William Cullen Bryant Poems

William Cullen Bryant was an American poet born in 1794 who is considered to be a key writer of American Romanticism. He also worked as the editor of the New York Evening Post for many years. He is best known for his ‘Thanatopsis.’ 

A Song for New Year’s Eve

by William Cullen Bryant

In ‘A Song for New Year’s Eve,’ Bryant discusses themes of change, memory, and hope. These are seen through Bryant’s

Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay— 

     Stay till the good old year, 

So long companion of our way, 

     Shakes hands, and leaves us here. 

 

Consumption

by William Cullen Bryant

‘Consumption’ by William Cullen Bryant describes the fast-approaching death of a tuberculosis patient and her path to heaven. 

The Death of Slavery

by William Cullen Bryant

‘The Death of Slavery,’ a poem by William Cullen Bryant is written just after the American Civil War ended. It talks about the personified slavery, whose reign has ended and the slaves are freed from shackles of bondage.

To a Waterfowl

by William Cullen Bryant

In this poem about perseverance and God’s guiding hand, William Cullen Bryant’s ‘To a Waterfowl’ depicts what it means to walk with strength and determination through life.

Whither, 'midst falling dew,

While glow the heavens with the last steps of day,

Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue

Thy solitary way?

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