Poetry: Perseverance

This thematic Collection highlights poems centered on the experiences of perseverance and determination. These titles examine the human drive to overcome personal and social obstacles, such as racism. Representing hundreds of years of literary history, the Collection includes works by authors such as John Donne, Maya Angelou, Walt Whitman, and Kwame Alexander.

America

by Walt Whitman

Publication year 1888

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Nation, Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Equality, Place, Community

Tags Free Verse

... Read America Summary

Ariel

by Sylvia Plath

Publication year 1965

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Gender Identity, Death, Femininity, Perseverance, Love, Order & Chaos

Tags Free Verse, Animals, Race & Racism, Gender & Feminism, Confessional, Women`s Studies, American Literature, World History, Mental Illness, Classic Fiction

... Read Ariel Summary

Death Be Not Proud

by John Donne

Publication year 1633

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Hope, Wins & Losses

Tags Lyric Poem, Grief & Death, Education, Education, British Literature, World History, Classic Fiction, Religion & Spirituality

... Read Death Be Not Proud Summary

Declaration

by Tracy K. Smith

Publication year 2018

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Perseverance, Politics & Government, Loyalty & Betrayal, Safety & Danger, Memory, Grief, Justice

Tags Race & Racism, Social Justice, Trauma & Abuse

... Read Declaration Summary

Digging

by Seamus Heaney

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Family, Fathers, Education, Childhood & Youth, The Past, Perseverance, Love, Nostalgia

Tags Relationships, Agriculture, Lyric Poem, Education, Education

... Read Digging Summary

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

by Dylan Thomas

Publication year 1951

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Grief, Perseverance

Tags Classic Fiction, Education, Education, British Literature, World History

“Do not go gentle into that good night” is an iconic poem by 20th-century Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who occupied a special place in the public imagination for his magnetic readings and the revival of Romantic themes in his poetry. This poem, which appeared in his 1952 collection In Country Sleep, remains a favorite in anthologies and popular culture for its universal content and unforgettable dual refrain. “Do not go gentle into that good night” is... Read Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night Summary

Dreams

by Linda Pastan

Publication year 1979

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Aging, Memory, Love, Grief, Perseverance, Nostalgia, Animals, Place, Appearance & Reality

Tags Lyric Poem, Grief & Death

... Read Dreams Summary

Dreams

by Nikki Giovanni

Publication year 1968

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Childhood & Youth, Conflict, Perseverance, Joy, Fame

Tags Satirical Literature, Lyric Poem, Race & Racism

... Read Dreams Summary