Featured: 10 Ways to Expand Your Bookshelf: Poems

Many of us fill our bookshelves with amazing stories filled with wonderful description, but have you ever considered adding poetry to that collection? With April being National Poetry Month, this week’s 10 Ways article focuses on some amazing poems that you can add to your reading material collection!

Annabel Lee – Edgar Allan Poe

Many, if not all Mibbians will have heard of the legendary Edgar Allan Poe. His poems and short stories are revered all over the globe. Annabel Lee was Poe’s final published poem with a plot that centres around a warped, complex love story. The imagery in this poem really brings the tale of the young maiden and her courter to life -- and as you read, you’ll feel the chills running down your spine!

Sonnet 130 – William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is largely credited with the modern-day formatting and structure of the sonnet, so it would make sense for anyone into sonnet poetry to check out his works! Sonnet 130 is a slightly controversial look at Shakespeare’s love, but with a heartwarming twist in the couplet that balances out the unusually critical tone of the poem, it remains a great read.

Marked With D – Tony Harrison

Another sonnet, but this time by a more modern-day poet. Marked With D deals with the dreary topic of death. This sonnet, written about the death of Harrison’s own father, uses imagery and metaphor in heaps to add hidden meaning to the poem as a whole. Overall, this piece is very well-written and, although rather heartbreaking, is a very satisfying read.

This Is Just to Say – William Carlos Williams

Reading exactly like a note left taped to the fridge, this poem is simplistic and seems so wonderfully everyday that it’s a pleasure to read! Free-verse is a particular favourite section for poems on Mibba and most will definitely appreciate the basic approach to formatting and structure!

Providence – Natasha Trethewey

As the current U.S Poet Laureate, it is definitely worth checking out works by Natasha Trethewey! Providence exhibits this wonderful poet’s work at its best. Dealing with a rather difficult subject to approach, she has used beautiful word choice to carefully exhibit the emotions that can flow in a hurricane. If you’re looking for a heartfelt and interesting poem, you should definitely check out Providence!

Safe Sounds – Carol Ann Duffy

Closely following the U.S Poet Laureate on this list is the UK Poet Laureate. Safe Sounds can be interpreted in several ways, but the simple language and onomatopoeia used throughout make it a lovely poem to simply enjoy. As you read, you’ll find yourself drifting off into a trance-like state where your own safe sounds will echo.

To Autumn – John Keats

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a poem that beautifully describes everything about a season. To Autumn does just that. With breathtaking description, Keats has managed to write a poem that captures the very essence of autumn and how much it means to him. This beautiful ode is one that you should definitely add to your reading list!

She Walks in Beauty - Lord Byron

Thousands of poems have been written about women, but She Walks in Beauty seems to differ from all most. The way that this poem is written seems to paint the subject in a godlike light. The description used by Byron makes this poem a must-read!

October's Bright Blue Weather - Helen Hunt Jackson

Weather and seasons are popular poem subjects and October’s Bright Blue Weather buys into that notion. Much like To Autumn, this poem uses breathtaking description to show Jackson’s affinity to a certain time of year. As you read, you can imagine the beautiful scene unfolding around you.

Christmas Bells – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This delightful seasonal poem turns sour very quickly thanks to the intricate description and imagery used by Longfellow. Christmas Bells appears as a light Christmas-themed poem to begin with, but devolves into despair. If you appreciate cleverly-structured poems with quick twists, this poem is one that you’ll definitely enjoy!

Special thanks to Fandango and sheepcat; for editing!