Howl by Allen Ginsberg
‘Howl’ is Allen Ginsberg’s best-known poem and is commonly considered his greatest work. It is an indictment of modern society and a celebration of anyone living outside it.
The Song of the Jellicles by T. S. Eliot
T. S. Eliot’s ‘The Song of the Jellicles’ features the characteristics and nature of the Jellicle Cats, made famous by the musical adaptation, Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
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.
Sonnet in the Shape of a Potted Christmas Tree by George Starbuck
George Starbuck’s ‘Sonnet in the Shape of a Potted Christmas Tree’ is a concrete poem written in the shape of a potted Christmas tree. It explores the theme of social inequality with respect to the central image.
The Great Society by Robert Bly
Published in Robert Bly’s award-winning collection, The Light Around the Body (1967), ‘The Great Society’ satirizes the set of domestic programs launched by Democratic President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964-65 by presenting contrasting imagery from contemporary American society.
Leap Before You Look by W. H. Auden
W. H. Auden’s instructive poem ‘Leap Before You Look’ (1940) counsels readers to take risks rather than being cautious in each step. This poem is written in a wise and caring tone.
Advice to a Girl by Thomas Campion
Thomas Campion’s ‘Advice to a Girl’ is a piece of advice dedicated to 17th-century women regarding men’s nature and follies. It highlights some negative aspects in men that women should know before loving them.
American Poetry by Louis Simpson
‘American Poetry’ appears in Louis Simpson’s award-winning collection At the End of the Open Road (1963). This piece is about the nature and range of poems produced throughout America.
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.
We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar
‘We Wear the Mask’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar describes the way that “We” put on, and accept the presence of decietful masks.
Feather or a Rock by Ellen Welcker
‘Feather or a Rock’ by Ellen Welcker is a deep but playful discussion between two friends about the problems associated with their position in society.
Synopsis of the Great Welsh Novel by Harri Webb
‘Synopsis of the Great Welsh Novel’ by Harri Webb describes, through humorous verse, the state of Welsh society and culture.
Animal Crackers by Richard de Zoysa
‘Animal Crackers’ by Richard de Zoysa describes the political situation in Sir Lanka through the drawing of symbolic animals.
Soliloquy For Compatriots by John Tripp
‘Soliloquy For Compatriots’ by John Tripp describes the opinion others hold in regard to Wales, as well as the emotional truth of what it means to be Welsh.
The Shebeen Queen by Mafika Gwala
‘The Shebeen Queen’ by Mafika Gwala depicts the life of a woman running a “shebeen” and the consumerist name of her society.
The Garden by Ezra Pound
‘The Garden’ by Ezra Pound describes the emotional conflict caused by changes in the upper and lower classes of England during the ending months of WWI.
Ingrid Jonker by Sally Bryer
‘Ingrid Jonker’ by Sally Bryer is a sentiment of praise for Ingrid Jonker herself, a woman who used her words to push for change in South Africa.
The Race Industry by Benjamin Zephaniah
‘The Race Industry’ by Benjamin Zephaniah is, at least in part, autobiographical. It is a commentary on how society is quite authoritarian.
Save Our Sons (SOS) by Benjamin Zephaniah
‘Save Our Sons’ focuses on the struggle the African men of England have faced and continue to face against racism and violence.
A Far Cry from Africa by Derek Walcott
‘A Far Cry from Africa’ is a poem based around the struggles in Africa. One would presume it is at least partially autobiographical.
The Death of Joy Gardner by Benjamin Zephaniah
‘The Death of Joy Gardner’ by Benjamin Zephaniah is a interesting narrative poem about an incident that took place in 1993.
Surveillance by Riyas Qurana
‘Surveillance’ by Riyas Qurana is a twenty four line free verse poem that discusses and highlights the claustrophobia that comes along with the concept of surveillance.
Skin by Philip Larkin
‘Skin’ by Philip Larkin speaks on the importance of a person’s identity. Specifically, he is concerned with the influence and biographical aspects of the skin.
A Sheep Fair by Thomas Hardy
‘A Sheep Fair’ is a solemn look at one day of country life, at the autumn fair, as sheep, the auctioneer, and the buyers contend with torrential rain.
The Tiger in the Menagerie by Emma Jones
‘The Tiger in the Menagerie’, by the poet Emma Jones is a poem about the introduction of violence and wildness into a civilized society and what that would physically look like.
In Westminster Abbey by John Betjeman
‘In Westminster Abbey’ is a satirical dramatic monologue in which Betjeman sends up the upper classes for their preoccupations with class and money.
For My Grandmother Knitting by Liz Lochhead
‘For My Grandmother Knitting’ is a poem that utilizes repeated wording, a lack of punctuation, a distinct choice of perspective, and simplistic ideas.
The Woman and the Angel by Robert Service
‘The Woman and the Angel’ is an allegory by Robert Service that reflects on the evolving nature of ethics and morality in human society.
The Patriot by Robert Browning
Robert Browning’s poem ‘The Patriot’ is a tragic tale of a man who fell from being a star citizen to becoming despised so intensely that he was put to death.