Introduction Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson is a poem/song that is considered as “The Black National Anthem” as it encourages the newer generation of the Black Community to lift their voices up and fight against their oppression. About the poet James Weldon Johnson, leader of NAACP and also an influential black … Read more
Introduction “Dream variations” by Langston Hughes is a poem that voices the struggles of black people for acceptance. The poem describes a dream that Hughes had, like many other African American people, that is being treated with equity regardless of the person’s race. In this poem, Hughes sketches this dream for the black community to … Read more
Introduction “For the Union Dead” is a collection of poems that were personal to Robert Lowell. The poem “For the Union Dead” was written for a Boston Art festival by Lowell. About the Poet Robert Lowell was an American Poet from Boston. His poetry was characterised by Heavy imagery, symbolism, Christian motifs and historical references. … Read more
Introduction “Dream Song 14: Life, friends, is boring” is a poem by John Berryman that expresses dissatisfaction of the speaker with his life and with himself. The poet includes nature and reality of life to portray these emotions in the poem. About the Poet John Berryman was an American poet of the 20th century. He … Read more
Introduction Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘I’m “wife” — I’ve finished that —’ was written in 1860 and is about the tension in a woman’s mind. She struggles between the roles of being a woman and a wife. In this poem, the speaker talks about her struggle to free herself from the mental slavery of being a … Read more
Introduction “I cannot live with You” is a poem by Emily Dickinson, where the speaker expresses his love is overpowering and they cannot live together. The speaker is too afraid of being separated from his beloved in the afterlife, preferring the “Despair” of parting now. This poem was first published in the posthumous collection Poems … Read more
Introduction Sherman Alexie’s poem “Crow Testament” explores the experiences, viewpoints, and resiliency of Native American cultures. The audience is given a lens through which to consider the topics of identity, cultural continuity, historical suffering, and the enduring strength of indigenous traditions through the figure of Crow. The poem is divided into vignettes, each of which … Read more
Introduction: “If You Were Coming In The Fall” is a poem written by Emily Dickinson. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful poem that brings out the longing the persona has anticipating the arrival of their beloved. About the Poet: Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was a notable American poet. She is known for her often bold writing style. … Read more
Introduction: “Design” is a poem written by Robert Frost. It is a narration of a strange event witnessed by the poet and his internal musings that connect it to God. About the Poet: Robert Frost (1874-1963) was an eminent American poet. He was the recipient of many awards, including receiving the Pulitzer Prize four times. … Read more
Introduction: “Sylvia’s Death” is a poem written by Anne Sexton. It is written by the poet to commemorate the death of her friend– the famous poet Sylvia Plath. About the Poet: Anne Sexton (1928-1974) was a famous American poet. According to Wikipedia, she is “known for her highly personal, confessional verse”. Famous works of hers … Read more
