Dolor
by Theodore Roethke
‘Dolor’ by Theodore Roethke is a deeply emotional poem that imbues everyday objects and activities with a dark feeling.
I Knew a Woman
by Theodore Roethke
‘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
by Theodore Roethke
‘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
by Theodore Roethke
‘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
by Theodore Roethke
‘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
by Theodore Roethke
‘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.