Poetic form
What are Short Poems?
Definition
A short poem says one complete thing in a handful of lines — compression doing the work that length usually does.
The shorter the poem, the more each word weighs. A short poem — anything from a single couplet to a dozen lines — has no room for warming up or winding down; it must arrive already meaning something. The family includes the couplet, the haiku, the epigram, and Adelaide Crapsey's cinquain: small machines built from different blueprints, all running on compression.
Short poems are also the ones that live in the world: copied into cards, texted at midnight, memorized before the kettle boils. They're easy to read and brutally hard to write — as Pascal apologized in a letter, he'd have made it shorter if he'd had more time. Brevity isn't a discount; it's the most expensive thing a poem can buy.
Structure of short poems
- Usually under a dozen lines; many under five
- One image or one turn of thought — never two
- The ending carries extra weight: the last line is half the poem
- Close cousins: the couplet, haiku, epigram, and cinquain
How to write short poems
- Write long first: draft ten lines about your subject, then keep the best two or three.
- Cut every word whose only job is introducing another word.
- Make the title work — in a short poem it's free real estate.
- End on the concrete noun or the twist, never on an explanation.
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340 short poems examples
Classic and original short poems poems, free to read in full.
Music, When Soft Voices Die
Percy Bysshe Shelley · 1821
Music, when soft voices die,Vibrates in the memory—Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
8 lines · lyric
First Warm Rain
The QuillOak Editors
first warm rain of spring —the umbrellas stay foldedeveryone looks up
3 lines · haiku
Crocus in the Frost
The QuillOak Editors
crocus in the frosttoo early, and unbothered —teach me that, small one
3 lines · haiku
August Afternoon
The QuillOak Editors
august afternoon —the garden hose, the shriekingjoy of being eight
3 lines · haiku
Cicadas at Dusk
The QuillOak Editors
cicadas at duskturning the whole heat to song —even the heat sings
3 lines · haiku
One Red Maple Leaf
The QuillOak Editors
one red maple leafrides the river out of town —travel light, it says
3 lines · haiku
Snow on the Mailbox
The QuillOak Editors
snow on the mailbox —all the news the morning bringsis white, and silent
3 lines · haiku
After the Train
The QuillOak Editors
the train pulls awayand you wave until it bendsout of sight, then stand
5 lines · tanka
The Cedar Box
The QuillOak Editors
folding your lettersinto the cedar box, Ikeep what keeps, and still
5 lines · tanka
The Meeting
The QuillOak Editors
the meeting could havebeen an email — forty smilesthinking the same thing
3 lines · senryu
One Percent
The QuillOak Editors
phone at one percent —suddenly I rememberthe names of the clouds
3 lines · senryu
Puppy (a Cinquain)
The QuillOak Editors
Puppywiggly, hopefulchewing, chasing, flopping
5 lines · cinquain
Letting Go (a Crapsey Cinquain)
The QuillOak Editors
Dusk fallsthe maples lettheir last gold go without
5 lines · cinquain
M-O-M (an Acrostic)
The QuillOak Editors
More than the cards could ever quite say,Over the years, in your quiet way,Mom — you're the heart of us, every day.
3 lines · acrostic
L-O-V-E (an Acrostic)
The QuillOak Editors
Listening, even to the boring parts,Overlooking the socks on the floor,Voting for you, every day, in everything,
4 lines · acrostic
H-O-P-E (an Acrostic)
The QuillOak Editors
Hold on — not to how it was,Only to what it still could be;Plant something small in the wreckage,
4 lines · acrostic
F-R-I-E-N-D (an Acrostic)
The QuillOak Editors
First to arrive when everything falls,Refusing to say "I told you so,"Insisting your worst jokes are funny,
6 lines · acrostic
A Poet Named Pratt
The QuillOak Editors
There once was a poet named Prattwhose meter fell painfully flat;when told, "That won't scan,"
5 lines · limerick
The Sneezing Dragon
The QuillOak Editors
A dragon who started to sneezeset fire to forty-two trees,two barns, and a cart —
5 lines · limerick
The Caffeine Resolution
The QuillOak Editors
I solemnly swore off caffeineon Monday at seven-fifteen;by twenty past seven
5 lines · limerick
A Dog with a Plan
The QuillOak Editors
Our spaniel has buried, to date,two slippers, the remote, and a plate.When we ask him, "What for?"
5 lines · limerick
On Advice
The QuillOak Editors
"Advice" is the formal requestto bless what we've already guessed.
2 lines · epigram
On Tomorrow
The QuillOak Editors
There's nothing I can't conquer,no summit I can't claim,no task I cannot master —
4 lines · epigram
Morning Tea
The QuillOak Editors
steam off the green teacurls once, considers the room,then is gone — the cup
5 lines · tanka
More examples
- Self-Checkoutself-checkout machine —…3 lines
- Winter (a Cinquain)Winter…5 lines
- Thou and I (opening couplet)Happy the moment when we are seated in the Palace, thou and I,…2 lines
- The Moon Has Left the Sky (the Midnight Poem)The moon has left the sky;…5 lines
- One Girl (A Combination from Sappho)Like the sweet apple which reddens upon the topmost bough,…6 lines
- To Frances S. OsgoodThou wouldst be loved? — then let thy heart…8 lines
- There Was an Old Man in a TreeThere was an Old Man in a tree,…5 lines
- A chilly Peace infests the GrassA chilly Peace infests the Grass…8 lines
- A Death blow is a Life blow to SomeA Death blow is a Life blow to Some…4 lines
- A Door just opened on a streetA Door just opened on a street —…8 lines
- A Flower will not trouble her, it has so small a FootA Flower will not trouble her, it has so small a Foot,…3 lines
- A full fed Rose on meals of TintA full fed Rose on meals of Tint…8 lines
- A happy lip—breaks suddenA happy lip — breaks sudden —…8 lines
- A little Madness in the SpringA little Madness in the Spring…6 lines
- A little Snow was here and thereA little Snow was here and there…8 lines
- A Pang is more conspicuous in SpringA Pang is more conspicuous in Spring…8 lines
- A soft Sea washed around the HouseA soft Sea washed around the House…8 lines
- A Tooth upon Our PeaceA Tooth upon Our Peace…8 lines
- Absent Place—an April DayAbsent Place — an April Day —…8 lines
- All but Death, can be AdjustedAll but Death, can be Adjusted —…8 lines
- An Antiquated TreeAn Antiquated Tree…7 lines
- And this of all my HopesAnd this of all my Hopes…8 lines
- Angels, in the early morningAngels, in the early morning…8 lines
- As Children bid the Guest "Good Night"As Children bid the Guest "Good Night"…8 lines
- As if the Sea should partAs if the Sea should part…8 lines
- As Sleigh Bells seem in summerAs Sleigh Bells seem in summer…8 lines
- Autumn—overlooked my KnittingAutumn — overlooked my Knitting —…8 lines
- Away from Home are some and IAway from Home are some and I —…8 lines
- Beauty—be not caused—It IsBeauty — be not caused — It Is —…8 lines
- Beauty crowds me till I dieBeauty crowds me till I die…4 lines
- Between the form of Life and LifeBetween the form of Life and Life…8 lines
- Birthday of but a single pangBirthday of but a single pang…4 lines
- Bless God, he went as soldiersBless God, he went as soldiers,…8 lines
- Bliss is the plaything of the childBliss is the plaything of the child —…4 lines
- By a flower—By a letterBy a flower — By a letter —…8 lines
- By homely gift and hindered WordsBy homely gift and hindered Words…5 lines
- Consulting summer's clockConsulting summer's clock,…8 lines
- Could Hope inspect her BasisCould Hope inspect her Basis…8 lines
- Could that sweet Darkness where they dwellCould that sweet Darkness where they dwell…4 lines
- Death is a Dialogue betweenDeath is a Dialogue between…8 lines
- Death leaves Us homesick, who behindDeath leaves Us homesick, who behind,…8 lines
- Declaiming Waters none may dreadDeclaiming Waters none may dread —…4 lines
- Defrauded I a ButterflyDefrauded I a Butterfly —…2 lines
- Did life's penurious lengthDid life's penurious length…8 lines
- Dying at my music!Dying at my music!…6 lines
- Estranged from Beauty—none can beEstranged from Beauty — none can be —…4 lines
- Except the Heaven had come so nearExcept the Heaven had come so near —…8 lines
- "Faith" is a fine invention"Faith" is a fine invention…4 lines
- Fame's Boys and Girls, who never dieFame's Boys and Girls, who never die…2 lines
- Far from Love the Heavenly FatherFar from Love the Heavenly Father…8 lines
- Floss won't save you from an AbyssFloss won't save you from an Abyss…8 lines
- For largest Woman's Hearth I knewFor largest Woman's Hearth I knew —…6 lines
- Forbidden Fruit A Flavor HasForbidden fruit a flavor has…4 lines
- Forever honored by the TreeForever honored by the Tree…8 lines
- From all the Jails the Boys and GirlsFrom all the Jails the Boys and Girls…8 lines
- Funny—to be a CenturyFunny — to be a Century —…8 lines
- Given in Marriage unto TheeGiven in Marriage unto Thee…8 lines
- Glass was the Street—in tinsel PerilGlass was the Street — in tinsel Peril…8 lines
- Go not too near a House of RoseGo not too near a House of Rose —…8 lines
- God permits industrious AngelsGod permits industrious Angels —…8 lines
- Great Streets of silence led awayGreat Streets of silence led away…8 lines
- Heaven is so far of the MindHeaven is so far of the Mind…8 lines
- "Heavenly Father"—take to thee"Heavenly Father" — take to thee…8 lines
- Her sovereign PeopleHer sovereign People…4 lines
- Her spirit rose to such a heightHer spirit rose to such a height…6 lines
- His Heart was darker than the starless nightHis Heart was darker than the starless night…4 lines
- Hope is a strange inventionHope is a strange invention —…8 lines
- Hope is a subtle GluttonHope is a subtle Glutton —…8 lines
- "Hope" is the thing with feathers"Hope" is the thing with feathers —…12 lines
- How far is it to Heaven?How far is it to Heaven?…8 lines
- How happy I was if I could forgetHow happy I was if I could forget…8 lines
- How know it from a Summer's Day?How know it from a Summer's Day?…8 lines
- How many Flowers fail in WoodHow many Flowers fail in Wood —…8 lines
- How much the present moment meansHow much the present moment means…8 lines
- How the Waters closed above HimHow the Waters closed above Him…8 lines
- I cannot meet the Spring unmovedI cannot meet the Spring unmoved —…8 lines
- I died for Beauty—but was scarceI died for Beauty — but was scarce…12 lines
- I hide myself within my flowerI hide myself within my flower,…4 lines
- I know of people in the GraveI know of people in the Grave…8 lines
- I lost a World—the other day!I lost a World — the other day!…8 lines
- I many times thought Peace had comeI many times thought Peace had come…8 lines
- I never lost as much but twiceI never lost as much but twice,…8 lines
- I noticed People disappearedI noticed People disappeared…6 lines
- I saw no Way—The Heavens were stitchedI saw no Way — The Heavens were stitched —…8 lines
- I send you a decrepit flowerI send you a decrepit flower…8 lines
- I think that the Root of the Wind is WaterI think that the Root of the Wind is Water —…8 lines
- If I should cease to bring a RoseIf I should cease to bring a Rose…8 lines
- If Nature smiles—the Mother mustIf Nature smiles — the Mother must…4 lines
- Immured in Heaven!Immured in Heaven!…5 lines
- In snow thou comestIn snow thou comest —…8 lines
- In this short LifeIn this short Life…4 lines
- Is Heaven a Physician?Is Heaven a Physician?…8 lines
- It sounded as if the Streets were runningIt sounded as if the Streets were running…8 lines
- Jesus! thy CrucifixJesus! thy Crucifix…6 lines
- Lad of Athens, faithful beLad of Athens, faithful be…4 lines
- Lain in Nature—so suffice usLain in Nature — so suffice us…8 lines
- Lest this be Heaven indeedLest this be Heaven indeed…4 lines
- "Lethe" in my flower"Lethe" in my flower,…8 lines
- Lightly stepped a yellow starLightly stepped a yellow star…8 lines
- Like Men and Women Shadows walkLike Men and Women Shadows walk…8 lines
- Midsummer, was it, when They diedMidsummer, was it, when They died —…8 lines
- My Garden—like the BeachMy Garden — like the Beach —…5 lines
- My life closed twice before its closeMy life closed twice before its close —…8 lines
- My Season's furthest FlowerMy Season's furthest Flower —…4 lines
- Nature affects to be sedateNature affects to be sedate…8 lines
- Nature and God—I neither knewNature and God — I neither knew…8 lines
- Nature assigns the SunNature assigns the Sun —…4 lines
- Nature can do no moreNature can do no more…8 lines
- Nature rarer uses YellowNature rarer uses Yellow…8 lines
- Nature—sometimes sears a SaplingNature — sometimes sears a Sapling —…8 lines
- No Autumn's intercepting ChillNo Autumn's intercepting Chill…4 lines
- No Romance sold untoNo Romance sold unto…6 lines
- Not at Home to CallersNot at Home to Callers…4 lines
- Not One by Heaven defrauded stayNot One by Heaven defrauded stay —…4 lines
- Of Life to ownOf Life to own —…3 lines
- Of Nature I shall have enoughOf Nature I shall have enough…4 lines
- Oh Future! thou secreted peaceOh Future! thou secreted peace…8 lines
- One Year ago—jots what?One Year ago — jots what?…6 lines
- Only God—detect the SorrowOnly God — detect the Sorrow —…8 lines
- Pain—expands the TimePain — expands the Time —…8 lines
- Pain—has an Element of BlankPain — has an Element of Blank —…8 lines
- Pain has but one AcquaintancePain has but one Acquaintance…8 lines
- Peace is a fiction of our FaithPeace is a fiction of our Faith —…4 lines
- Prayer is the little implementPrayer is the little implement…8 lines
- She rose as high as His OccasionShe rose as high as His Occasion…4 lines
- She slept beneath a treeShe slept beneath a tree —…6 lines
- She sped as Petals of a RoseShe sped as Petals of a Rose…8 lines
- She's happy, with a new ContentShe's happy, with a new Content —…8 lines
- Snow beneath whose chilly softnessSnow beneath whose chilly softness…8 lines
- So gay a FlowerSo gay a Flower…5 lines
- So give me back to DeathSo give me back to Death —…8 lines
- Some such Butterfly be seenSome such Butterfly be seen…8 lines
- Somewhat, to hope forSomewhat, to hope for,…6 lines
- Split the Lark—and you'll find the MusicSplit the Lark — and you'll find the Music —…8 lines
- Spring comes on the WorldSpring comes on the World —…7 lines
- Spring is the PeriodSpring is the Period…8 lines
- Success is counted sweetestSuccess is counted sweetest…12 lines
- Summer is shorter than any oneSummer is shorter than any one —…8 lines
- Summer laid her simple HatSummer laid her simple Hat…8 lines
- Suspense—is Hostiler than DeathSuspense — is Hostiler than Death —…8 lines
- Talk not to me of Summer TreesTalk not to me of Summer Trees…8 lines
- The Bird her punctual music bringsThe Bird her punctual music brings…8 lines
- The Butterfly in honored DustThe Butterfly in honored Dust…4 lines
- The Butterfly upon the SkyThe Butterfly upon the Sky,…8 lines
- The Butterfly's Assumption GownThe Butterfly's Assumption Gown…6 lines
- The Butterfly's Numidian GownThe Butterfly's Numidian Gown…6 lines
- The Definition of Beauty isThe Definition of Beauty is…4 lines
- The Fact that Earth is HeavenThe Fact that Earth is Heaven —…8 lines
- The fairest Home I ever knewThe fairest Home I ever knew…5 lines
- The fascinating chill that music leavesThe fascinating chill that music leaves…8 lines
- The Flower must not blame the BeeThe Flower must not blame the Bee —…6 lines
- The good Will of a FlowerThe good Will of a Flower…5 lines
- The inundation of the SpringThe inundation of the Spring…8 lines
- The last of Summer is DelightThe last of Summer is Delight —…8 lines
- The Leaves like Women interchangeThe Leaves like Women interchange…8 lines
- The Life we have is very greatThe Life we have is very great.…8 lines
- The Moon upon her fluent RouteThe Moon upon her fluent Route…8 lines
- The Mountain sat upon the PlainThe Mountain sat upon the Plain…8 lines
- The Notice that is called the SpringThe Notice that is called the Spring…8 lines
- The pretty Rain from those sweet EavesThe pretty Rain from those sweet Eaves…8 lines
- The Road was lit with Moon and starThe Road was lit with Moon and star —…8 lines
- The Sea said "Come" to the BrookThe Sea said "Come" to the Brook —…8 lines
- The Service without HopeThe Service without Hope —…8 lines
- The Stars are old, that stood for meThe Stars are old, that stood for me —…8 lines
- The stem of a departed FlowerThe stem of a departed Flower…4 lines
- The Summer that we did not prizeThe Summer that we did not prize,…8 lines
- The Sun is gay or starkThe Sun is gay or stark…8 lines
- The Veins of other FlowersThe Veins of other Flowers…8 lines
- The way Hope builds his HouseThe way Hope builds his House…8 lines
- The words the happy sayThe words the happy say…4 lines
- There is a pain—so utterThere is a pain — so utter —…8 lines
- They say that "Time assuages"They say that "Time assuages" —…8 lines
- This is the place they hoped beforeThis is the place they hoped before,…8 lines
- Though the great Waters sleepThough the great Waters sleep,…6 lines
- Through the Dark Sod—as EducationThrough the Dark Sod — as Education —…8 lines
- Time does go onTime does go on —…5 lines
- To flee from memoryTo flee from memory…8 lines
- To lose one's faith—surpassTo lose one's faith — surpass…8 lines
- To mend each tattered FaithTo mend each tattered Faith…8 lines
- To see the Summer SkyTo see the Summer Sky…3 lines
- To tell the Beauty would decreaseTo tell the Beauty would decrease…8 lines
- Too happy Time dissolves itselfToo happy Time dissolves itself…4 lines
- Touch lightly Nature's sweet GuitarTouch lightly Nature's sweet Guitar…4 lines
- Trusty as the starsTrusty as the stars…8 lines
- 'Twas here my summer paused'Twas here my summer paused…8 lines
- 'Twas later when the summer went'Twas later when the summer went…8 lines
- Twice had Summer her fair VerdureTwice had Summer her fair Verdure…8 lines
- Water, is taught by thirstWater, is taught by thirst.…6 lines
- Water makes many BedsWater makes many Beds…8 lines
- We thirst at first—'tis Nature's ActWe thirst at first — 'tis Nature's Act —…8 lines
- When I hoped I fearedWhen I hoped I feared —…8 lines
- When Memory is fullWhen Memory is full…4 lines
- When Roses cease to bloom, SirWhen Roses cease to bloom, Sir,…8 lines
- Where Roses would not dare to goWhere Roses would not dare to go,…4 lines
- Which is the best—the Moon or the Crescent?Which is the best — the Moon or the Crescent?…8 lines
- Who has not found the Heaven—belowWho has not found the Heaven — below —…4 lines
- Winter is good—his Hoar DelightsWinter is good — his Hoar Delights…8 lines
- Winter under cultivationWinter under cultivation…2 lines
- Witchcraft was hung, in History'Twas such a little — little boat…8 lines
- Yesterday is HistoryYesterday is History,…8 lines
- Pied BeautyGlory be to God for dappled things—…11 lines
- Spring and Fall: To a Young ChildMargaret, are you grieving…15 lines
- Give Me Women, Wine, and SnuffGIVE me women, wine, and snuff…6 lines
- EncouragedBecause you love me I have much achieved,…4 lines
- A DirgeRough wind, that moanest loud…8 lines
- A Hate-SongA hater he came and sat by a ditch,…4 lines
- Cancelled Passage of Mont BlancThere is a voice, not understood by all,…5 lines
- Cancelled Passage of the Ode to LibertyWithin a cavern of man's trackless spirit…7 lines
- Cancelled StanzaGather, O gather,…7 lines
- Farewell to North DevonWhere man's profane and tainting hand…6 lines
- In HorologiumInter marmoreas Leonorae pendula colles…4 lines
- Kissing HelenaFROM THE GREEK OF PLATO.…7 lines
- 'Mighty Eagle'SUPPOSED TO BE ADDRESSED TO WILLIAM GODWIN.…7 lines
- On Fanny GodwinHer voice did quiver as we parted,…6 lines
- Song From the Wandering JewSee yon opening flower…8 lines
- Spirit of PlatoFROM THE GREEK.…7 lines
- StanzaIf I walk in Autumn's even…6 lines
- The Waning MoonAnd like a dying lady, lean and pale,…6 lines
- To HarrietEver as now with Love and Virtue's glow…4 lines
- To Mary ShelleyMy dearest Mary, wherefore hast thou gone,…8 lines
- To-MorrowWhere art thou, beloved To-morrow?…6 lines
- To the MoonArt thou pale for weariness…8 lines
- Home-Thoughts, From the SeaNobly, nobly, Cape Saint Vincent to the Northwest died away;…7 lines
- Summum BonumAll the breath and the bloom of the year in the bag of one bee:…8 lines
- Epigram on a SuicideEARTH’D up, here lies an imp o’ hell,…4 lines
- Epigram on Francis Grose the AntiquaryTHE DEVIL got notice that Grose was a-dying…6 lines
- Epitaph for Mr. William Michie, SchoolmasterHERE lie Willie Michie’s banes;…4 lines
- Epitaph for William Nicol, High School, EdinburghYE maggots, feed on Nicol’s brain,…4 lines
- Epitaph on a Lap-dogIN wood and wild, ye warbling throng,…8 lines
- Lines to an Old SweetheartONCE fondly lov’d, and still remember’d dear,…8 lines
- Love in the Guise of FriendshipYOUR friendship much can make me blest,…8 lines
- The Winter it is PastTHE WINTER it is past, and the summer comes at last…8 lines
- An Epitaph Upon a ChildVirgins promised when I died,…6 lines
- Another Grace For A ChildHere a little child I stand…6 lines
- How Springs Came FirstThese springs were maidens once that loved,…8 lines
- Life Is the Body's LightLife is the body's light; which, once declining,…6 lines
- Loss from the LeastGreat men by small means oft are overthrown;…2 lines
- Matins, or Morning PrayerWhen with the virgin morning thou dost rise,…8 lines
- Peace Not PermanentGreat cities seldom rest; if there be none…2 lines
- Soft MusicThe mellow touch of music most doth wound…2 lines
- The Ceremonies for Candlemas DayKindle the Christmas brand, and then…8 lines
- The Definition of BeautyBeauty no other thing is, than a beam…2 lines
- The Old Wives' PrayerHoly-Rood, come forth and shield…8 lines
- The Succession of the Four Sweet MonthsFirst, April, she with mellow showers…8 lines
- Time was uponWrinkles no more are, or no less,…2 lines
- To Enjoy the TimeWhile fates permit us, let's be merry;…4 lines
- To HeavenOpen thy gates…8 lines
- To his GirlsWanton wenches do not bring…4 lines
- To His Kinswoman, Mistress Susanna HerrickWhen I consider, dearest, thou dost stay…6 lines
- To MusicBegin to charm, and as thou strok'st mine ears…6 lines
- To Music: a SongMusic, thou queen of heaven, care-charming spell,…6 lines
- To Music, to Becalm a Sweet Sick YouthCharms, that call down the moon from out her sphere,…8 lines
- To the Lady Crewe, Upon the Death of Her ChildWhy, Madam, will ye longer weep,…8 lines
- To the Water-nymphs Drinking at ThefountainReach with your whiter hands to me…8 lines
- Upon a ChildHere a pretty baby lies…4 lines
- Upon a Child That DiedHere she lies, a pretty bud,…6 lines
- Upon a Painted GentlewomanMen say you're fair; and fair ye are, 'tis true;…2 lines
- Upon His Sister-in-law, Mistress ElizabethherrickFirst, for effusions due unto the dead,…4 lines
- Why Flowers Change ColourThese fresh beauties, we can prove,…4 lines
- Away With Funeral MusicAWAY with funeral music - set…4 lines
- Happy ThoughtThe world is so full of a number of things,…2 lines
- Home, My Little Children, Hear Are Songs For YouCOME, my little children, here are songs for you;…8 lines
- In The Green And Gallant SpringIN the green and gallant Spring,…8 lines
- Light As The Linnet On My Way I StartLIGHT as the linnet on my way I start,…5 lines
- The Angler Rose, He Took His RodTHE angler rose, he took his rod,…4 lines
- To Friends At HomeTO friends at home, the lone, the admired, the lost…6 lines
- To My MotherYou too, my mother, read my rhymes…4 lines
- There Was a Man Who Lived a Life of FireThere was a man who lived a life of fire.…8 lines
- Ay, workman, make me a dreamAy, workman, make me a dream,…7 lines
- I was in the darknessI was in the darkness;…5 lines
- The Ocean Said to Me OnceThe ocean said to me once,…19 lines
- Tradition, thou art for suckling childrenTradition, thou art for suckling children,…5 lines
- Two or three angelsTwo or three angels…8 lines
- Beautiful WomenWOMEN sit, or move to and fro—some old, some young;…2 lines
- Full of Life, NowFULL of life, now, compact, visible,…8 lines
- I Dream’d in a DreamI DREAM’D in a dream, I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the whole of the rest of…7 lines
- Locations and TimesLOCATIONS and times—what is it in me that meets them all, whenever and wherever, and…4 lines
- Look Down, Fair MoonLOOK down, fair moon, and bathe this scene;…4 lines
- Mother and BabeI SEE the sleeping babe, nestling the breast of its mother;…2 lines
- Primeval my Love for the Woman I LovePRIMEVAL my love for the woman I love,…6 lines
- The Ship StartingLO! the unbounded sea!…6 lines
- What General has a Good ArmyWHAT General has a good army in himself, has a good army;…5 lines
- A Divine ImageCruelty has a human heart,…8 lines
- Ah SunflowerAh Sunflower, weary of time,…8 lines
- Infant SorrowMy mother groaned, my father wept:…8 lines
- My Pretty Rose TreeA flower was offered to me,…8 lines
- The LilyThe modest Rose puts forth a thorn,…4 lines
- The Little Boy FoundThe little boy lost in the lonely fen,…8 lines
- The Little Boy Lost"Father, father, where are you going?…8 lines
- The ShepherdHow sweet is the Shepherd's sweet lot!…8 lines
- The Sick RoseO rose, thou art sick!…8 lines
- Thel's MottoDoes the Eagle know what is in the pit?…4 lines
- Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry NowLoveliest of trees, the cherry now…12 lines
- The EagleHe clasps the crag with crooked hands;…6 lines
- FogThe fog comes…6 lines
- Afternoon on a HillI will be the gladdest thing…12 lines
- First FigMy candle burns at both ends;…4 lines
- If I can stop one Heart from breakingIf I can stop one heart from breaking,…7 lines
- I'm Nobody! Who are you?I'm nobody! Who are you?…8 lines
- The Brain — is wider than the SkyThe brain is wider than the sky,…12 lines
- There is no Frigate like a BookTo take us lands away,…4 lines
- Wild Nights — Wild Nights!Wild nights! Wild nights!…12 lines
- TreesI THINK that I shall never see…12 lines
- Jenny Kissed MeJenny kiss'd me when we met,…8 lines
- Pippa's SongPippa…10 lines
- Dust of SnowThe way a crow…8 lines
- Fire and IceSome say the world will end in fire,…9 lines
- Nothing Gold Can StayNature's first green is gold,…8 lines
- The PastureI'm going out to clean the pasture spring;…8 lines
- Delight in DisorderDelight in Disorder. Alfred Pollard, ed. 1898. The Hesperides & Noble Numbers.…2 lines
- Mother o' MineIf I were hanged on the highest hill,…11 lines
- I Shall Not CareTeasdale, Sara (1915), "I Shall Not Care" in Rivers to the Sea.…2 lines
- The LookStrephon kissed me in the spring,…8 lines
- A Noiseless Patient SpiderA noiseless patient spider,…10 lines
- When I Heard the Learn'd AstronomerWhen I heard the learn'd astronomer,…7 lines
- My Heart Leaps UpMy heart leaps up when I behold…9 lines