The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
This haunting narrative poem begins with an old sailor stopping a wedding guest to tell a strange story. The mariner recalls a doomed sea voyage where he made a terrible mistake: shooting an albatross, a bird that was bringing good luck to the ship. It’s followed by a surreal and eerie tale filled with curses and ghosts, isolation and guilt. As the mariner suffers through supernatural punishment, the poem digs deep into the weight of one’s choices. It’s mysterious and hard to shake off once you’ve read it.
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
This haunting narrative poem tells the story of a love that continues beyond the grave. It tells the story of a man whose young love, Annabel Lee, dies, but their love is so strong that not even death can really part them. Poe’s use of repetitive phrases and a melancholic rhythm emphasizes his eternal love for Annabel Lee and gives the poem a song-like quality.
The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes
Set during the 18th century in Britain, this poem tells the tragic love story of a highwayman and an innkeeper’s daughter, Bess. The story takes a dark turn when soldiers use Bess as bait to catch him. Noyes captures the tension and the doomed romance with vivid imagery and a steady rhythm that builds up the suspense.
The Lady of Shalott by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Tennyson tells the story of the Lady of Shalott, who is cursed to only look at the outside world through a mirror. Spellbound by the sight of Sir Lancelot, she looks out the window, triggering her tragic fate. The poem has a mystical, dreamy feel, and Tennyson’s use of rich descriptions brings her isolated world to life.
Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
This one is lighter but no less dramatic. It’s about a baseball star, Casey, who has the chance to be the hero but strikes out instead when his team needs him most. Thayer really captures the highs and lows of sports in a way that’s both fun and a little bit heartbreaking, using playful language and a clear, catchy rhythm.
The Ballad of Charlotte Dymond by Charles Causley
Based on a true story, this ballad tells the mystery surrounding the murder of Charlotte Dymond on Bodmin Moor in 1844. Told from the perspective of her boyfriend who was accused and hanged for the crime, it’s a tale of love and betrayal, set against the bleak, windswept moors of Cornwall.
The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson
The Hound of Heaven is a deeply personal and spiritual poem about running from something that never stops chasing you: God’s love. The speaker tries to escape through pleasure, fear, and distraction, but no matter where he turns, the “hound” is always there, patient and persistent. It’s not a poem about punishment, it’s about mercy that refuses to give up. Thompson’s language is rich and emotional, and the imagery paints a powerful picture of a soul slowly realizing it’s been loved all along.
The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service
The Cremation of Sam McGee is a darkly funny and strangely heartwarming poem set in the icy Yukon. It follows a man named Cap who promises to cremate his friend Sam after he dies, because Sam just couldn’t stand the cold. What unfolds is a bizarre and unforgettable journey through snow and fire. With its steady rhythm and vivid storytelling, the poem tells about the harshness of frontier life while still managing to keep a playful tone.
And if you’re quoting from your favorite poets, make sure you do it right. Here’s a guide on how to cite poems to help you out.
Source: https:/
