Poetry provides an excellent way to enjoy reading without the long-term commitment of finishing a novel. You can read most famous poems in a single sitting, with some taking just a minute or two. These short, powerful pieces offer a new perspective and make you think.
The must-read famous poems use vivid imagery and beautiful, creative language to explore big ideas and themes. In poetry, a bird is never just a bird. By thinking about the deeper meaning of the themes in poems, from love to politics, you can learn a lot about life. This list includes classic poems and recent works that look at modern events.
25 Must-Read Famous Poems to Read in a Lifetime
Here are 25 must-read famous poems for you if you are a true poetry lover. The list includes poetry of Robert Frost, Allen Ginsberg, Walt Whitman, Lewis Carroll, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Neruda, and many more.
1. “I, Too” by Langston Hughes (1926)
Langston Hughes used his poetry to highlight the struggles Black people faced in America during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. “I, Too” shares Hughes’s dream of ending segregation and uniting people of all colors. It calls for equality and challenges ignorance. This poem is great for everyone as it sparks important conversations about racism. You can find “I, Too” in The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes by Penguin Random House.
2. “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost (1920)
Robert Frost wrote many exceptional poems, and “Fire and Ice” is one of them. Although it was composed over a century ago, its themes of desire and hatred are still relevant today. The poem uses natural symbolism to illustrate the dangers of both extremes without taking sides. This is a good starting point for anyone new to Robert Frost’s work. You can find “Fire and Ice” in New Hampshire by Penguin Random House.
3. “A Thousand Mornings” by Mary Oliver (2012)
Mary Oliver is known for her accessible poetry, loved by both poetry fans and casual readers. In “A Thousand Mornings,” she encourages readers to lose themselves in nature and appreciate the moment. This poem is perfect for anyone starting their poetry journey. You can find it in A Thousand Mornings by Penguin Random House.
4. “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg (1956)
Allen Ginsberg, a Beat poet, aimed to challenge societal norms and traditional writing styles. “Howl” is a controversial poem that criticizes capitalism, war, and cultural destruction, containing references to sex and drugs that were deemed obscene in the UK. This poem is ideal for those interested in counterculture or Beat poetry. You can find “Howl” in Selected Poems 1947-1995 by HarperCollins.
5. “Diving into the Wreck” by Adrienne Rich (1973)
Adrienne Rich uses a deep metaphor in “Diving into the Wreck” to explore women’s roles in society. The word “wreck” can refer to both a ruined ship and the complexities of women’s lives under patriarchy. The diver’s journey symbolizes women’s self-discovery. This poem is best for fans of extended allegories. You can find it in Diving into the Wreck by W.W. Norton.
6. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem tells the story of the Ancient Mariner, who kills an albatross and must pay for it. This enduring poem reminds readers to think before acting and to cherish carefree times. This poem is best for anyone curious about the symbolism of albatrosses. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
7. “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks (1963)
Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black Pulitzer Prize winner, often wrote about the Black experience in America. “We Real Cool” describes a group of teens who feel invincible but face harsh realities due to their skin color. This short poem packs a punch. You can find it in Selected Poems by HarperCollins.
8. “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman (2021)
Amanda Gorman made history as the youngest-ever inaugural poet at age 22, reading “The Hill We Climb” at a presidential inauguration. Her poem addresses racial justice and the challenge of uniting America. This poem is great for those interested in contemporary poetry or politics. You can find it in The Hill We Climb by Penguin Random House.
9. “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae (1915)
John McCrae’s poem, set in a World War I graveyard, honors soldiers who gave their lives for their country. The fallen soldiers implore readers to ensure their sacrifice is not in vain. This poem is best for those interested in military history and the impact of war. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
10. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath (1962)
Sylvia Plath’s “Daddy” delves into her issues with her father and estranged abusive husband. The poem questions why women must deal with violence from men. Plath’s early experience with her father’s death left her without tools to distinguish good men from bad. This poem is a great starting point for those new to Plath’s work. You can find it in The Collected Poems by HarperCollins.
11. “American History” by Michael S. Harper (2000)
In just nine lines, Michael S. Harper highlights the violence against Black people throughout American history. His poem juxtaposes a horrific historical event with a more recent one, often cited in social justice conversations. This poem is essential reading for all Americans. You can find it in Songlines in Michaeltree by the University of Illinois Press.
12. “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman (1855)
Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” celebrates individualism and freedom from societal standards. He uses grass to symbolize rebirth, famously saying, “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,/If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” This poem is best for readers with an understanding of symbolism and imagery. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
13. “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer (1888)
Ernest Thayer’s classic poem takes readers through the suspenseful final inning of a baseball game, with the Mudville nine hoping their star player, Casey, will win the game. Spoiler alert: “there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.” This poem is great for sports fans and novice poetry readers. It’s available on the Academy of American Poets website, as it’s in the public domain.
14. “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson (1891)
Emily Dickinson’s famous poem “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” uses a bird to explore the concept of hope. This poem is a great starting point for those new to Dickinson’s work. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
15. “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou (1995)
Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” celebrates self-love, especially for Black women who have been excluded from societal beauty standards. The poem challenges traditional views of a remarkable woman and sets a new standard. This poem is perfect for anyone who has felt less-than. You can find it in And I Still Rise by Penguin Random House.
16. “Sick” by Shel Silverstein (1970)
Shel Silverstein’s playful poem “Sick” captures the spirit of childhood. A little girl lists various illnesses to avoid school, only to realize it’s a weekend. Suddenly, she feels much better! This poem is great for adults to read with children. You can find it in Where the Sidewalk Ends by HarperCollins.
17. “A Memory” by Saeed Jones (2018)
Saeed Jones combines pop culture with humor and truth in “A Memory.” The poem includes the line, “When I’m back, I want a body like a slash of lightning.” This poem is perfect for fans of contemporary poetry. It’s part of the Poem-A-Day project, available on the Academy of American Poets website.
18. “what if” by Claudia Rankine (2020)
Claudia Rankine’s poem opens with the question: “What does it mean to want an age-old call/for change/not to change/and yet, also,/to feel bullied/by the call to change?” Her poem about modern life is a must-read for anyone interested in complex, beautifully written poetry. You can find it in Just Us by Graywolf Press.
19. “She Was Fed Turtle Soup” by Lois Red Elk (2015)
Lois Red Elk, a Fort Peck Sioux member, uses her experiences to create vivid poetry. “She Was Fed Turtle Soup” follows a girl’s journey to maturity. This poem is best for experienced poetry readers. It’s available on the Academy of American Poets website.
20. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll (1871)
Lewis Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky” warns readers to “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!/The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” It’s a classic good vs. evil story. This poem is great for fans of Carroll’s other works like Alice in Wonderland. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
21. “A Carafe, that is a Blind Glass” by Gertrude Stein (1914)
Gertrude Stein’s short poem “A Carafe, that is a Blind Glass” is just three lines but open to interpretation. This poem is perfect for those short on time but wanting an impactful read. It’s available on the Poetry Foundation website, as it’s in the public domain.
22. “Heartbeats” by Melvin Dixon (1995)
Melvin Dixon’s poem “Heartbeats” mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat monitor. The narrator, struggling with illness, wonders about their future while describing their care. Dixon, who was HIV positive, often wrote about black gay men like himself. This poem is great for new poetry readers. You can find it in Love’s Instruments by Northwestern University Press.
23. “A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda (1974)
Pablo Neruda’s “A Dog Has Died” pays tribute to a loyal pet in simple, unsentimental language. The narrator describes the dog’s personality and their bond. This poem is best for anyone who has experienced the grief of losing a pet. You can find it in Winter Garden by Copper Canyon Press.
24. “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1860)
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem begins, “Listen, my children, and you shall hear/Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.” It narrates Revere’s ride to warn of British soldiers, though it’s not historically accurate. Still, it’s an exciting story.
25. “Flowers from the Volcano” by Claribel Alegría (2013)
Claribel Alegría, a Latin American poet, used vivid imagery to link her memories of Central America with the rest of the world. “Flowers from the Volcano” is best for those who understand metaphor in poetry. You can find it in Halting Steps: Collected and New Poems by Northwestern University Press.
Takeaways
These 25 must-read famous poems offer a brief escape into another world, allowing readers to see life from different perspectives. Each poem is unique and open to interpretation, which adds to the enjoyment. Dive into one of these top poems today and explore the richness of poetry!
