Maya AngelouMaya Angelou 1928-1928-

Angelou has been praised for the Angelou has been praised for the rich and insightful prose of her rich and insightful prose of her narratives and for offering what narratives and for offering what many observers feel is an many observers feel is an indispensable record of black indispensable record of black experience. Author James Baldwin experience. Author James Baldwin wrote on the publication of wrote on the publication of I Know I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings:Why the Caged Bird Sings: "This "This testimony from a Black sister marks testimony from a Black sister marks the beginning of a new era in the the beginning of a new era in the minds and hearts and lives of all minds and hearts and lives of all Black men and women." Black men and women."

"The Lesson“ - by Maya Angelou"The Lesson“ - by Maya Angelou

I keep on dying again.I keep on dying again.Veins collapse, opening like theVeins collapse, opening like theSmall fists of sleepingSmall fists of sleepingChildren.Children.Memory of old tombs,Memory of old tombs,Rotting flesh and worms doRotting flesh and worms doNot convince me againstNot convince me againstThe challenge. The yearsThe challenge. The yearsAnd cold defeat live deep inAnd cold defeat live deep inLines along my face.Lines along my face.They dull my eyes, yetThey dull my eyes, yetI keep on dying,I keep on dying,Because I love to live.Because I love to live.

W. H. AudenW. H. Auden 1907-19731907-1973

Auden’s poetry centers on moral Auden’s poetry centers on moral issues and evidences strong political, issues and evidences strong political, social, and psychological social, and psychological orientations. In his work, Auden orientations. In his work, Auden applied conceptual and scientific applied conceptual and scientific knowledge to traditional verse forms knowledge to traditional verse forms and metrical patterns while and metrical patterns while assimilating the industrial countryside assimilating the industrial countryside of his youth. Poet, playwright, and of his youth. Poet, playwright, and essayist W. H. Auden created in his essayist W. H. Auden created in his works an allegorical landscape rife works an allegorical landscape rife with machinery, abandoned mines, with machinery, abandoned mines, and technological references.and technological references.

““Epitaph on a Tyrant”Epitaph on a Tyrant” by by W. H. Auden

Perfection, of a kind, was what he was after, Perfection, of a kind, was what he was after, And the poetry he invented was easy to And the poetry he invented was easy to understand; understand; He knew human folly like the back of his hand, He knew human folly like the back of his hand, And was greatly interested in armies and fleets; And was greatly interested in armies and fleets;

When he laughed, respectable senators burst When he laughed, respectable senators burst with laughter, with laughter, And when he cried the little children died in the And when he cried the little children died in the streets.streets.

Elizabeth Bishop 1911-1979Elizabeth Bishop 1911-1979

BishopBishop's reputation as an 's reputation as an accomplished poet rests on a accomplished poet rests on a small but significant body of small but significant body of highly crafted poems that highly crafted poems that have been praised for their have been praised for their precise observations and precise observations and understated, descriptive understated, descriptive quality. With subtle wit and quality. With subtle wit and close attention to detail, close attention to detail, BishopBishop explores such themes explores such themes as isolation, personal loss, as isolation, personal loss, and dislocation. and dislocation.

Excerpt from “The Fish”- by Elizabeth BishopExcerpt from “The Fish”- by Elizabeth Bishop

I caught a tremendous fishI caught a tremendous fishand held him beside the boatand held him beside the boathalf out of water, with my half out of water, with my

hookhookfast in the corner of his fast in the corner of his

mouth.mouth.He didn’t fight.He didn’t fight.He hadn’t fought at all.He hadn’t fought at all.He hung a grunting weight,He hung a grunting weight,battered and venerablebattered and venerableand homely. Here and thereand homely. Here and thereHis brown skin hung in stripsHis brown skin hung in strips

like ancient wallpaper:like ancient wallpaper:shapes like full-blown rosesshapes like full-blown rosesstrained and lost through age.strained and lost through age.He was speckled with He was speckled with

barnacles,barnacles,fine rosettes of lime,fine rosettes of lime,and infestedand infestedwith tiny white sea-lice,with tiny white sea-lice,and underneath two or threeand underneath two or threerags of green weed hung rags of green weed hung

down. down.

Anne BradstreetAnne Bradstreet c. 1612-1672c. 1612-1672

Anne Bradstreet ranks as the first true Anne Bradstreet ranks as the first true American poet. Bradstreet was praised American poet. Bradstreet was praised in her own time for the formal, courtly in her own time for the formal, courtly aspect of her poetry. What was most aspect of her poetry. What was most noteworthy to her contemporaries, noteworthy to her contemporaries, however, was that this sophisticated however, was that this sophisticated poetry was produced in the wilds of poetry was produced in the wilds of America by a woman. Considered but a America by a woman. Considered but a relic of America's earliest literature, her relic of America's earliest literature, her poetry was seen as a slight exception to poetry was seen as a slight exception to what the nineteenth-century reader what the nineteenth-century reader perceived as the artless, repressive perceived as the artless, repressive nature of Puritanism.nature of Puritanism.

““Upon Some Distemper of Body” by Anne BradstreetUpon Some Distemper of Body” by Anne Bradstreet

In anguish of my heart replete with woes, In anguish of my heart replete with woes, And wasting pains, which best my body knows, And wasting pains, which best my body knows, In tossing slumbers on my wakeful bed, In tossing slumbers on my wakeful bed, Bedrenched with tears that flowed from mournful Bedrenched with tears that flowed from mournful head, head, Till nature had exhausted all her store, Till nature had exhausted all her store, Then eyes lay dry, disabled to weep more; Then eyes lay dry, disabled to weep more; And looking up unto his throne on high, And looking up unto his throne on high, Who sendeth help to those in misery; Who sendeth help to those in misery; He chased away those clouds and let me see He chased away those clouds and let me see My anchor cast i' th' vale with safety. My anchor cast i' th' vale with safety. He eased my soul of woe, my flesh of pain, He eased my soul of woe, my flesh of pain, and brought me to the shore from troubled main.and brought me to the shore from troubled main.

Gwendolyn BrooksGwendolyn Brooks 1917-20001917-2000

Gwendolyn Brooks was the Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win a first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, in 1950. Brooks Pulitzer Prize, in 1950. Brooks has been associated with the has been associated with the Black Arts movement of the Black Arts movement of the late 1960s. Long a trailblazer, late 1960s. Long a trailblazer, in 1985 she became the first in 1985 she became the first African American woman to be African American woman to be appointed poetry consultant by appointed poetry consultant by the Library of Congress.the Library of Congress.

““The Sonnet-ballad”The Sonnet-ballad” by by Gwendolyn Brooks

Oh mother, mother, where is happiness? Oh mother, mother, where is happiness? They took my lover's tallness off to war, They took my lover's tallness off to war, Left me lamenting. Now I cannot guess Left me lamenting. Now I cannot guess What I can use an empty heart-cup for. What I can use an empty heart-cup for. He won't be coming back here any more. He won't be coming back here any more. Some day the war will end, but, oh, I knew Some day the war will end, but, oh, I knew When he went walking grandly out that door When he went walking grandly out that door That my sweet love would have to be untrue. That my sweet love would have to be untrue. Would have to be untrue. Would have to court Would have to be untrue. Would have to court Coquettish death, whose impudent and strange Coquettish death, whose impudent and strange Possessive arms and beauty (of a sort) Possessive arms and beauty (of a sort) Can make a hard man hesitate--and change. Can make a hard man hesitate--and change. And he will be the one to stammer, "Yes." And he will be the one to stammer, "Yes."

Oh mother, mother, where is happiness?Oh mother, mother, where is happiness?

William Cullen BryantWilliam Cullen Bryant 1794-18781794-1878

Bryant's chief stylistic hallmark is Bryant's chief stylistic hallmark is his treatment of nature, his treatment of nature, especially his belief that it especially his belief that it consoles as well as provides consoles as well as provides lessons about history and divine lessons about history and divine purpose. His poetry embodies an purpose. His poetry embodies an acceptance of the cycles of acceptance of the cycles of change in nature and in life and change in nature and in life and a belief that change is a belief that change is providential because it leads to providential because it leads to an individual's spiritual progress an individual's spiritual progress and moral improvement.and moral improvement.

““Sonnet--to an American Painter Departing for Europe” Sonnet--to an American Painter Departing for Europe”

by by William Cullen BryantWilliam Cullen Bryant

Thine eyes shall see the light of distant skies: Thine eyes shall see the light of distant skies: Yet, Cole! thy heart shall bear to Europe's Yet, Cole! thy heart shall bear to Europe's strand A living image of A living image of thy native land, Such as on thy own glorious canvass lies. Such as on thy own glorious canvass lies. Lone lakes---savannahs where the bison roves-- -savannahs where the bison roves-- Rocks rich with summer garlands--solemn streams-- Rocks rich with summer garlands--solemn streams-- Skies, where the desert eagle wheels and screams-- Skies, where the desert eagle wheels and screams-- Spring bloom and autumn blaze of boundless groves. Spring bloom and autumn blaze of boundless groves. Fair scenes shall greet thee where thou goest--fair, Fair scenes shall greet thee where thou goest--fair, But different--every where the trace of men, --every where the trace of men, Paths, homes, graves, ruins, from the lowest glen Paths, homes, graves, ruins, from the lowest glen To where life shrinks from the fierce Alpine air. To where life shrinks from the fierce Alpine air. Gaze on them, till the tears shall dim Gaze on them, till the tears shall dim thy sight,

But keep that earlier, wilder image bright.But keep that earlier, wilder image bright.

Countee CullenCountee Cullen 1903-19461903-1946

Countee Cullen emerged in the Countee Cullen emerged in the 1920s as the most famous black 1920s as the most famous black writer in America. Inspired by writer in America. Inspired by European sonnet form, works of European sonnet form, works of classical antiquity, and Biblical classical antiquity, and Biblical imagery, Cullen sought to create imagery, Cullen sought to create poetry that transcended the poetry that transcended the boundaries of race. "If I am going boundaries of race. "If I am going to be a poet at all," stated Cullen to be a poet at all," stated Cullen in the in the Brooklyn Daily EagleBrooklyn Daily Eagle in in 1924, "I am going to be Poet and 1924, "I am going to be Poet and not Negro Poet.“not Negro Poet.“

““For a Poet” -For a Poet” - by Countee Cullen by Countee Cullen

I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth,I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth,And laid them away in a box of gold;And laid them away in a box of gold;Where long will cling the lips of the moth,Where long will cling the lips of the moth,I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth;I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth;I hide no hate; I am not even wrothI hide no hate; I am not even wrothWho found earth's breath so keen and cold;Who found earth's breath so keen and cold;I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth,I have wrapped my dreams in a silken cloth,And laid them away in a box of gold.And laid them away in a box of gold.

e. e. cummingse. e. cummings 1894-19621894-1962

cummings's work celebrates the cummings's work celebrates the individual, as well as erotic and individual, as well as erotic and familial love. Conformity, mass familial love. Conformity, mass psychology, and snobbery were psychology, and snobbery were frequent targets of his humorous frequent targets of his humorous and sometimes scathing satires. and sometimes scathing satires. All of cummings's poetry attests to All of cummings's poetry attests to the author's neverending search the author's neverending search for fresh metaphors and new for fresh metaphors and new means of expression through means of expression through creative placement of words on creative placement of words on the page, new word constructions, the page, new word constructions, and unusual punctuation and and unusual punctuation and capitalization.capitalization.

““Buffalo Bill's” -Buffalo Bill's” - by e. e. by e. e. cummings cummings

Buffalo Bill's Buffalo Bill's defunct defunct who used to who used to ride a watersmooth-silver ride a watersmooth-silver

stallion stallion and break onetwothreefourfivepigeonsjustlikethat and break onetwothreefourfivepigeonsjustlikethat

Jesus Jesus

he was a handsome man he was a handsome man and what i want to know is and what i want to know is

how do you like your blueeyed boy how do you like your blueeyed boy Mister DeathMister Death

Rita Dove 1952-Rita Dove 1952-

DoveDove's poetry is characterized 's poetry is characterized by a tight control of words and by a tight control of words and structure, an innovative use of structure, an innovative use of color imagery, and a tone that color imagery, and a tone that combines objectivity and combines objectivity and personal concern. Although personal concern. Although many of her poems many of her poems incorporate black history and incorporate black history and directly address racial themes, directly address racial themes, they present issues, such as they present issues, such as prejudice and oppression, that prejudice and oppression, that transcend racial boundaries. transcend racial boundaries.

““This Life”- by Rita DoveThis Life”- by Rita DoveThe green lamp flares on the table. The green lamp flares on the table. You tell me the same thing You tell me the same thing as that one, as that one, asleep, asleep, upstairs.upstairs.Now I see: the possibilities Now I see: the possibilities are like golden dresses in a nutshell.   are like golden dresses in a nutshell.   

As a child, I fell in love As a child, I fell in love with a Japanese woodcutwith a Japanese woodcutof a girl gazing at the moon.of a girl gazing at the moon.I waited with her for her lover. I waited with her for her lover. He came in white breeches and sandals. He came in white breeches and sandals. He had a goatee—he had He had a goatee—he had your face, though I didn't know it. your face, though I didn't know it. Our lives will be the same—Our lives will be the same—  your lips, swollen from whistling your lips, swollen from whistling at danger, at danger, and I a stranger and I a stranger in this desert, in this desert, nursing the tough skin of figs.  nursing the tough skin of figs.  

Paul Laurence DunbarPaul Laurence Dunbar 1872-19061872-1906

Best known for his poems in dialect, Best known for his poems in dialect, Dunbar became a sought-after writer Dunbar became a sought-after writer at the turn of the century, popular at the turn of the century, popular with black and white audiences alike. with black and white audiences alike. His poems and stories picture the His poems and stories picture the hopeful, sensuous, and joyous side hopeful, sensuous, and joyous side of working-class black life as well as of working-class black life as well as its sorrows and disillusionments. He its sorrows and disillusionments. He lifted the black oral tradition to the lifted the black oral tradition to the height of art and looked at his people height of art and looked at his people objectively and with pride.objectively and with pride.

““Choice” – by Paul Laurence DunbarChoice” – by Paul Laurence Dunbar

THEY please me not--these solemn songsTHEY please me not--these solemn songsThat hint of sermons covered up.That hint of sermons covered up.'T is true the world should heed its wrongs,'T is true the world should heed its wrongs,           But in a poem let me sup,           But in a poem let me sup,Not simples brewed to cure or easeNot simples brewed to cure or easeHumanity's confessed disease,Humanity's confessed disease,But the spirit-wine of a singing line,But the spirit-wine of a singing line,           Or a dew-drop in a honey cup!           Or a dew-drop in a honey cup!

T. S. EliotT. S. Eliot 1888-19651888-1965

Eliot’s poetry and prose are Eliot’s poetry and prose are frequently cited as having frequently cited as having helped inaugurate the modern helped inaugurate the modern period in English and period in English and American letters. Eliot is best American letters. Eliot is best known for his distinctly erudite known for his distinctly erudite and innovative verse. Many of and innovative verse. Many of his poems combine classical his poems combine classical references and concerns with references and concerns with elements drawn from elements drawn from contemporary culture.contemporary culture.

““Morning at the Window”Morning at the Window” – – by T. S. Eliotby T. S. Eliot

They are rattling breakfast plates in basement They are rattling breakfast plates in basement kitchens, kitchens, And along the trampled edges of the street And along the trampled edges of the street I am aware of the damp souls of housemaidsI am aware of the damp souls of housemaidsSprouting despondently at area gates. Sprouting despondently at area gates.

The brown waves of fog toss up to me The brown waves of fog toss up to me Twisted faces from the bottom of the street, Twisted faces from the bottom of the street, And tear from a passer-by with muddy skirts And tear from a passer-by with muddy skirts An aimless smile that hovers in the air An aimless smile that hovers in the air

And vanishes along the level of the roofs.And vanishes along the level of the roofs.

Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson 1803-1803-18821882

Emerson sought to "create all Emerson sought to "create all things new" with a philosophy things new" with a philosophy stressing the recognition of stressing the recognition of ongoing creation and ongoing creation and revelation by a god apparent in revelation by a god apparent in all things and who exists within all things and who exists within everyone. Traditional values of everyone. Traditional values of right and wrong, good and evil, right and wrong, good and evil, appear in his work as appear in his work as necessary opposites. necessary opposites. Emerson's works also Emerson's works also emphasize individualism. emphasize individualism.

““Eros” – by Ralph Waldo EmersonEros” – by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The sense of the world is short,The sense of the world is short,Long and various the report,—Long and various the report,—To love and be beloved;To love and be beloved;Men and gods have not outlearned it,Men and gods have not outlearned it,And how oft soe'er they've turned it,And how oft soe'er they've turned it,'Tis not to be improved.'Tis not to be improved.

Allen GinsbergAllen Ginsberg 1926-19971926-1997

The American poet The American poet AllenAllen GinsbergGinsberg (1926-1997) was (1926-1997) was one of the most celebrated one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary figures in contemporary American literature. He was American literature. He was a leading member of the a leading member of the "Beat Movement" and "Beat Movement" and helped lead the revolt helped lead the revolt against "academic poetry" against "academic poetry" and the cultural and political and the cultural and political establishment of the mid-establishment of the mid-20th century. 20th century.

Excerpt from “Kaddish, Part I” –by Excerpt from “Kaddish, Part I” –by Allen GinsbergAllen Ginsberg

Strange now to think of you, gone without corsets Strange now to think of you, gone without corsets & eyes, while I walk on the sunny pavement of & eyes, while I walk on the sunny pavement of Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village.

downtown Manhattan, clear winter noon, and I've downtown Manhattan, clear winter noon, and I've been up all night, talking, talking, reading the been up all night, talking, talking, reading the Kaddish aloud, listening to Ray Charles blues Kaddish aloud, listening to Ray Charles blues shout blind on the phonograph shout blind on the phonograph

the rhythm the rhythm--and your memory in my the rhythm the rhythm--and your memory in my head three years after-- And read Adonais' last head three years after-- And read Adonais' last triumphant stanzas aloud--wept, realizing how triumphant stanzas aloud--wept, realizing how we suffer-- we suffer--

Nikki Giovanni 1943-Nikki Giovanni 1943-

In much of her work, In much of her work, GiovanniGiovanni focuses on the individual's focuses on the individual's search for love and acceptance, search for love and acceptance, reflecting what she considers a reflecting what she considers a general struggle in the African-general struggle in the African-American community. American community. Concentrating on themes of Concentrating on themes of family, blackness, womanhood, family, blackness, womanhood, and sexuality, and sexuality, GiovanniGiovanni's poetry 's poetry is conversational and strongly is conversational and strongly influenced by contemporary influenced by contemporary rhythm and blues music. rhythm and blues music.

““Knoxville, Tennessee” - by Nikki GiovanniKnoxville, Tennessee” - by Nikki GiovanniI always like summer best I always like summer best you can eat fresh corn from daddy's gardenyou can eat fresh corn from daddy's gardenand okra and okra and greens and greens and cabbage and cabbage and lots of barbecueand lots of barbecueand buttermilkand buttermilkand homemade ice-cream at the church picnicand homemade ice-cream at the church picnicand listen to and listen to gospel musicgospel musicoutside at the church homecoming outside at the church homecoming and go to the mountains with your grandmotherand go to the mountains with your grandmotherand go barefooted and go barefooted and be warm all the time and be warm all the time not only when you go to bed not only when you go to bed and sleepand sleep

Oliver Wendell HolmesOliver Wendell Holmes1809-18941809-1894

According to one of his students, According to one of his students, when Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes when Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes entered his classroom at Harvard entered his classroom at Harvard College to lecture on anatomy, he College to lecture on anatomy, he was greeted "by a mighty shout was greeted "by a mighty shout and stamp of applause”. Holmes's and stamp of applause”. Holmes's fame, however, went far beyond fame, however, went far beyond his medical lectures, for he also his medical lectures, for he also gained renown as a poet, novelist, gained renown as a poet, novelist, biographer, and essayist. biographer, and essayist. Furthermore, his writings exhibited Furthermore, his writings exhibited an independent intellectual an independent intellectual attitude, aversion to any restraint attitude, aversion to any restraint on free thought, and a scientific on free thought, and a scientific habit of mind. habit of mind.

Excerpt from “The Old Man Dreams” - by Oliver Wendell Excerpt from “The Old Man Dreams” - by Oliver Wendell Holmes Holmes

OH for one hour of youthful joy! OH for one hour of youthful joy! Give back my twentieth spring! Give back my twentieth spring! I'd rather laugh, a bright-haired boy, I'd rather laugh, a bright-haired boy, Than reign, a gray-beard king. Than reign, a gray-beard king.

Off with the spoils of wrinkled age! Off with the spoils of wrinkled age! Away with Learning's crown! Away with Learning's crown! Tear out life's Wisdom-written page, Tear out life's Wisdom-written page, And dash its trophies down! And dash its trophies down!

One moment let my life-blood stream One moment let my life-blood stream From boyhood's fount of flame! From boyhood's fount of flame! Give me one giddy, reeling dream Give me one giddy, reeling dream Of life all love and fame!Of life all love and fame!

Henry Wadsworth LongfellowHenry Wadsworth Longfellow1807-18821807-1882

He is credited with having been He is credited with having been instrumental in introducing instrumental in introducing European culture to the European culture to the American readers of his day. In American readers of his day. In addition, he simultaneously addition, he simultaneously popularized American folk popularized American folk themes abroad, where his works themes abroad, where his works enjoyed an immense readership. enjoyed an immense readership. He is known for his narrative He is known for his narrative style of writing and his (and style of writing and his (and America's) most famous poems, America's) most famous poems, "Paul Revere's Ride." "Paul Revere's Ride."

““Autumn”- by Henry Wadsworth LongfellowAutumn”- by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain, Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain, With banners, by great gales incessant fanned, With banners, by great gales incessant fanned, Brighter than brightest silks of Samarcand,Brighter than brightest silks of Samarcand, And stately oxen harnessed to thy wain! And stately oxen harnessed to thy wain! Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne, Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne, Upon thy bridge of gold; Upon thy bridge of gold; thy royal hand thy royal hand Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land, Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land, Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain! Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain! Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended So long beneath the heaven's o'er-hanging eaves; So long beneath the heaven's o'er-hanging eaves; Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended; Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended; Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves; Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves; And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid, And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid,

Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves!Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves!

Edna St. Vincent MillayEdna St. Vincent Millay 1892-1892-19501950

Millay’s verse captured the Millay’s verse captured the rebellious mood of post-World War I rebellious mood of post-World War I youth. She is primarily remembered youth. She is primarily remembered for her early volumes of poetry, for her early volumes of poetry, which boldly asserted an which boldly asserted an independent, nonconformist independent, nonconformist perspective toward contemporary perspective toward contemporary life rarely expressed by women life rarely expressed by women authors of her time. An advocate of authors of her time. An advocate of individualism and romanticism in individualism and romanticism in her verse, Millay commonly her verse, Millay commonly employed rhyme and traditional employed rhyme and traditional metrical patterns to convey her metrical patterns to convey her nontraditional ideas about the role nontraditional ideas about the role of women in relationships and of women in relationships and society.society.

““What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why (Sonnet XLIII)” -(Sonnet XLIII)” - by by Edna St. Vincent Millay

What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why, What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why, I have forgotten, and what arms have lain I have forgotten, and what arms have lain Under my head till morning; but the rain Under my head till morning; but the rain Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh Upon the glass and listen for reply, Upon the glass and listen for reply, And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain For unremembered lads that not again For unremembered lads that not again Will turn to me at midnight with a cry. Will turn to me at midnight with a cry. Thus in winter stands the lonely tree, Thus in winter stands the lonely tree, Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one, Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one, Yet knows its boughs more silent than before: Yet knows its boughs more silent than before: I cannot say what loves have come and gone, I cannot say what loves have come and gone, I only know that summer sang in me I only know that summer sang in me A little while, that in me sings no more.A little while, that in me sings no more.

Marianne MooreMarianne Moore 1887-1887- 19721972

Moore created poetry characterized Moore created poetry characterized by loose rhythms, carefully chosen by loose rhythms, carefully chosen words, close attention to descriptive words, close attention to descriptive detail, and acute observation of detail, and acute observation of human character. Moore's poems human character. Moore's poems often reflect her preoccupation with often reflect her preoccupation with the relationships between the the relationships between the common and the uncommon, common and the uncommon, advocate discipline in both art and advocate discipline in both art and life, and espouse virtues of restraint, life, and espouse virtues of restraint, modesty, and humor. She frequently modesty, and humor. She frequently used animals as a central image to used animals as a central image to emphasize themes of independence, emphasize themes of independence, honesty, and the integration of art honesty, and the integration of art and nature.and nature.

““He Made This Screen” – by Marianne MooreHe Made This Screen” – by Marianne Moore

not of silver nor of coral, not of silver nor of coral, but of weatherbeaten laurel. but of weatherbeaten laurel.

Here, he introduced a sea Here, he introduced a sea uniform like tapestry; uniform like tapestry;

here, a fig-tree; there, a face; here, a fig-tree; there, a face; there, a dragon circling space -- there, a dragon circling space --

designating here, a bower; designating here, a bower;

there, a pointed passion-flower.there, a pointed passion-flower.

Sylvia PlathSylvia Plath 1932-19631932-1963

Plath became widely known following Plath became widely known following her suicide in 1963 and the her suicide in 1963 and the posthumous publication of posthumous publication of ArielAriel (1965), a collection containing her (1965), a collection containing her most startling and acclaimed verse. most startling and acclaimed verse. Through bold metaphors and stark, Through bold metaphors and stark, often violent and unsettling imagery, often violent and unsettling imagery, Plath's works evoke some of the Plath's works evoke some of the mythic qualities of nature and human mythic qualities of nature and human experience. Her vivid, intense poems experience. Her vivid, intense poems explore such topics as personal explore such topics as personal identity, individual suffering and identity, individual suffering and oppression, and the inevitability of oppression, and the inevitability of death.death.

““A Better Resurrection” – by Sylvia PlathA Better Resurrection” – by Sylvia Plath

I have no wit, I have no words, no tears; I have no wit, I have no words, no tears; My heart within me like a stone My heart within me like a stone Is numbed too much for hopes or fears; Is numbed too much for hopes or fears; Look right, look left, I dwell alone; Look right, look left, I dwell alone; A lift mine eyes, but dimmed with grief A lift mine eyes, but dimmed with grief No everlasting hills I see; No everlasting hills I see; My life is like the falling leaf; My life is like the falling leaf;

O Jesus, quicken me.O Jesus, quicken me.

Edgar Allan PoeEdgar Allan Poe 1809-18491809-1849

It is Poe's achievement in the short It is Poe's achievement in the short story for which he is best remembered story for which he is best remembered by critics. Yet Poe retains a popular by critics. Yet Poe retains a popular audience rare among so-called audience rare among so-called "classic" authors, for his tales of terror "classic" authors, for his tales of terror contain a fascination and a mystery contain a fascination and a mystery that appeals to many readers. that appeals to many readers. Whether they are published as comic Whether they are published as comic books, released as movies, or read in books, released as movies, or read in their original versions, Poe's dark their original versions, Poe's dark tales speak to the human desire to tales speak to the human desire to peer into the realm of the unknown peer into the realm of the unknown and the unspeakable. and the unspeakable.

““Sonnet: To Science” – by Edgar Allan PoeSonnet: To Science” – by Edgar Allan Poe

Science! true daughter of Old Time thou art!Science! true daughter of Old Time thou art!Who alterest all things with thy peering eyes.Who alterest all things with thy peering eyes.Why preyest thou thus upon the poet's heart,Why preyest thou thus upon the poet's heart,Vulture, whose wings are dull realities?Vulture, whose wings are dull realities?How should he love thee? or how deem thee wise?How should he love thee? or how deem thee wise?Who wouldst not leave him in his wanderingWho wouldst not leave him in his wanderingTo seek for treasure in the jewelled skies,To seek for treasure in the jewelled skies,Albeit he soared with an undaunted wing?Albeit he soared with an undaunted wing?Hast thou not dragged Diana from her car?Hast thou not dragged Diana from her car?And driven the Hamadryad from the woodAnd driven the Hamadryad from the woodTo seek a shelter in some happier star?To seek a shelter in some happier star?Hast thou not torn the Naiad from her flood,Hast thou not torn the Naiad from her flood,The Elfin from the green grass, and from meThe Elfin from the green grass, and from meThe summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?The summer dream beneath the tamarind tree?

Ezra PoundEzra Pound 1885-19721885-1972

Pound sought to employ Pound sought to employ le mot le mot justejuste--the precise word--which --the precise word--which often took the form of foreign often took the form of foreign phrases, archaic dialects, or phrases, archaic dialects, or technical diction, and he revived technical diction, and he revived the end-stopped line to create the end-stopped line to create self-contained measures of self-contained measures of poetry that resonate with poetry that resonate with independent significance. In independent significance. In addition, Pound's experiments addition, Pound's experiments with rhythm are often considered with rhythm are often considered the first substantial twentieth-the first substantial twentieth-century efforts to liberate poetry century efforts to liberate poetry from iambic patterns.from iambic patterns.

““A Girl” - A Girl” - by Ezra Pound by Ezra Pound 

The tree has entered my hands,The tree has entered my hands,The sap has ascended my arms,The sap has ascended my arms,The tree has grown in my breast-The tree has grown in my breast-Downward,Downward,The branches grow out of me, like arms.The branches grow out of me, like arms.

Tree you are,Tree you are,Moss you are,Moss you are,You are violets with wind above them.You are violets with wind above them.A child - so high - you are,A child - so high - you are,And all this is folly to the world.And all this is folly to the world.

Adrienne RichAdrienne Rich 1929-1929-

Rich is praised for lyrical and Rich is praised for lyrical and highly crafted poems in which she highly crafted poems in which she explores a variety of socially explores a variety of socially relevant subjects, including relevant subjects, including feminism, and criticizes patriarchal feminism, and criticizes patriarchal societies where women societies where women traditionally assume secondary traditionally assume secondary status to men. An early proponent status to men. An early proponent of societal changes that reflect the of societal changes that reflect the values and goals of women, Rich values and goals of women, Rich is credited with articulating one of is credited with articulating one of the most profound poetic the most profound poetic statements of the modern feminist statements of the modern feminist movement.movement.

““For the Dead” – by Adrienne RichFor the Dead” – by Adrienne Rich

I dreamed I called you on the telephoneI dreamed I called you on the telephoneto say: Be kinder to yourselfto say: Be kinder to yourselfbut you were sick and would not answerbut you were sick and would not answer

The waste of my love goes on this wayThe waste of my love goes on this waytrying to save you from yourselftrying to save you from yourself

I have always wondered about the left-overI have always wondered about the left-overenergy, the way water goes rushing down a hillenergy, the way water goes rushing down a hilllong after the rains have stoppedlong after the rains have stopped

or the fire you want to go to bed fromor the fire you want to go to bed frombut cannot leave, burning-down but not burnt-downbut cannot leave, burning-down but not burnt-downthe red coals more extreme, more curiousthe red coals more extreme, more curiousin their flashing and dyingin their flashing and dyingthan you wish they werethan you wish they were

sitting long after midnightsitting long after midnight

Theodore Roethke 1908-1963Theodore Roethke 1908-1963

American poet and teacher American poet and teacher TheodoreTheodore RoethkeRoethke (1908-1963) (1908-1963) is considered a major poet of his is considered a major poet of his generation. He demonstrated a generation. He demonstrated a wide range of styles and wide range of styles and growing awareness of how to growing awareness of how to transform his love of nature into transform his love of nature into a vehicle for expressing his a vehicle for expressing his mystical visions. His work mystical visions. His work conveys through dynamic, conveys through dynamic, descriptive imagery the physical descriptive imagery the physical essence of nature and the essence of nature and the human body. human body.

““Wish for a Young Wife”- by Theodore RoethkeWish for a Young Wife”- by Theodore Roethke

My lizard, my lively writher,My lizard, my lively writher,May your limbs never wither,May your limbs never wither,May the eyes in your faceMay the eyes in your faceSurvive the green iceSurvive the green iceOf envy’s mean gaze;Of envy’s mean gaze;May you live out your lifeMay you live out your lifeWithout hate, without grief,Without hate, without grief,And your hair ever blaze,And your hair ever blaze,In the sun, in the sun,In the sun, in the sun,When I am undone,When I am undone,When I am no one.When I am no one.

Carl August SandburgCarl August Sandburg 1878-19671878-1967

Carl Sandburg developed a unique Carl Sandburg developed a unique and controversial form of free verse and controversial form of free verse that captured the rhythms and color that captured the rhythms and color of Midwestern American vernacular. of Midwestern American vernacular. While some critics have dismissed While some critics have dismissed Sandburg for his sentimental Sandburg for his sentimental depictions of urban and agrarian depictions of urban and agrarian landscapes and for his simple style, landscapes and for his simple style, others have lauded his rhapsodic others have lauded his rhapsodic and lyrical technique and his and lyrical technique and his effective patterns of parallelism and effective patterns of parallelism and repetition.repetition.

““LOST” – by Carl SandburgLOST” – by Carl Sandburg

DESOLATE and loneDESOLATE and loneAll night long on the lakeAll night long on the lakeWhere fog trails and mist creeps,Where fog trails and mist creeps,The whistle of a boatThe whistle of a boatCalls and cries unendingly,Calls and cries unendingly,Like some lost childLike some lost childIn tears and troubleIn tears and troubleHunting the harbor's breastHunting the harbor's breastAnd the harbor's eyes.And the harbor's eyes.

Anne SextonAnne Sexton 1928-19741928-1974

Sexton was among the best-Sexton was among the best-known of the often controversial known of the often controversial Confessional poets, a group Confessional poets, a group composed primarily of New composed primarily of New England writers who rose to England writers who rose to prominence during the 1950s prominence during the 1950s and early 1960s. She wrote and early 1960s. She wrote highly introspective verse that highly introspective verse that revealed intimate details of her revealed intimate details of her emotional troubles, including the emotional troubles, including the severe depression from which severe depression from which she suffered for most of her adult she suffered for most of her adult life and which led to her suicide.life and which led to her suicide.

““Housewives” – by Anne SextonHousewives” – by Anne Sexton

Some women marry houses. Some women marry houses. It's another kind of skin; It's another kind of skin; it has a heart, a mouth, a liver and bowel it has a heart, a mouth, a liver and bowel movements. movements. The walls are permanent and pink. The walls are permanent and pink. See how she sits on her knees all day, faithfully See how she sits on her knees all day, faithfully washing herself down. washing herself down. Men enter by force, drawn back like Jonah into Men enter by force, drawn back like Jonah into their fleshy mothers. their fleshy mothers. A woman is her mother. A woman is her mother.

That's the main thing.That's the main thing.

Gary Soto 1952-Gary Soto 1952-

SotoSoto is one of America's is one of America's most honored writers of most honored writers of Chicano poetry. Chicano poetry. SotoSoto writes writes only in English, choosing only in English, choosing words that are Spartan, words that are Spartan, images that are harsh, and images that are harsh, and subject matter that is often subject matter that is often autobiographical—autobiographical—characteristics which characteristics which effectively help to present effectively help to present his major theme, the plight his major theme, the plight of the Chicano. of the Chicano.

““Looking Around, Believing”- by Gary SotoLooking Around, Believing”- by Gary SotoHow strange that we can begin at any time. How strange that we can begin at any time. With two feet we get down the street. With two feet we get down the street. With a hand we undo the rose. With a hand we undo the rose. With an eye we lift up the peach tree With an eye we lift up the peach tree And hold it up to the wind — white blossoms And hold it up to the wind — white blossoms At our feet. Like today. I started At our feet. Like today. I started In the yard with my daughter, In the yard with my daughter, With my wife poking at a potted geranium, With my wife poking at a potted geranium, And now I am walking down the street, And now I am walking down the street, Amazed that the sun is only so high, Amazed that the sun is only so high, Just over the roof, and a child Just over the roof, and a child Is singing through a rolled newspaper Is singing through a rolled newspaper And a terrier is leaping like a flea And a terrier is leaping like a flea And at the bakery I pass, a palm, And at the bakery I pass, a palm, Like a suctioning starfish, is pressed Like a suctioning starfish, is pressed To the window. We're keeping busy — To the window. We're keeping busy — This way, that way, we're making shadows This way, that way, we're making shadows Where sunlight was, making words Where sunlight was, making words Where there was only noise in the trees. Where there was only noise in the trees.

““Epitaph on the World” – by Henry David Epitaph on the World” – by Henry David ThoreauThoreau

Here lies the body of this world,Here lies the body of this world, Whose soul alas to hell is hurled. Whose soul alas to hell is hurled. This golden youth long since was past, This golden youth long since was past, Its silver manhood went as fast, Its silver manhood went as fast, An iron age drew on at last; An iron age drew on at last; 'Tis vain its character to tell, 'Tis vain its character to tell, The several fates which it befell, The several fates which it befell, What year it died, when 'twill arise, What year it died, when 'twill arise,

We only know that here it lies.We only know that here it lies.

Alice WalkerAlice Walker 1944-1944-

Alice Walker writes about the black Alice Walker writes about the black woman's struggle for spiritual woman's struggle for spiritual wholeness and sexual, political, wholeness and sexual, political, and racial equality. Although most and racial equality. Although most critics categorize her writings as critics categorize her writings as feminist, Walker rebuffs the label, feminist, Walker rebuffs the label, describing her work and herself as describing her work and herself as "womanist." Walker's central "womanist." Walker's central characters are almost always black characters are almost always black women; the themes of sexism and women; the themes of sexism and racism are predominant in her racism are predominant in her work, but her impact is felt across work, but her impact is felt across both racial and sexual boundaries.both racial and sexual boundaries.

““The Old Men Used to Sing” – by Alice WalkerThe Old Men Used to Sing” – by Alice Walker

The old men used to singThe old men used to singAnd lifted a brotherAnd lifted a brotherCarefullyCarefullyOut the doorOut the doorI used to think theyI used to think theyWere bornWere bornKnowing how toKnowing how toGently swingGently swingA casketA casketThey shuffled softlyThey shuffled softlyEyes dryEyes dryMore awkwardMore awkwardWith the flowersWith the flowersThan with the widowThan with the widowAfter they'd put theAfter they'd put theBody inBody inAnd stood around waitingAnd stood around waitingIn theirIn theirBrown suits.Brown suits.

Walt WhitmanWalt Whitman 1819-18921819-1892

Walt Whitman spent three years Walt Whitman spent three years during the Civil War tending during the Civil War tending wounded Union and Confederate wounded Union and Confederate soldiers. His poems, speeches, soldiers. His poems, speeches, letters, and newspaper articles from letters, and newspaper articles from that time recount the horrors of war that time recount the horrors of war and the struggles of a nation and the struggles of a nation divided. Whitman's vision of divided. Whitman's vision of humanity was radically egalitarian, humanity was radically egalitarian, democratic ideals and unveiled an democratic ideals and unveiled an ambitious poetic persona designed ambitious poetic persona designed to serve as the embodiment of to serve as the embodiment of America. The poems of America. The poems of Leaves of Leaves of GrassGrass glorify America through glorify America through evocations of its citizenry, evocations of its citizenry, landscape, and history.landscape, and history.

““O Living Always- Always Dying” – by Walt O Living Always- Always Dying” – by Walt WhitmanWhitman

O LIVING always—always dying! O LIVING always—always dying! O the burials of me, past and present! O the burials of me, past and present! O me, while I stride ahead, material, visible, O me, while I stride ahead, material, visible, imperious as ever! imperious as ever! O me, what I was for years, now dead, (I lament O me, what I was for years, now dead, (I lament

not—I am content;) not—I am content;) O to disengage myself from those corpses of me, O to disengage myself from those corpses of me,

which I turn and look at, where I cast them! which I turn and look at, where I cast them! To pass on, (O living! always living!) and leave the To pass on, (O living! always living!) and leave the

corpses behind!corpses behind!

William Carlos WilliamsWilliam Carlos Williams1883-19631883-1963

Often praised for its vivid imagery, Often praised for its vivid imagery, Williams's poetry focuses on Williams's poetry focuses on objects rather than directly objects rather than directly expressing sentiments or ideas. expressing sentiments or ideas. Williams was a leading force in Williams was a leading force in Objectivism, which expanded upon Objectivism, which expanded upon the Imagist concern with sight and the Imagist concern with sight and sound by also emphasizing thought sound by also emphasizing thought and feeling. Many of Williams's and feeling. Many of Williams's poems celebrate life and are poems celebrate life and are centered on the desirability of centered on the desirability of growth and change. growth and change.

““The Red Wheelbarrow” The Red Wheelbarrow” - - by by William Carlos Williams

so much depends so much depends upon upon

a red wheel a red wheel barrow barrow

glazed with rain glazed with rain water water

beside the white beside the white chickens.chickens.