The Wind by James Reeves
James Reeves’ “The Wind” is about the immense power of the wind. It taps on the theme of nature, a destroyer, and a preserver.
They are hostile nations by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s “They are hostile nations” is about the aftermath of the Cold War. The speaker describes a world where people are suffering.
Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field
Published in Branches Green (1934), Rachel Field’s poem “Something Told the Wild Geese” is about the autumn season, which reminds the wild geese of the approaching winter.
The Writer by Richard Wilbur
Richard Wilbur’s “The Writer” is about the poet’s daughter (Ellen Wilbur), who faces challenges while writing a short story.
Morning Poem by Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver’s “Morning Poem” is about being cheerful and optimistic in all phases of life, embracing the beauty of nature, and finding happiness in small things.
Monna Innominata: I wish I could remember that first day by Christina Rossetti
Christina Rossetti’s sonnet “I wish I could remember that first day” is about reminiscing about first love and the regrets that surface with age.
Every Morning by Mary Oliver
In “Every Morning,” Oliver’s speaker reads the news about the calamities of war, how it affects families, children and causes the death of many people.
Listening by Amy Lowell
“Listening” by Amy Lowell is a lyrical sonnet where the poet confesses her love for someone using images from nature and music. It taps on the musicality of the soul and nature.
Iron by Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo’s poem “Iron” was published in the April 2018 issue of Poetry magazine. As a poet, Acevedo often confronts gender, race, and culture through her poems.
Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio by James Wright
James Wright’s poem “Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio” describes a high school football game at Shreve High stadium during which a speaker taps on the struggles of the working-class men around.