Short Poems

Our Short Poems Collection highlights the power of poetry through titles that make an impact in few words. These bite-sized selections offer a convenient starting place for readers new to analyzing poetry or anyone who appreciates short-form verse and its ability to move and inspire.

wishes for sons

by Lucille Clifton

Publication year 1987

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Gender Identity, Coming of Age, Childhood & Youth, Love, Shame & Pride, Fear, Perseverance, Conflict, Hope, Justice, Equality, Power & Greed, Mothers

Tags Lyric Poem, Gender & Feminism

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Works and Days

by Hesiod

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Siblings

Tags Religion & Spirituality, Classic Fiction, Ancient Greece, Mythology, Philosophy, Philosophy, Classical Period, World History, Fantasy

“Works and Days” is a didactic poem by Hesiod dating to approximately the eighth century BCE. Hesiod begins the poem with the traditional invocation to the muses, but he deviates slightly from this tradition by including personal information; the poem is an explanation of a dispute between Hesiod and his brother Perses over a family inheritance. The poem’s thematic concerns, which Hesiod explores by arguing how harmful his brother’s actions are not only to himself... Read Works and Days Summary

You Are Jeff

by Richard Siken

Publication year 2019

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Loyalty & Betrayal, Safety & Danger, Beauty, Trust & Doubt, Love, Shame & Pride, Conflict, Perseverance

Tags LGBTQ+, Love & Sexuality, Narrative Poem

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Young

by Anne Sexton

Publication year 1962

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Appearance & Reality, Family, Religion & Spirituality, Conflict

Tags Lyric Poem, Confessional, Science & Nature

... Read Young Summary