Dolor
‘Dolor’ by Theodore Roethke is a deeply emotional poem that imbues everyday objects and activities with a dark feeling.
I Knew a Woman
‘I Knew a Woman’ by Theodore Roethke describes a relationship between a devoted man and his lover, with whom he is completely obsessed.
In a Dark Time
‘In a Dark Time’ by Theodore Roethke is a powerful, short poem about identity. The speaker contends with their mental health while exploring their darkness.
My Papa’s Waltz
‘My Papa’s Waltz’ by Theodore Roethke is a surprisingly dark poem. It depicts a possibly abusive father who “waltzes” his son to bed.
Night Journey
‘Night Journey’ by Theodore Roethke is a thoughtful, fairly simple poem about the American countryside. He spends the lines admiring the landscapes one can see by train at night.
Root Cellar
‘Root Cellar’ by Theodore Roethke is a short eleven-line poem that describes a variety of disgusting and smelly plant life that exists within a speaker’s root cellar.
