William Carlos Williams

William Carlos Williams Poems

William Carlos Williams was an American poet and physician. His work is commonly associated with modernist movements like Imagism. His best-known poem is The Red Wheelbarrow.’ He died in 1963 at the age of 79. Read more about William Carlos Williams.

Tract

by William Carlos Williams

‘Tract’ by William Carlos Williams is a unique poem about funeral practices and how Williams’ speaker believed they should be altered to better serve the dead. 

This is not considered Williams' best poem, but it is a very interesting and thoughtful example of his verse. It demonstrates his unique approach to traditional subject matter and how challenging his verse can be to read.

Blizzard

by William Carlos Williams

‘Blizzard’ by the American poet William Carlos Williams is filled with vivid imagery of a blinding snowstorm and its aftermath. This poem taps on the themes of time, human history, and personal experiences.

Danse Russe

by William Carlos Williams

Danse Russe by William Carlos Williams is a lighthearted poem in which the poet dances naked before a mirror. The poet, as he dances, admires himself and his own company, relishing his loneliness.

Spring and All

by William Carlos Williams

‘Spring and All…’ by William Carlos Williams describes a desolate and dying landscape which borders a road and leads to a “contagious hospital.”

The Great Figure

by William Carlos Williams

Classic to William Carlos Williams’ poetry, ‘The Great Figure’ is written in free verse without any punctuation. This modernist style is reflective of his inclusion in the Imagist movement.

The Yachts

by William Carlos Williams

‘The Yachts’ by William Carlos Williams depicts the winners, or yacht-owners, in the capitalist system and the losers, or the poor, who are drowning in the waters around the boats. 

To a Poor Old Woman

by William Carlos Williams

‘To a Poor Old Woman’ by William Carlos Williams is a thoughtful poem. In it, the speaker describes the experience of an old woman eating a bag of ripe plums.

Willow Poem

by William Carlos Williams

‘Willow Poem’ by William Carlos Williams describes the life cycle of a willow tree that is surprised by the coming of winter. 

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