“Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
This poem has always been very motivating to me. It’s about growing old; however, the message is true for any point you may be at in your life. You shouldn’t just let things happen to you. Take a stand and “rage against the dying of the light.”
“The Stolen Child” by W. B. Yeats
This poem was made from loosely translated Irish myths. It’s about faeries stealing a child away from the misery of the world. However, the child must also leave behind their family and everyday life. It’s a simple, bittersweet poem. I highly recommend that you read this outloud because Yeats’s poetry always sounds like music.
“Sylvia’s Death” by Anne Sexton
I just want to give a content warning here, this poem is about Sylvia Plath’s suicide. If that content makes you uncomfortable, please skip this poem. The National Suicide Prevention line is 1-800-273-8255, please call this number any time of the day or night if you need. You matter.
I love this poem because it highlights how depression and suicidal thoughts can be invisible. Sylvia Plath was Anne Sexton’s best friend. She had just written to her about completely ordinary things, and then suddenly she was gone. It’s a melancholy poem, but one that is worth the read.
“In This Short Life That Only Lasts An Hour” by Emily Dickinson
Who said all poets are long-winded? This poem is only two lines long, but it packs a punch. I don’t want to give away the whole poem so I won’t say much on it, but it will make you think about your life.
“The Snow Man” by Wallace Stevens
This poem will mean something very different to you depending on whether you have “a mind of winter” or not. I love winter, so I think it’s a beautiful poem. If you hate winter, you will think that it’s a funny poem about how much winter sucks.
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