civil rights movement and forever changed history for the African American community.
A Stone is Nobody’s by Russell Edson
‘A Stone is Nobody’s’ by Russell Edson is a memorable poem. It uses a stone, and a man’s capture of it, to describe a troubling mother/son relationship.
Elizabeth’s War with the Christmas Bear by Norman Dubie
‘Elizabeth’s War with the Christmas Bear’ by Norman Dubie is an unforgettable poem about a Christmas bear that tries to attack Queen Elizabeth I and her reaction.
Love Cycle by Chinua Achebe
‘Love Cycle’ by Chinua Achebe describes sunrise, sunset, and their effects on Earth using the metaphor of a barely happy couple.
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.
Your One Good Dress by Brenda Shaughnessy
‘Your One Good Dress’ by Brenda Shaughnessy is a compelling poem about choosing the right dress. The one dress “you” choose should represent you in a clear and powerful way.
On the Beach by Anne Ranasinghe
‘On the Beach’ by Anne Ranasinghe is a dark and disturbing poem in which the poet explores sadism through the narrative of a dog’s fate at the beach.
What Kind of Times Are These by Adrienne Rich
‘What Kind of Times Are These’ is a poem about modern-day problems. Adrienne Rich, the poet of this piece, provides the solution at the end.
Tonight No Poetry Will Serve by Adrienne Rich
‘Tonight No Poetry Will Serve’ by Adrienne Rich is a multilayered poem. The poet imbued it with many complex sexual and political innuendoes about power.
Power by Adrienne Rich
‘Power’ by Adrienne Rich is a memorable poem that focuses on the power of Marie Curie and the impact she made on her field.
A Mark of Resistance by Adrienne Rich
‘A Mark of Resistance’ by Adrienne Rich is a poem about individual resistance. The poet voices her solidarity with those who face discrimination from society.
Wind by Subramania Bharati, translated by A. K. Ramanujan
‘Wind’ by Subramania Bharati focuses on the incredible strength of the wind and uses it as a way to encourage men to be just as strong and capable as it is.
If I Were King by A.A. Milne
‘If I Were King’ by A.A. Milne is a highly entertaining poem. It contains the fantastical thoughts of a young boy who wants to be king.
An Introduction by Kamala Das
You hear it all the time now, “Down with the patriarchy!” But, what does it really mean and who does it apply to? Well, in Kamala Das’ poem, you may be able to find some answers.
A Crowned Poet by Anne Reeve Aldrich
‘A Crowned Poet’ by Anne Reeve Aldrich describes the various types of happiness that exist in the world and how different they can be from one another.
Lucifer in Starlight by George Meredith
‘Lucifer in Starlight’ describes Lucifer’s power, past, attempted ascent from Hell back into Heaven, and the sights seen along the way.
Prayer at Sunrise by James Weldon Johnson
‘Prayer at Sunrise’ by James Weldon Johnson describes the power of the sun and a speaker’s request to be granted strength from God.
Archaic Torso of Apollo by Rainer Maria Rilke
‘Archaic Torso of Apollo’ by Rainer Maria Rilke details the remaining beauty and power of a damage sculpture missing its head and legs.