As I came to the edge of the woods, Thrush music — hark! Now if it was dusk outside, Inside it was dark. Too dark in the woods for a bird By sleight of wing To better its perch for…
Category: Poem Analysis
Cherry-Ripe
Welcome, esteemed readers, to an illuminating exploration of Thomas Campion’s exquisite poem, “Cherry-Ripe.” This timeless lyric invites us into a world of beauty, wit, and profound observation, offering a rich tapestry for our literary appreciation. Let us begin by immersing…
Quarantine
Quarantine By Eavan Boland In the worst hour of the worst season of the worst year of a whole people a man set out from the workhouse with his wife. He was walking—they were both walking—north. She was sick with…
Postcards from God
Postcards from God By Imtiaz Dharker Yes, I do feel like a visitor, a tourist in this world that I once made. I rarely talk, except to ask the way, distrusting my interpreters, tired out by the babble of what…
The Pigeons
Step into the captivating world of Richard Kell’s “The Pigeons,” a poem that transforms the familiar sight of urban birds into a profound exploration of beauty, movement, and the fleeting nature of existence. This insightful piece invites readers to observe…
The Pearl
I know the ways of learning; both the head And pipes that feed the press, and make it run; What reason hath from nature borrowed, Or of itself, like a good huswife, spun In laws and policy; what the stars…
Peace of Wild Things
Welcome, fellow explorers of language and meaning! Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of a truly remarkable poem, Wendell Berry’s “Peace of Wild Things.” This poem offers a profound message about finding calm amidst life’s anxieties, a…
Ogichidag
Welcome, aspiring literary explorers, to a profound journey into the heart of Jim Northrup’s powerful poem, “Ogichidag.” This remarkable work offers a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of conflict, inviting readers to contemplate the human cost of war across…
Next, Please
Welcome, aspiring literary explorers, to a journey into the profound depths of Philip Larkin’s masterful poem, “Next, Please”. This insightful piece invites readers to reflect on the human condition, our endless pursuit of future happiness, and the ultimate realities of…
Mushrooms
Welcome, curious minds, to a fascinating journey into the world of poetry! Today, we uncover the subtle power and profound message hidden within a remarkable poem. Prepare to be amazed by how something small and quiet can hold such immense…
Paper Boats
Paper Boats By Rabindranath Tagore Day by day I float my paper boats one by one down the runningstream.In big black letters I write my name on them and the name of the village where I live.I hope that someone…
On Time
On Time By John Milton Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race, Call upon the lazy, leaden-stepping hours, Whose speed is but the heavy plummet’s pace; And glut thyself with what thy womb devours, Which is no more…
On Not Shoplifting Louise Bogan’s The Blue Estuaries
Your book surprised me on the bookstore shelf — swans gliding on a blueblack lake; no blurbs by the big boys on back; no sassy, big-haired picture to complicate the achievement; no mentors musing over how they had discovered you…
Night Mail
Night Mail By WH Auden This is the night mail crossing the Border, Bringing the cheque and the postal order, Letters for the rich, letters for the poor, The shop at the corner, the girl next door. Pulling up Beattock,…
Love Poem
Welcome, everyone, to our exploration of a truly delightful and insightful piece of poetry: John Frederick Nims’ “Love Poem.” This poem offers a refreshing perspective on affection, celebrating the beautiful imperfections that make a beloved unique. Prepare to delve into…
Legacies
Welcome, fellow explorers of language and meaning! Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of a truly remarkable poem, Nikki Giovanni’s “Legacies.” This seemingly simple piece holds profound insights into human connection, generational shifts, and the powerful weight…
Harvest at Mynachlog
Harvest at Mynachlog By Gillian Clarke At last the women come with baskets, The older one in flowered apron, A daisied cloth covering the bread And dappled china, sweet tea In a vast can. The women stoop Spreading their cups…
Wild Bees
Wild Bees By James K. Baxter Often in summer, on a tarred bridge plank standing, Or downstream between willows, a safe Ophelia drifting In a rented boat — I had seen them come and go, Those wild bees swift as…
We and They
We and They Father and Mother, and Me, Sister and Auntie say All the people like us are We, and everyone else is They. And would you believe it? They look upon us as just another Them! We eat pork…
Cargo Hulks
Welcome, aspiring literary explorers, to a fascinating voyage into the heart of Peter Tower’s evocative poem, “Cargo Hulks.” Prepare to uncover the layers of meaning, the masterful use of language, and the profound messages embedded within this compelling work. Let…