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.

Planetarium

by Adrienne Rich

Publication year 1974

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Space, Teamwork, Loyalty & Betrayal, Fame, Science & Technology, Order & Chaos, Justice, Conflict, Memory, Love, Perseverance, Femininity

Tags Lyric Poem, Gender & Feminism, Social Justice, Relationships

... Read Planetarium Summary

Race

by Elizabeth Alexander

Publication year 2001

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Equality, Race, Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Hate & Anger, Love, Shame & Pride, Nation, Justice, Loyalty & Betrayal, Truth & Lies, Safety & Danger

Tags Narrative Poem, Race & Racism

... Read Race Summary

Song of Myself

by Walt Whitman

Publication year 1856

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Death, Politics & Government, Nation, Family, Perseverance

Tags Lyric Poem, Life-Inspired Fiction, Transcendentalism, Education, Education, US History, American Literature, World History, Classic Fiction

“Song of Myself” is a free verse poem by the American writer, journalist, and poet Walt Whitman. The poem is often classified as a work of transcendentalist literature. Originally self-published by Whitman himself in 1855, it was considerably revised and expanded over subsequent decades. In 1889, “Song of Myself” was released in its final form as part of the last edition of the collection Leaves of Grass. This final version—the version referenced in this guide—is... Read Song of Myself Summary

Still I Rise

by Maya Angelou

Publication year 1977

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Perseverance, Race

Tags Inspirational, Lyric Poem, Race & Racism, Women`s Studies, Gender & Feminism, American Literature, Classic Fiction

Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist whose career spanned over 50 years. She published seven autobiographies, several books of poetry, and three essay collections and wrote plays, movies, and television shows. Her widely acclaimed work has received numerous awards, and Angelou has received over 50 honorary degrees. Her best known work is her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sing, which focuses on her childhood up to the... Read Still I Rise Summary

The Battle of Maldon

by Anonymous

Publication year 1726

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes War, Death, Loyalty & Betrayal, Revenge, Masculinity, Conflict, Shame & Pride, Nation, Perseverance

Tags Narrative Poem, Military & War, European History, Grief & Death, Trauma & Abuse, Medieval, British Literature, Education, Education, World History, Classic Fiction

“The Battle of Maldon” is a heroic poem, also classified as an epic, dating from the 10th century. Originally written in Old English, the text details a violent battle between the Anglo-Saxon warriors and the raiding Vikings. The Anglo-Saxons are led by Earl Byrhtnoth, who held land in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Essex and fought for his ruler, King Æthelred the Unready. The poem depicts some of the central tenets of Anglo-Saxon culture, praising loyalty... Read The Battle of Maldon Summary

The Congo

by Vachel Lindsay

Publication year 1914

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Nation, Perseverance, Conflict, Religion & Spirituality, Music, Good & Evil

Tags Narrative Poem, Race & Racism, Music, Classic Fiction

... Read The Congo Summary

The Flea

by John Donne

Publication year 1633

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Religion & Spirituality, Safety & Danger, Beauty, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies, Wins & Losses, Guilt, Love, Fear, Perseverance, Conflict, Hope

Tags Lyric Poem, Metaphysical, Love & Sexuality, Relationships, Education, Education, World History, Romance, Classic Fiction

... Read The Flea Summary