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Subject: UNITED STATES
Matches Found: 2999

UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` 14TH STREET WAS GUTTED IN 1968, by CHERYL CLARKE    Poem Source                    
Last Line: For themselves %endangered %or extinct
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; New York City; U.s. - Race Relations


1977: POEM FOR MRS. FANNIE LOU HAMER, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You used to say, “june?
Last Line: In a homemade field / of love
Subject(s): Hamer, Fannie Lou (1917-1977); United States - Race Relations


22-FEB, by JOHN UPDIKE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Three boys, american, in dungarees
Last Line: Looked forward to the summer that is past
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


22-NOV-83, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We were doing laundry
Last Line: Your father held me %against his thin chest %for twenty years whispering %'ain't no indian loves mar
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


6-JAN-19, by JULIAN STREET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Now let those slanderers whose tongues
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


6TH GRADE - OUR LADY OF POMPEII, by VITTORIA REPETTO    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Mia noma e vittoria %2 t's - no c
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


7-NOV-84, by BARTON SUTTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Not one of my candidates won. Not one
Last Line: Bristle with stickers and seeds
Subject(s): Elections; Political Campaigns; Presidents, United States; Reagan, Ronald Wilson (b. 1911)


8 HOPE ROAD, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is not my story
Last Line: On its hinges, milk left to curdle %in the pitcher on the table
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


8-BALL AT THE TWILITE, by DAVID BAKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The team of budweiser horses
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons


8-BALL AT THE TWILITE, by DAVID BAKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The team of budweiser horses
Last Line: Running hard for the far green corners
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


95 POEMS: 39. THANKSGIVING 1956, by EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A monstering horror swallows
Last Line: (because it begins to smell)
Alternate Author Name(s): Cummings, E. E.
Subject(s): Americans; United States


A BACHELOR-BOOKWORM'S COMPLAINT OF LAST PRESENTIAL ELECTION, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A man of peace, I never dared to marry
Last Line: I may -- who knows -- forgive both hayes and tilden!
Subject(s): Hayes, Rutherford B. (1822-1893); Tilden, Samuel J. (1814-1886); United States - Politics & Government


A BALLAD OF THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY [DECEMBER 16, 1773], by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No! Never such a draught was poured
Last Line: And cheer the wakening nations!
Subject(s): Boston Tea Party; Freedom; Patriotism; United States - Colonial Period; Liberty


A BATTLE BALLAD TO GENERAL J.E. JOHNSTON, by FRANCIS ORRERY TICKNOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A summer sunday morning
Last Line: The life-blood of the brave.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bull Run, Battles Of; Johnston, Joseph E. (1807-1891); United States - History; Manassas, Batlle Of


A CALL TO ARMS, by MARY RAYMOND SHIPMAN ANDREWS    Poem Text                    
First Line: It is I, america, calling!
Last Line: Arm, arm, americans! And remember, remember, the tuscania!
Subject(s): Army - United States; Patriotism; World War I; First World War


A CREED, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lord, let me not in service lag
Last Line: The starry flag which flies above.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Fourth Of July; American Flag; Independence Day


A CRY TO ARMS, by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ho! Woodsmen of the mountain side!
Last Line: And for the lily's sake!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Patriotism; United States - History; Confederacy


A CURSE FOR A NATION: PROLOGUE, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I heard an angel speak last night
Last Line: I send it over the western sea.
Subject(s): Curses; Slavery; United States; Serfs; America


A DIRGE FOR MCPHERSON; KILLED IN FRONT OF ATLANTA, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Arms reversed and banners craped
Last Line: Sarpedon of the mighty war.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Atlanta Campaign (1864); Funerals; Mcpherson, James Birdseye (1828-1864); United States - History; Burials


A FAREWELL TO AMERICA, by RICHARD HENRY WILDE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Farewell, my more than fatherland!
Last Line: To leave with them and thee behind!
Subject(s): United States; America


A FAREWELL TO AMERICA, TO MRS. S. W., by PHILLIS WHEATLEY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Adieu, new-england's smiling meads
Last Line: Of all its pow'r disarms!
Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis
Subject(s): Great Britain; Love - Loss Of; Mortality; Sea Voyages; United States; America


A FARMER REMEMBERS LINCOLN, by WITTER BYNNER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lincoln, / well, I was in the old second main
Last Line: "I guess even you young folks would 'a' liked him."
Alternate Author Name(s): Morgan, Emanuel
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


A GOOD, GREAT NAME, by FRANCES ELIZABETH CAROLINE WILLARD    Poem Text                    
First Line: A good, great name!' so speak the bells
Last Line: "it shall sing on, ""a good, great name!"
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


A HARVEST SONG, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O the mellow days of autumn
Last Line: And she sings the reaper's song.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Grief; Marching & Marches; Memory; Music & Musicians; Sorrow; Sadness


A LETTER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis over, moses! All is lost!
Last Line: "than laborers in new hampshire""!"
Subject(s): Elections; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Hale, John Parker (1806-1896); New Hampshire; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; Antislavery Movement - United States


A MAN CHILD IS BORN (1809), by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The wind blows through the chinks it's snowing too
Last Line: With logs to mend the fire!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


A MESSAGE TO AMERICA, by ALAN SEEGER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You have the grit and the guts, I know
Last Line: Oh, look over here and learn from france!
Subject(s): France; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Soldiers' Writings; Tolerance; United States; World War I; America; First World War


A MINOR PROPHET, by MARY ANN EVANS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I have a friend, a vegetarian seer
Last Line: Throbbing respondent to the far-off orbs.
Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, George; Cross, Marian Lewes; Evans, Marian; Ann, Mary
Subject(s): Faith; Friendship; Prophecy & Prophets; Religion; Salvation; United States; Belief; Creed; Theology; America


A NAMELESS GRAVE; SONNET, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A soldier of the union mustered out'
Last Line: And I can give thee nothing in return.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


A NOTE ON MY SON'S FACE, by TOI DERRICOTTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tonight, I look, thunderstruck / at the gold head of my grandchild
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; United States - Race Relations


A PATRIOT I, by JEAN LEWIS MORRIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: A patriot I! This is my cry
Last Line: I'm a munition maker.
Subject(s): Arms & Armor; Patriotism; Selfishness; Social Protest; United States; War; America


A POEM ABOUT INTELLIGENCE FOR MY BROTHERS & SISTERS, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: A few years back and they told me black
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


A POET'S PROPHECY, by LUIGI PULCI    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Know that this theory is false; his bark
Last Line: To glad the nations with expected light.
Subject(s): Explorers; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


A POLITICAL LITANY, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From a junta that labor for absolute power
Last Line: And britain go on -- to be damned, if she will.
Variant Title(s): Libera Nos, Domine - Deliver Us, O Lord
Subject(s): Great Britain - Rulers; Politics & Government; United States; America


A PROPHECY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: O future bards / chant from skull to heart to ass
Subject(s): United States; America


A PSALM OF FOOLISH WISDOM, by LOUISE LEIGHTON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Lo, we are a nation of wise fools!
Last Line: Before our foolishness destroys the universe.
Alternate Author Name(s): Purdy, Susan Louise
Subject(s): Fools; United States; Idiots; America


A RAINBOW ENSIGN, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I love the red, and white, and blue
Last Line: And frankly trust and aid and love us!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


A REPUBLIC!, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Her faith abandoned and her place despised
Last Line: Her gland pituitary being lost.
Subject(s): Corruption In Politics; United States; America


A REQUIEM FOR SOLDIERS LOST IN OCEAN TRANSPORTS, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When, after storms that woodlands rue
Last Line: Round the lone spar where mid-sea surges pour.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Disasters; Shipwrecks; Soldiers; United States - History


A SECOND REVIEW OF THE GRAND ARMY [MAY 24, 1865], by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I read last night of the grand review
Last Line: Awakened me from my slumber.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; Peace; Soldiers; United States - History; Declaration Day


A SONG FOR AMERICA, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How comely is our motherland
Last Line: And guard her as of yore.
Subject(s): United States; World War I; America; First World War


A SONG FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY, by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Arise and shout, ye native sons!
Last Line: Shall roll from sea to sea!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Fourth Of July; Patriotism; American Flag; Independence Day


A SONG FOR OCCUPATIONS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: I do of men and women like you
Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Business; United States – Politics & Government


A SONG FOR THE TIME, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Up, laggards of freedom! - our free flag is cast
Last Line: For earth wearies of them and god's over all!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Fremont, John Charles (1813-1890); Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs


A SONG OF AMERICAN FREEDOM (THE LIBERTY SONG), by JOHN DICKINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come join hand in hand, brave americans all
Last Line: Not as slaves, but as freemen our money we'll give.
Alternate Author Name(s): Penman Of The Revolution
Subject(s): Freedom; United States - Colonial Period; Liberty


A SONG OF OUR FLAG, by WILBUR DICK NESBIT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Your flag and my flag
Last Line: The red and white and blue.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


A SONG OF OUR NATION, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Crowding the eastern gates
Last Line: Ever increase.
Subject(s): United States; America


A SONG: INSCRIBED TO THE FREMONT CLUBS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath thy skies, november!
Last Line: What may not four years do?
Subject(s): Elections; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Fremont, John Charles (1813-1890); Voting; Voters; Suffrage; Antislavery Movement - United States


A STORY ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In my grandmother's house there was always chicken soup
Last Line: But to live in the tragic world forever.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; World War Ii; Shoah; Judaism; Second World War


A STORY OFTEN TOLD IN BARS: THE READER'S DIGEST VERSION, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: First I was born and it was tough on mom
Last Line: The life that matters not the one I've led
Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons


A SUPERMARKET IN CALIFORNIA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: What thoughts I have of you tonight, walt whitman, for I walked down
Subject(s): Humanity; Imagination; Markets; Poetry & Poets; Popular Culture - United States; Shopping; Vision; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Fancy; Supermarkets


A TENT SCENE, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our generals sat in their tent one night
Last Line: "will be dislodged at morn!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


A TERROR IS MORE CERTAIN, by BOB KAUFMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A terror is more certain than all the rare desirable popular songs I
Last Line: Fuck on t.V. & all those cowboys watching
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Poetry & Poets


A TOAST TO OUR NATIVE LAND, by ROBERT BRIDGES (1858-1941)    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Huge and alert, irascible yet strong
Last Line: Drink to our native land! God bless the state!
Alternate Author Name(s): Droch
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


A UTILITARIAN VIEW OF THE MONITOR'S FIGHT, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Plain be the phrase, yet apt the verse
Last Line: And a singe runs through lace and feather.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Monitor (ship); Sea Battles; United States - History; Naval Warfare


A VISIT TO GETTYSBURG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I will / touch stone
Subject(s): American Civil War; Blood; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; War; Gettysburg, Battle Of


A VOICE OF THE LOYAL NORTH, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We sing 'our country's' song tonight
Last Line: God keep us all! Amen!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Classmates; United States - History; Schoolmates


A VOICE PROPHETIC, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Over the carnage rose prophetic a voice
Last Line: Nay, nor the world, nor any living thing, will so cohere.)
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Patriotism; United States - History


A VOW, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I will haunt these states
Subject(s): United States; War; America


A WANDERING LIFE, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Breathes there the man with soul so dead
Last Line: Or the one that permits us to live?
Subject(s): United States - Immigration & Emigration


A WELCOME TO LINCOLN'S REMAINS, by MARTHA A. PARKS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Illinois' immortal son
Last Line: Resting on her breast.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


A.E.F. TO T.R, by CORINNE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Gone is the joy, - gone is the thrill of
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ABE LINCOLN BUILDS A COFFIN, by HAZEL HILLIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: A coffin for my mother!
Last Line: No lips but mine to pray.
Subject(s): Coffins; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Mothers; Presidents, United States


ABERGAVENNY, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: This was the home of holy men
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by A. S. AMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: Born in a hovel, trained in hardship's school
Subject(s): Holidays; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JOSEPH AUSLANDER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Abraham lincoln was ten feet tall
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by FRED CLARE BALDWIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: With humor's wand inhands to hardship used
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by ROSEMARY CARR BENET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lincoln was a long man
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JOEL BENTON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Some opulent force of genius, soul, and race
Variant Title(s): Another Washingto
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by VIRGINIA FRAZER BOYLE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here are a few stanzas from a poetic tribute to lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dead is the roll of the drums
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by MARY LIVINGSTON BURDICK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Safe in fame's gallery through all they years
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by ALICE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No glittering chaplet brought from other lands!
Last Line: From eyes that never loved a humble hearth.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JOHN VANCE CHENEY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: His people called, and forth he came
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: From these wild hills that ring with feudal strife
Last Line: In whose meek heart our great new age had birth.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by AMASA STETSON CONDON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Somewhere today in dolor and in want
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by ROSE TERRY COOKE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hundreds there have been, loftier than their kind
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by P. C. CROLL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Akin to all that's noble, abreast with all that's grand
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JOHN DRINKWATER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Mr. Stone
Last Line: The curtain falls
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by J. T. GOODMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: A nation lay at rest. The mighty storm
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by EUGENE J. HALL    Poem Source                    
First Line: O honored name, revered and undecaying
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JAMES NICOLL JOHNSTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Bear him to his western home
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WALTER MALONE    Poem Source                    
First Line: A blend of mirth and sadness, smiles and tears
Variant Title(s): A Masterpiec
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by FRANCESCA FALK MILLER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Alone? %in wilderness of lofty, virgin trees
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by FRANK MOORE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Stand like an anvil, when 'tis beaten
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by FLORENCE EVELYN PRATT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lincoln, the woodsman, in the clearing stood
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by FRANKLIN BENJAMIN SANBORN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Though forts are stormed and cities won
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Child of the boundless prairie, son of the virgin soil
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Heroic statesman, hail!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by MONROE SPROWL    Poem Source                    
First Line: In cabined solitude, bedise dim fires at midnight hour
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by TOM TAYLOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You lay a wreath on murdered lincoln's bier
Last Line: With much to praise, little to be forgiven.
Variant Title(s): British Tribute To Lincoln;punch's Apology
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by GEORGE ALFRED TOWNSEND    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Peaceful valley reaching wide
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WILLIAM HENRY VENABLE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No adulation vain the poet brings
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by ROBERT WHITAKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: There is no name in all our country's story
Last Line: He has a place alone.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1), by RICHARD HENRY STODDARD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not as when some great captain falls
Last Line: Of that paternal soul.
Variant Title(s): An Horatian Ode;abraham Lincoln: An Horation Ode
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; United States - History


ABRAHAM LINCOLN (2), by RICHARD HENRY STODDARD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This man whose homely face you look upon
Last Line: To this dear benefactor of the race.
Variant Title(s): Lincoln's Birthday;to A Portrait Of Lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN - 1863, by RICHARD REALF    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It touches to the quick the spirit of one
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN - 1865, by LEWIS V. F. RANDOLPH    Poem Source                    
First Line: What hast thou hidden, mournful night!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN ON THE FOURTH NIGHT OF INSOMNIA, by RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE    Poem Source                    
First Line: The loud voice in the hallway. The skittish pony
Last Line: I am a shipwrecked dog whose eyes reflect nothing
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


ABRAHAM LINCOLN WALKS AT MIDNIGHT, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It is portentous, and a thing of state
Last Line: That he may sleep upon his hill again?
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Injustice; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Peace; Presidents, United States; Social Protest; World War I - United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S CHRISTMAS GIFT, by NORA PERRY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas in eighteen hundred and sixty-four
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, BORN FEB. 12, 1809, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To-day, from each and all, a breath of prayer - a pulse of thought
Last Line: To memory of him -- to birth of him.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, THE MASTER, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: We need him now - his rugged faith that held
Last Line: Who willed us greater tasks, when set his sun.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABRAHAM LINCOLN; ASSASSINATED GOOD FRIDAY, 1865, by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Forgive them, for they know not what they do!'
Last Line: So let it smite, such deeds shall be no more!
Subject(s): Assassination; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ABSTRACT OF THE SURGEON-GENERAL'S REPORT, by FITZ-GREENE HALLECK    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The surgeon-general by brevet
Last Line: Editions of your cookery-books
Alternate Author Name(s): Croaker
Subject(s): Army - United States; Generals; Poetry And Poets


ACROSS THE LONG DARK BORDER, by EDWARD HIRSCH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My sister and I learned about our first war
Last Line: War between the states.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Divorce; Novels & Novelists; United States - History


ACROSTIC: ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by HARTIE I. PHILLIPS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Let none falter who thinks he is right
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ADONIS THEATER, by MARK DOTY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It must have seemed the apex of dreams
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


ADONIS THEATER, by MARK DOTY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It must have seemed the apex of dreams
Last Line: In this light, whether we look to %or away from the screen
Subject(s): Americans; United States


ADVANCE OF THE DWEEBS, by EDMONDE HADDAD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Beath high washington domes amid rich paneling
Last Line: No place fo ryou in the new usa
Subject(s): United States; Washington, D.c.


AFLOAT ON THE OCEAN, by CHARLES SWAIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Afloat on the ocean, my days gaily fly
Last Line: No monarch on earth more happy than I
Subject(s): Navy - United States


AFTER APPLE PICKING, by ROBERT FROST    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree
Last Line: Or just some human sleep.
Subject(s): Americans; Apple Trees; Apples; Fruit; Trees; United States; America


AFTER MY TENTH DEATH POEM IN A ROW, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I tell myself that I've got to stop this, get out
Last Line: That I might kill in some green place sometime if I want to
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


AFTER OUR WAR, by JOHN BALABAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: After our war, the dismembered bits
Last Line: After our war, how will love speak?
Subject(s): Asian Americans; Poetry & Poets; Scars; Social Problems; Soldiers; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; War


AFTER READING MICKEY IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN FOR THE THIRD TIME, by RITA DOVE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My daughter spreads her legs
Last Line: And the pink's in us
Subject(s): Daughters; Popular Culture - United States


AFTER READING MICKEY IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN FOR THE THIRD TIME, by RITA DOVE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My daughter spreads her legs
Last Line: That we're in the pink %and the pink's in us
Subject(s): Daughters; Popular Culture - United States


AFTER SPOTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE, by DAVID FERRY            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I read the brown sentences of my great-grandfather
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


AFTER TENNYSON, by AMBROSE BIERCE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: You ask me why, though ill at ease
Subject(s): Modern Life; Freedom; Politics & Government; United States; Liberty; America


AFTER THE ANTI-SEMITIC CALLS ON A LOCAL TALK STATION, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I want to check
Last Line: Panes of crystal %was starting %to crack
Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AFTER THE CENTENNIAL (A HOPE), by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Before our eyes a pageant rolled
Last Line: Can hold the runners lest they fall!
Subject(s): Hope; Nations; Soul; Summer; United States - Centennial Celebrations; Optimism


AFTER THE FUUNERAL OF ASSAM HAMADY, by SAM HAMOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Cast: %haji abbass habhab: my grandfather
Last Line: As if the pain behind my eyes %could be absolution
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AFTER THE WEDDING PARTY, by MATT ROHRER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The sun set early on the forest
Last Line: And I plugged heather griggs
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


AFTER THOUGHTS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When he kissed my nipple
Subject(s): United States; America


AFTER THOUGHTS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When he kissed my nipple
Last Line: Foolish magic most likely
Subject(s): United States


AGAINST NOSTALGIA, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nothing is more boring than my own life
Last Line: Back when I was so young and impressionable?
Subject(s): Jews - United States


AGONY. AS NOW, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am inside someone %who hates me
Last Line: Inside it. And that thing %screams
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Identity; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AIR FORCE PLAYS BASEBALL NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, by DALE RITTERBUSCH    Poem Source                    
First Line: He tells me a barrage of 8-inch guns
Last Line: As if the fielders weren't even there
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Battleships; Soldiers; War


AIR-FORCE HANGER IN DOVER, DELAWARE, by JOCELYN HOLLIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The papers are full of the names of the dead
Last Line: Such craft locks, not ours to move or break?
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3)


AIRMAN, by STEPHEN SPENDER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He will watch the hawk with an indifferent eye
Last Line: Hands, wings, are found.
Alternate Author Name(s): Spender, Stephen (harold), Sir
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Aviation & Aviators; Birds; Hawks; War - Casualties (statistics, Etc.)


ALBERT JAMES, by REUBEN M. JACKSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Albert james was black long before me
Last Line: And extolled the benefits of fire. %I saw the flophouse where you %od'ed %likewise turn to ghost
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON [APRIL 6, 1862], by KATE BROWNLEE SHERWOOD    Poem Text                    
First Line: I hear again the tread of war go thundering through the land
Last Line: One heart, one hope, one destiny, one flag from sea to sea.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Johnston, Albert Sidney (1803-1862); Shiloh, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


ALIEN IN AMERICA, by FRANCIS GARDNER CLOUGH    Poem Text                    
First Line: I have no ear to hear your alien word
Last Line: And faith! -- the heart's last-labored codicil.
Alternate Author Name(s): Clough, F. Gardner
Subject(s): Aliens; Immigrants; United States; Extraterrestrials; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; America


ALL I WANT, by LUCI TAPAHONSO    Poem Source                    
First Line: All I want is the bread to turn out like hers just once
Last Line: On windy, woodchopping afternoons
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations; Women


ALL OVER THE DRY GRASSES, by GARY SNYDER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Motorburn, oil sump dirt smell
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


ALL OVER THE DRY GRASSES, by GARY SNYDER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Motorburn, oil sump dirt smell
Last Line: Wrappt in wild iris %leaves
Subject(s): Americans; United States


ALL RIGHT, YOU HAVE NO MONEY, YOU'VE GIVEN IT UP, by DAVID IGNATOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): United States; Working Class; Boredom; Social Commentaries


ALL THESE HEADLINES, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: All these headlines about cabinets
Last Line: And the heavy arms in london could be our teacher. %I hope this plot we have to play in the descent
Subject(s): News; United States


ALL-NIGHT DINER, by III MARKHAM P. JOHNSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Tonight, you will not tire
Last Line: And turns over the vacancy sign to full
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants


ALMOST, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I forget %that I'm a stepmother
Last Line: Looks exactly like his father
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


ALPHABET LETTERS, by KADYA MOLODOVSKY    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the bronx, in brooklyn and in new york city
Last Line: For the card clubs and boy scout troops to which they belong
Subject(s): Family Life; Jews - United States; New York City


ALWAYS RUNNING, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: All night vigil
Last Line: When all was gone, %the concrete river %was always there %and me, always running
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMAZONE, by MARY JO BONA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Blond-haired, green-eyed, italian girl
Last Line: For the opera, singing italian arias along %the way
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMBERGRIS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Caught in the cobblestones, her heel
Last Line: And the great barrier reef --%knocked, bone on bone
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


AMERICA, by RICHARD BLANCO    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Although tía miriam boasted she discovered
Last Line: Tío berto was the last to leave
Subject(s): United States; America


AMERICA, by ROBERT CREELEY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: America, you ode for reality
Last Line: Us, and nowhere but you to be
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


AMERICA, by ROBERT CREELEY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: America, you ode for reality
Last Line: Us, and nowhere but you to be
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICA, by LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: And this was once the realm of nature, where
Last Line: And charm the ear with numbers half divine.
Subject(s): Change; Freedom; Nature; United States; Liberty; America


AMERICA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: America I've given you all and now I'm nothing
Subject(s): Americans; Imagination; United States; Vision; Fancy; America


AMERICA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: America I've given you all and now I'm nothing
Last Line: America I'm putting my queer shoulder to the wheel
Subject(s): Americans; Imagination; United States; Vision


AMERICA, by TONY HOAGLAND    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Then one of the students with blue hair and a tongue stud
Last Line: Which turns the volume higher?
Subject(s): United States; Materialism; America


AMERICA, by HERBERT KAUFMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A hundred tsars shall rot to bone
Last Line: And, fruitful, you shall feed them all.
Subject(s): Peace; United States; America


AMERICA, by MURRAY KETCHAM KIRK    Poem Text                    
Last Line: And usher in sweet brotherhood.
Subject(s): Flags; Freedom; National Song - United States; Patriotism; Statue Of Liberty; United States; Liberty; American National Anthem; America


AMERICA, by CLAUDE MCKAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Although she feeds me bread of bitterness
Last Line: Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; America


AMERICA, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the wings of a sunny dome expand
Last Line: And left her on the crag.
Subject(s): United States; America


AMERICA, by OTTO ORBAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: America, I've traveled your roads and the spark-hurling ghost
Last Line: Like the stars of the milky way that drone as they pass %each other
Subject(s): History; Travel; United States


AMERICA, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the need that bows us thus
Last Line: America! America!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Nations; Patriotism; United States; America


AMERICA, by SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My country, 'tis of thee
Last Line: Great god our king.
Variant Title(s): National Hymn
Subject(s): Americans; Fourth Of July; Freedom; Patriotism; United States; Independence Day; Liberty; America


AMERICA, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I love thine inland seas
Last Line: Thee I love best!
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


AMERICA, by JAMES MONROE WHITFIELD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: America, it is to thee
Last Line: The wrongs we bear shall be redressed.
Subject(s): Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; United States; Antislavery Movement - United States; America


AMERICA, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Centre of equal daughters, equal sons
Last Line: Chair'd in the adamant of time.
Subject(s): United States; America


AMERICA (1), by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O mother of a mighty race
Last Line: Upon their lips the taunt shall die.
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Freedom; Patriotism; United States; Independence Day; Liberty; America


AMERICA (2), by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Look now abroad - another race has filled
Last Line: How happy, in thy lap, the sons of men shall dwell?
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


AMERICA AND ENGLAND, by GEORGE HUNTINGTON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Two empires by the sea
Last Line: Blessing and blest.
Variant Title(s): Hymn Of World Peace;international Hymn;peace Hymn For England And America
Subject(s): England; Patriotism; United States; English; America


AMERICA AT ST. PAUL'S, by MARGARETTA BYRDE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Destiny knocked at the door
Last Line: "and this is our war!"
Subject(s): St. Paul's Cathedral, London; World War I - United States


AMERICA FOREVER; OR, A DEFIANCE TO THE BULWARK OF RELIGION, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Great britain in her glory, american doth engage
Last Line: We will try the operation with powder, shot and bull
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States


AMERICA RESURGENT, by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: She is risen from the dead!
Last Line: And a helmet full of stars!
Subject(s): World War I - United States


AMERICA SPEAKING, by DAVID RIVARD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Speech; Immigrants; United States; Oratory; Orators; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; America


AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, by KATHARINE LEE BATES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O beautiful for spacious skies
Last Line: From sea to shining sea!
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Patriotism; Prairies; United States; Independence Day; Plains; America


AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, by CHRISTINE D. BEYER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh pitiful
Subject(s): United States


AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, by JR. STANLEY TRAVIS RICE    Poem Source                    
First Line: The logarithm. The fraction. The bead of dew
Last Line: Nerves and follicles and arteries %ablaze in the suaveness of night
Subject(s): United States


AMERICA THE VULTUREFUL, by ALEXANDRA STORM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dan rather showed me a dismal, old man
Last Line: Most brave, very proud and seldom free
Subject(s): United States


AMERICA TO GREAT BRITAIN, by WASHINGTON ALLSTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All hail! Thou noble land
Last Line: "we are one."
Subject(s): Great Britain; Patriotism; United States; America


AMERICA TRIUMPHANT, by ELVIRA BUSH SMITH    Poem Text                    
First Line: America, thou peerless one
Last Line: Bring forth a happier time!
Subject(s): Patriotism; Peace; United States; America


AMERICA WITHOUT BASEBALL, by PHILIP DACEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: When baseball died
Last Line: And felt for the first time %released into free agency
Subject(s): Baseball; Sports; United States


AMERICA'S EARLY SETTLERS, by MARTIN LUTHER PETER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Today we meet from far and near
Last Line: And follow the light of their noble flame!
Subject(s): History; United States; Historians; America


AMERICA'S FLOWER SONG, by MARGARET PAXSON FLACK    Poem Text                    
First Line: Wild wayside flowers are we
Last Line: Our country thee.
Subject(s): Flowers; National Song - United States; American National Anthem


AMERICA'S THANKSGIVING, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Father all bountiful, in mercy
Last Line: Into a pastoral song of peace and rest.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): God; Holidays; Thanksgiving; United States; America


AMERICA'S TRIUMVIRATE, by ISABEL FISKE CONANT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Three masters among men our land
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


AMERICA'S WELCOME HOME, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, gallantly they fared forth in khaki and in blue
Last Line: Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Homecoming; Victory; World War I - United States


AMERICA, I DO NOT CALL YOUR NAME WITHOUT HOPE, by NEFTALI RICARDO REYES BASUALTO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: Nursed on the blood of your inheritance
Alternate Author Name(s): Neruda, Pablo
Subject(s): Poetry And Poets; United States


AMERICA: SONNET 1, by SYDNEY THOMPSON DOBELL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Men say, columbia, we shall hear thy guns
Alternate Author Name(s): Yendys, Sidney
Subject(s): United States


AMERICA: SONNET 2, by SYDNEY THOMPSON DOBELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Nor force nor fraud shall sunder us! Oh ye
Last Line: Ser's dream.
Alternate Author Name(s): Yendys, Sidney
Variant Title(s): England To America
Subject(s): England; Patriotism; United States; English; America


AMERICAN BOY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Father, look up and see the flag'
Subject(s): Flags - United States


AMERICAN CENTURY, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blackbirds whistle over the young
Last Line: In the century of horror
Subject(s): Children; Daughters; Love; Parents; United States


AMERICAN CONSTITUTION FRIGATE'S ENGAGEMENT ... GUERRIERE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come jolly lads, ye hearts of gold
Last Line: Our barve commander now we'll toast, %in punch, and wine, and brandy
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


AMERICAN CRECHE, by SHARON L. MCCAMY    Poem Source                    
First Line: If I were an artist, I would draw this poem
Last Line: Who don't care but want to leave and have a party %any party, even mine
Subject(s): Parties; United States


AMERICAN DREAM, by WILLIAM WITHERUP    Poem Source                    
First Line: The paiute in modesto
Last Line: Began to sound the night, like crickets
Subject(s): Dreams; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; United States


AMERICAN DREAM: FIRST REPORT, by JOSEPH PAPALEO    Poem Source                    
First Line: First nobody liked us; they said we smelled
Last Line: (who liked to spit on the floors while he talked
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICAN FARM, 1934., by GENEVIEVE TAGGARD    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Space is too full. Did nothing happen here?
Last Line: Economy, economy! Who'll till this land?
Alternate Author Name(s): Wolf, Robert Leopold, Mrs.
Subject(s): Americans; United States


AMERICAN FLAG, by CHARLES CONSTANTINE PISE    Poem Source                    
First Line: They say I do not love thee
Subject(s): Flags - United States


AMERICAN FLAG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is our flag, and may it wave
Subject(s): Flags - United States


AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, by FRANCIS HOPKINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Make room, all ye kingdoms, in history renown
Last Line: When men fight for freedom, they must be victorious.
Variant Title(s): Camp Ballad
Subject(s): American Revolution; United States - Continental Congress; United States - Declaration Of Independence


AMERICAN LIGHTS, SEEN FROM OFF ABROAD, by JOHN BERRYMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blue go up & blue go down
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


AMERICAN LIGHTS, SEEN FROM OFF ABROAD, by JOHN BERRYMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blue go up & blue go down
Last Line: Here comes a cropper.' that's what I said
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, John, Jr.
Subject(s): Americans; United States


AMERICAN NAMES, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I have fallen in love with american names
Last Line: Bury my heart at wounded knee.
Subject(s): Names; United States; America


AMERICAN POETRY; A FRAGMENT, by LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Must every shore ring boldly to the voice
Last Line: And canst thou then --
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; United States; America


AMERICAN SON, by MITSUYE YAMADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I was ten
Last Line: What good %is a son %in america
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Japanese Americans - Internment; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 1, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI    Poem Source                    
First Line: You died in spring, father, and now the autumn dies
Last Line: To smell the still living vapor of your sweat
Variant Title(s): American Sonnets For My Fathe
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 2, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI    Poem Source                    
First Line: You worked too hard, an oldest child of too many
Last Line: If your dreams are mine, live again, breath in me and be
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 3, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI    Poem Source                    
First Line: You never understood america's scheme
Last Line: To carry us full grown
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AMERICAN SPHINX, by PAUL HOOVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As it arranges
Last Line: With scars, blur %to the bone
Subject(s): Egypt; Sphinx; United States


AMERICAN TRAINS, by WILLIAM REGINALD GIBBONS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The sante fe, still the one
Last Line: I said when you asked me, 'what is this?'
Subject(s): Americans; Railroads; United States


AMERICAN TWILIGHT, by CHARLES PENZEL WRIGHT JR.    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Why do I love the sound of children's voices in unknown games
Last Line: Down on the other side, %no hand to help him, no tongue to wedge its weal
Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, Charles
Subject(s): Americans; United States


AMERICAN VARIATION ON HOW RILKE LOVED A PRINCESS AND GO TO STAY IN ..., by ALAN DUGAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She said that underneath the surface
Last Line: Cling to your knife
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; United States; America


AMERICAN VARIATION ON HOW RILKE LOVED A PRINCESS AND GO TO STAY IN ..., by ALAN DUGAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She said that underneath the surface
Last Line: I was a good american poet
Subject(s): Poetry And Poets; United States


AMERICAN WAY: 1, by GREGORY NUNZIO CORSO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am a great american
Last Line: But I am afriad to return to america %I'm even afraid to go into the american express
Alternate Author Name(s): Corso, Gregory
Subject(s): United States


AMERICANA, by JOHN UPDIKE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gray within and gray without: the dusk
Subject(s): United States; America


AN ADDRESS TO THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF ... AMERICAN ARMY, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Accept, great men, that share of honest praise
Last Line: Alike in merits, and alike in fame!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Army - United States; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


AN AGONY. AS NOW, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am inside someone / who hates me
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Identity; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


AN AMERICAN LOVE-ODE; TAKEN FROM SECOND VOLUME OF MONTAGNE'S ESSAYS, by THOMAS WARTON THE ELDER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Stay, stay, thou lovely, fearful snake
Last Line: Stay, lovely, fearful adder stay.
Subject(s): Animals; Love; Montaigne, Michel De (1533-1592); Snakes; United States; Serpents; Vipers; America


AN ANOINTING, by THYLIAS MOSS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Boys have to slash their fingers to become brothers. Girls
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


AN ANTE-BELLUM SERMON, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: We is gathered hyeah, my brothahs
Last Line: Huh uh! Chillun, let us pray!
Subject(s): African Americans; American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty


AN ANTHEM, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our vision is our voice
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AN APPEAL, by F. ISABELL GOODWIN REID    Poem Text                    
First Line: Oh women of america. Arise!
Last Line: Build again a mighty nation!
Alternate Author Name(s): Reid, F. Isabelle Goodwin
Subject(s): Clubs (associations); United States; Women; America


AN APPEAL TO AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE BELGIAN DESTITUTE, by THOMAS HARDY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Seven millions stand
Last Line: No man can say?
Subject(s): Belgium; United States; World War I; America; First World War


AN ARCTIC VISION [JUNE 20, 1867], by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the short-legged esquimaux
Last Line: See the real magician's hammer.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): Alaska Purchase (1867); United States - History


AN ARMY CORPS ON THE MARCH, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With its cloud of skirmishers in advance
Last Line: As the army corps advances.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


AN EXPLANATION OF AMERICA, by ROBERT PINSKY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As though explaining the idea of dancing
Subject(s): Politics & Government; Social Problems; United States; America


AN ODE IN TIME OF HESITATION, by WILLIAM VAUGHN MOODY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Before the living bronze saint gaudens made
Last Line: Blindness we may forgive, but baseness we will smite.
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Holidays; Memorial Day; Saint-gaudens, Augustus (1848-1907); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; Spanish-american War (1898); United States; War; Declaration Day; America


AN OLD BATTLE-FIELD, by FRANK LEBBY STANTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The softest whisperings of the scented south
Last Line: Dream of the battle and an unmarked grave!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Peace; United States - History


AN OPEN WINDOW ON CHICAGO, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Midwinter night, / clark & halstead brushed with this week's snow
Subject(s): United States; America


AN UNINSCRIBED MONUMENT - BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Silence and solitude may hint
Last Line: Silent as I, and lonesome as the land.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; Wilderness Campaign (1864)


ANCHORAGE, by JOY HARJO    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This city is made of stone, of blood, and fish
Last Line: To survive?
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; Survival; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts; Indians Of America; American Indians;


ANCIENT ABE, by CHARLES GRAHAM HALPINE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let us up and do or die'
Alternate Author Name(s): O'reilly, Miles
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


AND ONE FOR MY DAME, by ANNE SEXTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: A born salesman, / my father made all his dough
Subject(s): Americans; Fathers; United States; America


AND ONE FOR MY DAME, by ANNE SEXTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A born salesman, %my father made all his dough
Last Line: Its highways built up like new loves, raw and speedy
Subject(s): Americans; Fathers; God; Religion; United States


AND THE RIVERS RUN SOUTH, by FREDERICK R. MCCREARY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Rivers run south in america
Last Line: My country, and her rivers running south.
Subject(s): Rivers; United States; America


ANDRE'S LAST REQUEST [OR, REQUEST TO WASHINGTON] [OCTOBER 1, 1780], by NATHANIEL PARKER WILLIS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It is not the fear of death
Last Line: By a soldier's death!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Andre, John (1750-1780); Capital Punishment; History; Military Justice; Presidents, United States; Soldiers; Washington, George (1732-1799); Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Historians; Courts Martial


ANECDOTE OF THE JAR, by WALLACE STEVENS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I placed a jar in tennessee
Last Line: Like nothing else in tennessee.
Subject(s): Americans; Art & Artists; Bottles; Civilization; United States; America


ANIMAL LIFE ON THE GREAT PLAINS, by VICTOR CONTOSKI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Before man came to the great plains
Last Line: And dream of the second coming of water
Subject(s): Animals; United States


ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by LEVI LEWIS HAGER    Poem Source                    
First Line: This day, upon the scroll of fame
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ANOINTING, by THYLIAS MOSS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Boys have to slash their fingers to become brothers. Girls
Last Line: The katabatic action begins. Molly down my canal binnacle first, her %water breaking in me like an a
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


ANOTHER GLORIOUS VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Old neptune, the god of the ocean one day
Last Line: The trident of neptune in future they'll wield, %and conquering ride on the blue wat'ry field
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Privateers; Saratoga (ship); Sea Battles; War Of 1812


ANSWER WORLD!, by ANGELA MORGAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, I believe in armies
Last Line: "here am I! Here am I!"
Subject(s): Army - United States; Injustice; Justice; Nations; Problems; Social Protest; War


ANTHEM, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our vision is our voice
Last Line: It over my face and mouth
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ANTI VIETNAM-WAR PEACE MOBILIZATION, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: White sunshine on sweating skulls
Subject(s): United States; America


ANTI VIETNAM-WAR PEACE MOBILIZATION, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: White sunshine on sweating skulls
Last Line: From the paranoia smog factory's east wing
Subject(s): United States


APOCALYPSE, by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Turning from plato to the rocky sergeant
Subject(s): Soldiers; War; Popular Culture - United States


APOTHEOSIS, by RUSSELL J. WILBUR    Poem Source                    
First Line: Resilient world, gargantuan, picturesque
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


APPARITION, by CAROL J. PIERMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: One admires the american form of these sightings
Last Line: Mystery surpassing inexplicable desire
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


APPLE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Father %watching you peel the fruit
Last Line: Eating the white meat %with the serpent
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


APPRECIATING OREGON, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: To appreciate what oregon has, and is
Last Line: Looming like cities in the water
Subject(s): Oregon; Poetry And Poets; Travel; United States


APPRECIATION OF LINCOLN, by ROBERTUS LOVE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Somewhar down thar round hodgeville, kaintucky
Variant Title(s): The Boy From Hodgensvill
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


APRIL AND ITS FORSYTHIA, by JAMES SCHUYLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It's snowing on the unpedimented lions. On ventilator hoods
Last Line: Where branches of sunshine were in bloom on monday
Subject(s): Americans; United States


APRIL FOOL BIRTHDAY POEM FOR GRANDPA, by DIANE DI PRIMA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Today is your / birthday and I have tried
Subject(s): Birthdays; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers


APRIL FOOL BIRTHDAY POEM FOR GRANDPA, by DIANE DI PRIMA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Today is your %birthday and I have tried
Last Line: And not be ashamed
Subject(s): Birthdays; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


APSARA, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: To carry the dead
Last Line: Each time you traverse the sea
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


ARISE, AMERICA!, by CONDE BENOIST PALLEN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
Last Line: Against the world's mad lust
Subject(s): United States


ARMISTICE, by WILLIAM A. PHELON    Poem Text                    
First Line: And this was germany--this puff of dust
Last Line: This worn gray shoddy, and this iron rust!
Subject(s): Freedom; Germany; United States; World War I; Liberty; Germans; America; First World War


ARMITAGE STREET, by DAVID HERNANDEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Waiting for the elevated train
Last Line: It seems just like yesterday %on armitage street
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ARMY BUGLE CALLS, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up"
Last Line: To thy rest
Subject(s): Army - United States;bugles


ARMY CORRESPONDENT'S LAST RIDE; FIVE FORKS, APRIL 1, 1865, by GEORGE ALFRED TOWNSEND    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ho! Pony. Down the lonely road
Last Line: And took the first despatch!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; War; Declaration Day


ARMY HYMN, by FREDERIC DENISON    Poem Text                    
First Line: O thou enthroned above the skies
Last Line: And spread abroad thy grace.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Peace; United States - History


ARMY HYMN; 'OLD HUNDRED', by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O lord of hosts! Almighty king!
Last Line: Join our loud anthem, praise to thee!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Prayer; United States - History


ARROWHEAD CHRISTIAN CENTER AND NO-SMOKING LUNCHEONETTE, by JANET SYLVESTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Each saturday, our father downtown to work
Last Line: I would never go near the lunchonette again
Subject(s): Lust; Popular Culture - United States


ART OF LOVE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: I learned in my mother's kitchen, at her hands
Last Line: Satisfied, I'll let you lay hands on me
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


ARTHUR THINKS ON KENNEDY, by MYRA COHN LIVINGSTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: When kennedy %come to our town
Last Line: So I know what %that killing means
Subject(s): United States


ARTICLE OF FAITH, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: David: coming home from a film today, my brain
Last Line: I am writing my way west to celebrate some old lies with you
Subject(s): Jews - United States


ARTURO, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I told everyone
Last Line: Do not call me marie
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations


AS BARBARA CARTLAND WOULD SAY, I LOVE YOU, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: O worldly one, my bodice is not heaving
Last Line: To say enough to care the very best
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


AS MY HUSBAND TRANSLATES FROM THE POLISH, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Unselfconscious as a statue, %he sits heavily on a thin green chair
Last Line: In love or in despair %at the hour %of someone else's death
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


ASSURANCES, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The soda cans you bag in bins
Last Line: This will calm the others
Subject(s): Jews - United States


ASTRAEA AT THE CAPITOL; ABOLITION SLAVERY, DISTRICT COLUMBIA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When first I saw our banner wave
Last Line: Of judgment fringed with mercy's light!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Washington, D.c.; Antislavery Movement - United States


AT ELLIS ISLAND, by MARGARET LIVINGSTON CHANLER ALDRICH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Across the land their long lines pass
Last Line: A land to which all peoples turn.
Subject(s): Ellis Island, New York Harbor; Jews; Pilgrimages & Pilgrims; Sea Voyages; Travel; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Judaism; Journeys; Trips


AT FREDERICKSBURG [DECEMBER 13, 1862], by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: God send us peace, and keep red strife away
Last Line: No matter what birth or what race or what creed.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fredericksburg, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


AT HALF-MAST, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: Fly the flag at half-mast
Last Line: Till the day breaks again.
Subject(s): Death; Flags - United States; Military; Social Protest; Veterans Day; War; Dead, The; American Flag


AT HOME FROM CHURCH, by SARAH ORNE JEWETT    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The lilacs lift in generous bloom
Last Line: But only of a voice that sings.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


AT LINCOLN'S GRAVE, by JAMES MAURICE THOMPSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: May one who fought in honor for the south
Alternate Author Name(s): Thompson, Maurice
Variant Title(s): Lincoln's Grav
Subject(s): Graves; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


AT LINCOLN'S TOMB, by ROBERTUS LOVE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Abe lincoln? Wull, I reckon! Not a mile f'om where we be
Variant Title(s): One Of Lincoln's Roommates Speak
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY, by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sleep sweetly in your humble graves
Last Line: By mourning beauty crowned!
Variant Title(s): Ode Sung On The Occasion Of Decorating The Graves - Charleston;decoration Day At Charleston;magnolia Cemetery Ode;ode For Decoration Day;hymn For Memorial Day;ode On Decorating The Graves;magnolia Cemetery;lines;ode At Magnolia Cemetery;ode Sung At Magnolia Cemetery
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cemeteries; Charleston, South Carolina; Confederate States Of America; Patriotism; United States - History; Graveyards; Confederacy


AT NAVAJO MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL SCHOOL, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The football field rises
Last Line: Wild horses, wild horses, wild horses
Subject(s): Americans; Education; Schools; United States; Students; America


AT NAVAJO MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL SCHOOL, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The football field rises
Last Line: Wild horses, wild horses,wild horses
Subject(s): Americans; Education; Schools; United States


AT NIGHT THE STATES, by ALICE NOTLEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): United States; Love; America


AT PORT ROYAL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The tent-lights glimmer on the land
Last Line: Their broken saxon words.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; Port Royal, Battle Of (1861); United States - History


AT SAGAMORE HILL, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All things proceed as though the stage were set
Last Line: As you desired them in these sixty years.
Subject(s): Home; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


AT THE CANNON'S MOUTH, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Palely intent, he urged his keel
Last Line: The star ascended in his nativity.
Subject(s): Albemarle (ship); American Civil War; Cushing, William Barker (1842-1874); United States - History


AT THE CEMETERY, WALNUT GROVE PLANTATION, SOUTH CAROLINA, 1989, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Among the rocks / at walnut grove
Last Line: Here lies / hear
Subject(s): Americans; United States; African Americans; Slavery; Cemeteries; America


AT THE CEMETERY, WALNUT GROVE PLANTATION, SOUTH CAROLINA, 1989, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Among the rocks %at walnut grove
Last Line: Here lies %hear
Subject(s): Americans; United States


AT THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER, by MIGUEL ALGARIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I search the chemistry of specific emotions
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AT THE GRAVE OF THOMAS LINCOLN, by BRUCE GUERNSEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Remember that winter, my father, just a score
Last Line: This prairie is our home. Care for it. I will be back
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


AT THE LINCOLN TOMB, by JOHN HOWARD BRYANT    Poem Source                    
First Line: This tomb, by loving hands up-piled
Subject(s): Graves; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


AT THE NUCLEAR RALLY, by LAURA BOSS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Thinking of my father
Last Line: Next to me tonight
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AT THE PUBLIC MARKET MUSEUM: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, by JANE KENYON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A volunteer, a daughter of the confederacy
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


AT THE PUBLIC MARKET MUSEUM: CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, by JANE KENYON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A volunteer, a daughter of the confederacy
Last Line: Blue. It was what both sides %agreed to do
Subject(s): Americans; United States


AT THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON, by CLINTON SCOLLARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here let the brows be bared
Last Line: His laurels dim!
Subject(s): Funerals; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799); Burials


AURORA-BOREALIS; COMMEMORATIVE OF DISSOLUTION OF ARMIES,1865, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What power disbands the northern lights
Last Line: Midnight and morn.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army - United States; U.s. - History


AUTO POESY: ON THE LAM FROM BLOOMINGTON, by ALLEN GINSBERG            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Setting out east on rain bright highways
Subject(s): United States; America


AUTO POESY: ON THE LAM FROM BLOOMINGTON, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Setting out east on rain bright highways
Last Line: Washington town covered with rust-hm
Subject(s): United States


AUTOBIOGRAPHY, by ROBERT VISCUSI    Poem Source                    
First Line: In my house we had an elephant named italy
Last Line: And are always putting in another sidewalk
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


AUTUMN GOLD: NEW ENGLAND FALL, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Coughing in the morning / waking with a steam beast, city destroyed
Subject(s): United States; America


AUTUMN GOLD: NEW ENGLAND FALL, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Coughing in the morning %waking with a steam beast, city destroyed
Last Line: Silent tiny golden hills, maya-joy in autumn %speeding 70 m.P.H.
Subject(s): United States


AWAKENING, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: My mother is pinned to the clothesline
Last Line: All these years they have lain silent
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


BABEL, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Scum from the pickle crock, dumplings with plum
Last Line: And sang about a silver horse with wings
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


BABYLON, BABYLON, BAYBLON THE GREAT, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Isaiah, the country-boy,marched against ... Jazz
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


BACKFLIP, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: There are the beautifully wind-deformed pine trees
Last Line: Some days, he says, he'll go through half a case by noon
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


BAGEL SHOP JAZZ, by BOB KAUFMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Shadow people, projected on coffee-shop walls
Last Line: Brief, beautiful shadows, burned on walls of night
Subject(s): Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; United States; America


BAGEL SHOP JAZZ, by BOB KAUFMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Shadow people, projected on coffee-shop walls
Last Line: Brief, beautiful shadows, burned on walls of night
Subject(s): Americans; Jazz; Music And Musicians; United States


BAINBRIDGE'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When our good constitution was last moor'd in port
Last Line: So our cans we toss'd off with good liquor quite full, %to bainbridge, and jones, and decatur, and h
Subject(s): Bainbridge, William (1774-1833); Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


BALL'S BLUFF; A REVERIE, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: One noonday, at my window in the town
Last Line: Far footfalls died away till none were left.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Ball's Bluff, Battle Of; United States - History; United States; War; America


BALLAD OF 'TEDDY'S TERRORS', by STEPHEN FRENCH WHITMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: There wus a lovely regiment whose
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BALLAD OF GRIZZLY GULCH, by WALLACE IRWIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The rocks are rough, the trail is tough
Alternate Author Name(s): Ginger; Hashimura Togo
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BALLAD OF SAGAMORE HILL, by WALLACE IRWIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis morning, and king theodore
Alternate Author Name(s): Ginger; Hashimura Togo
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BALLAD OF THE LINCOLN PENNY, by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Down in old kentucky
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


BALLAD OF THE ROUGH RIDERS, by MARION COUTHOUY SMITH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We heard the sound of galloping feet
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BALLADE OF EXPANSION, by HILDA JOHNSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Time was he sang the british brute
Last Line: The ethical expansionist!
Subject(s): Imperialism; Philippines; United States; America


BALLADE OF OLD NAVIES, by RAY CLARKE ROSE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Gone are the old-time wooden fleets
Last Line: No more we battle man to man.
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Past; War; American Navy


BALTHUS, THE WINDOW, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I've heard this one before
Last Line: Like brushstrokes in the air
Subject(s): Jews - United States; Windows


BANNER OF AMERICA, by DENIS ALOYSIUS MCCARTHY    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Flags - United States


BANNER OF THE SEA, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Of all the flags that float aloft
Last Line: And fling it out 'mid song and shout, %the banner of the sea
Subject(s): Navy - United States


BARBARA FRIETCHIE [SEPTEMBER 13, 1862], by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Up from the meadows rich with corn
Last Line: On thy stars below in frederick town!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Courage; Flags - United States; Frietschie, Barbara (1766-1862); Maryland; Patriotism; United States - History; United States; Valor; Bravery; American Flag; Fritchie, Barbara (1766-1862); America


BARBIE SAYS MATH IS HARD, by KYOKO MORI    Poem Source                    
First Line: As a boy, I'd still have asked
Last Line: Her daughters: yes, math was hard %but not because we were girls
Subject(s): Baby Boom Generation; Education; Popular Culture - United States; Schools; Women


BARBIE'S MOLESTER, by DENISE DUHAMEL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: His penis rises before him, a compulsion. He would take hormones if
Last Line: He's doing things he never thought of
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BARBIE'S MOLESTER, by DENISE DUHAMEL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: His penis rises before him, a compulsion. He would take hormones if
Last Line: He mistakes this for love. Suddenly he's doing things even he's never %thought of
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BARNEY'S INVITATION, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Come all ye lads who know no fear
Last Line: Success to the hyder ali.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Barney, Joshua (1759-1818); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; American Navy; Naval Warfare


BARRIO BEATEO, by JESSE F. GARCIA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Woke up to one of those cold
Last Line: Thanks murray, babe %I love you
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BARTOW BLACK, by TIMOTHY THOMAS FORTUNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Twas when the proclamation came
Last Line: There was no need to stay!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Racism; Antislavery Movement - United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


BASEBALL, by DAVE ETTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: We stand for 'the star-spangled banner.' the home-plate umpire
Last Line: Third-base foul line
Subject(s): Baseball; Flags - United States; Sports


BATHED IN WAR'S PERFUME, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bathed in war's perfume - delicate flag!
Last Line: Flag like the eyes of women.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


BATTLE BETWEEN THE CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Twas in the morning, the fifth day of june
Last Line: If wounded - 'tis our country's intention, %for all that's d isabl'd to give a good pension
Subject(s): Chesapeake (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


BATTLE BUNNY; MALVERN HILL, 1864, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bunny, lying in the grass
Last Line: Twixt a rabbit's god and man's.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; Animals; Rabbits; United States - History; Hares


BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord
Last Line: While god is marching on.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Freedom; Patriotism; Religion; United States - History; United States; War; Liberty; Theology; America


BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To clear the lake of perry's fleet
Last Line: With spirit laid him close on board - %they're ours - he said - and closed the game
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sure wont you hear, what glory there
Last Line: So I'll have bo more of it, but a little bit of - tid-re-I, &c
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; War Of 1812


BATTLE OF PLATTSBURG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Twas autumn, around me leaves were descending
Last Line: But nature and art will continue to charm us, %while so happy we'll live, on the banks of lake champ
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Plattsburg, Battle Of; War Of 1812


BATTLE OF SOMERSET, by CORNELIUS C. CULLEN    Poem Text                    
First Line: I gazed, and lo! Afar and near
Last Line: And cease this bloody strife.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Somerset, Kentucky, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


BATTLE OF THE POTOMAC WITH THE MALAYS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: As the sun was retiring behind the high mountains
Last Line: May the potomac, with glory and honour come home, %and her name ne'er be stained with an unworthy de
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Potomac (ship); Sea Battles


BATTLE OF THE SHANNON AND CHESAPEAKE; A BRITISH BALLAD, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: On board the shannon frigate in the merry month of may
Last Line: Likewise to gallant captain broke and all his valiant crew, %who beat the bold americans and brought
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea Battles; Shannon (ship); War Of 1812


BATTLE WON IS LOST, by PHILLIP WILLIAM GEORGE    Poem Source                    
First Line: They said, 'you are no longer a lad'
Last Line: They said, 'to die is glorious.' %they lied
Subject(s): United States


BATTLE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: My daughter came home from school one day
Last Line: As if it were the last enemy's retreat
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BATTLE-PLANE IN FRANCE, by OSCAR C. A. CHILD    Poem Source                    
First Line: My driver came this morning on the run
Last Line: Dear god! It's wonderful-that flag!'
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism


BATTLESHIPS, by LORI PETRI    Poem Text                    
First Line: They rock and ride like great grey gulls
Last Line: The black lusts of the primal slime.
Subject(s): Animals; Battleships; Bears; Navy - United States; American Navy


BAY BILLY, by FRANK HARRISON GASSAWAY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You may talk of horses of renown
Last Line: "the whole line answered, ""here!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Derrick Dogg
Subject(s): American Civil War; Animals; Horses; United States - History; War


BAYARD TAYLOR, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In other years - lost youth's enchanted years
Last Line: Ay, he will come! To us he is not dead.
Subject(s): Taylor, Bayard (1825-1878); United States - History


BAYONNE ENTERING NYC, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Smog trucks mile after mile high wire
Subject(s): United States; America


BAYONNE ENTERING NYC, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Smog trucks mile after mile high wire
Last Line: Waiting I come back to new york & begin to sing
Subject(s): United States


BAYONNE TURNPIKE TO TUSCARORA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Grey water tanks in grey mist, / grey robot
Subject(s): United States; America


BAYONNE TURNPIKE TO TUSCARORA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Grey water tanks in grey mist, %grey robot
Last Line: Crash of machineguns, ring of locusts, airplane roar, %calliope yell, bzzzs
Subject(s): United States


BEAT! BEAT! DRUMS!, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beat! Beat! Drums! - blow! Bugles! Blow / through the windows - through doors
Last Line: So strong you thump o terrible drums -- so loud you bugles blow.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


BEAUREGARD, by CATHERINE ANNE WARFIELD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our trust is now in thee
Last Line: Beauregard!
Alternate Author Name(s): Warfield, Catherine M.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauregard, Pierre Gustave T. (1818-93); Confederate States Of America; Patriotism; Shiloh, Battle Of (1862); United States - History; Confederacy


BEAUREGARD'S APPEAL, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Yea! Since the need is bitter
Last Line: The eucharist of prayer.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauregard, Pierre Gustave T. (1818-93); Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Confederacy


BECAUSE OF MY FATHER'S JOB, by JAMES MASAO MITSUI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Spring hailstones would drive us
Last Line: Embarrassed the moon with his curses & songs
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BECAUSE YOU'RE AMERICAN, by KEVIN STEIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: You love the hum of a well-oiled engine about to turn 200,000
Last Line: Back to yank his leg, oh blessings, white pelicans in iowa
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BEFORE OUR DIVORCES, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: When my sister was tending bar weekends
Last Line: And a dadgum freaking pair of heels %that she maybe could borrow
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


BEFORE THE DEBATE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Before the debate each man checks his watch
Last Line: Over the details of our new compromise
Subject(s): Jews - United States


BEFORE VICKSBURG, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: While sherman stood beneath the hottest fire
Last Line: "more cartridges, sir, -- calibre fifty-four!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History; Vicksburg Campaign (1862-63)


BEGINNING OF A POEM OF THESE STATES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under the bluffs of oroville, blue cloud september
Subject(s): United States; America


BEGINNING OF A POEM OF THESE STATES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under the bluffs of oroville, blue cloud september
Last Line: Face and television, money and new wanderings to come
Subject(s): United States


BEHAVING LIKE A JEW, by GERALD STERN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I got there the dead opossum looked like
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BEHAVING LIKE A JEW, by GERALD STERN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When I got there the dead opossum looked like
Last Line: From his round belly and his curved fingers %and his black whiskers and his little dancing feet
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BEHIND GRANDMA'S HOUSE, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At ten I wanted fame. I had a comb
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BEING JEWISH IN A SMALL TOWN, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Someone writes kike on
Last Line: That pulls you toward %honey in the snow
Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BEIRUT, by AHMAD FARAZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Whose headless body is this
Last Line: Who take god's name %are silent!
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3); Blood; Enemies; Human Rights; Tyranny And Tyrants


BEIRUT, by JOCELYN HOLLIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is the place we have come to
Last Line: This land not ours?
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3)


BELLE ISLE, 1949, by PHILIP LEVINE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We stripped in the first warm spring night
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


BELLE ISLE, 1949, by PHILIP LEVINE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We stripped in the first warm spring night
Last Line: To go back where we came from
Subject(s): Americans; United States


BELLES LETTRES, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: She had learned %to sip tea from a glass
Last Line: They'd called it a 'vestibule,' %which made her love words
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


BEN BACKSTAY, by V. MOTT FRANCIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ben backstay was our boatswain, a merry, merry boy
Last Line: Why, never mix your liquor, lads, but always take it neat
Subject(s): Navy - United States


BENEATH THE FLAG, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: On the sunny hillside sleeping
Last Line: Side by side march blue and gray!
Subject(s): Flags - United States;holidays;memorial Day; American Flag;declaration Day


BETHEL, by AUGUSTINE JOSEPH HICKEY DUGANNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: We mustered at midnight, in darkness we formed
Last Line: "column! Forward!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bethel, Virgina, Battle Of (1861); United States - History; Great Bethel (church), Virginia; Big Bethel (church), Virginia; Little Bethel (church), Virginia


BETSY'S BATTLE FLAG, by MINNA IRVING    Poem Text                    
First Line: From dusk till dawn the livelong night
Last Line: For betsy's battle flag!
Alternate Author Name(s): Michener, Harry, Mrs.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Ross, Betsy (1752-1836); American Flag


BEYOND THE POTOMAC, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They slept on the field which their valor had won
Last Line: Since they passed o'er the river?
Subject(s): American Civil War; Maryland; United States - History


BEYOND THE VELVET CURTAIN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Monthly I have come to these sands, monthly I have braved the %surge
Last Line: Pilot this empty gondola, this navigable slipper, beyond the slap, the %first lungswell and shriek
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


BEYOND WORDS, by KEVIN YOUNG    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If you bomb / the ind
Subject(s): Music & Musicians; City & Town Life; Social Commentaries; Popular Culture - United States


BIG CHILL VARIATIONS, by REUBEN M. JACKSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: He gives me a handshake
Last Line: His treat - %paid with an american express card. %gold, %but with black trim
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BILLIE IN SILK, by ANGELA JACKSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: I have nothing to say to you, billie holiday
Last Line: My mouth is on fire. Let it burn
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Holiday, Billie (1915-1959); Jazz; Music And Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing And Singers


BIRDFOOT'S GRAMPA, by JOSEPH BRUCHAC    Poem Source                    
First Line: The old man %must have stopped our car
Last Line: They have places to go to too
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BIRTH OF RHYTHM AND BLUES, by PATRICIA SPEARS JONES    Poem Source                    
First Line: Mid-february in america. Cold everywhere but florida
Last Line: So they cut my mother's belly and drag me %wailing too
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BIRTHDAY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by MARY CLEMENT LEAVITT    Poem Source                    
First Line: From the tints and the tones of other years
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


BISON CROSSING NEAR MT. RUSHMORE, by MAY SWENSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is our herd of cars stopped
Last Line: Each behind the other, herdlike, where the highway leads
Subject(s): Americans; United States


BIVOUAC ON A MOUNTAIN SIDE, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I see before me now a travelling army halting
Last Line: Studded, breaking out, the eternal stars.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Drills & Minor Tactics; Declaration Day


BIXBY CANYON, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Path crowded with thistle fern blue daisy
Subject(s): United States; America


BIXBY CANYON, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Path crowded with thistle fern blue daisy
Last Line: So pipers pray to the avalanche
Subject(s): United States


BIXBY CANYON OCEAN PATH WORD BREEZE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tiny orange-wing tipped butterfly
Last Line: So pipes pray to the avalanche
Subject(s): United States; America


BIXBY CANYON OCEAN PATH WORD BREEZE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tiny orange-wing tipped butterfly
Last Line: Silver hair ear to ear
Subject(s): United States


BLACK AND WHITE, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Why is it in my middle-aged dream
Last Line: That her caring can be cleansed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLACK AND WHITE GALAXIE, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: With water warm enough to make me
Last Line: A black man gotta have a private world
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLACK BACK-UPS, by KATE RUSHIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is dedicated to merry clayton, fontella bass, vonetta
Last Line: Do - do %do
Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate
Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music And Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing And Singers; Women's Rights


BLACK HAIR, by GARY SOTO    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: At eight I was brilliant with my body
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; United States - Race Relations


BLACK HAIR, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At eight I was brilliant with my body
Last Line: To the arms of brown people
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; U.s. - Race Relations


BLACK MAN'S SONATA, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here in west philadelphia
Last Line: Our deep black stripes in a fire yellow
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLACK POWER POEM, by ISHMAEL REED    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A spectre is haunting america - the spectre of neo-hoodooism
Last Line: May the best church win. Shake hands now and come %out conjuring
Subject(s): Americans; United States


BLACKBOTTOM: 1945, by TOI DERRICOTTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: When relatives came from out of town
Subject(s): Detroit, Michigan; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


BLACKBOTTOM: 1945, by TOI DERRICOTTE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When relatives came from out of town
Last Line: Whose very existence %tore us down to the human
Subject(s): Detroit, Michigan; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLESSED GOSPEL LIGHT, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: A full-bore black-out alcoholic
Last Line: It's the good lord shining %it's the blessed gospel light
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO RELEASES ME FROM THIS RESPONSIBILITY', by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The girl's over-rehearsed. Her rushed rendition of the prayers
Last Line: And that shamed sneer on your lip: give it a name. Give it your own
Subject(s): Jews - United States


BLIND SOLO, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A young poet comes to me
Last Line: But I was beautiful, wasn't I
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLONDE AMBITION, by MAUREEN SEATON    Poem Source                    
First Line: The only miracle I ever wanted as a kid
Last Line: Fear lifting you up, cheeks hot with light
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BLONDE WHITE WOMEN, by PATRICIA M. SMITH    Poem Source                    
First Line: They choke cities like snowstorms
Last Line: Demanding that I explain %my treachery
Subject(s): Blondes; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLOOD, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A true arab knows how to catch a fly in his hands'
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


BLOOD, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A true arab knows how to catch a fly in his hands'
Last Line: Where can the crying heart graze? %what does a true arab do now?
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER, by WALLACE RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ebbed and flowed the muddy pei-ho by the gulf of pechili
Last Line: Blood is thicker, sir, than water, now as then.
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Americans; China; Navy - United States; Patriotism; Tattnall, Josiah (1795-1871); American Navy


BLUE SUEDE SHOES, by FLORENCE ANTHONY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Heliotrope sprouts from your shoes, brother
Alternate Author Name(s): Ai
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BLUE SUEDE SHOES, by FLORENCE ANTHONY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Heliotrope sprouts from your shoes, brother
Last Line: There's nothing that doesn't belong to me
Alternate Author Name(s): Ai
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BOATSWAIN'S MATE'S POETRY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I knew by the smoke that so gracefully curled
Last Line: How sweet could I live, and how calm could I die!
Subject(s): Navy - United States


BOOM!, by HOWARD NEMEROV    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here at the vespasian-carlton, it's just one
Last Line: Miss universe, for thy name's sake, amen
Subject(s): Life, Modern; United States


BOOMERS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is the last fallout shelter poem
Last Line: Clinging to half-lives, as we are now
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


BORN IN THE U.S.A., by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Born in 1937 in the usa
Subject(s): United States; Self; Patriotism; America


BOSTON FRIGATE'S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FRENCH CORVETTE ..., by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The american frigate, from boston she came
Last Line: Here's a health to captain little, and officers too, %not forgetting the seamen that were valiant an
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea Battles


BOSTON HYMN; READ IN MUSIC HALL, JANUARY 1, 1863, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The word of the lord by night
Last Line: His way home to the mark.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Patriotism; Pilgrim Fathers; United States - History; United States; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; America


BOSTON PRIVATEERING, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The argus with her hundred eyes
Last Line: For know, that these brave fighting men, %have now restor'd his goods again
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Privateers; War Of 1812


BOSTON YEAR, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: My first week in cambridge a car full of white boys
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Americans; Boston; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; United States; Estrangement; Outcasts; America


BOSTON YEAR, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My first week in cambridge a car full of white boys
Last Line: No one. Red notes sounding in a grey trolley town
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Alienation (social Psychology); Americans; Boston; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; United States


BOY BRITTAN [FEBRUARY 8, 1862], by BYRON FORCEYTHE WILLSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Boy brittan - only a lad a fair-haired boy - sixteen
Last Line: "my darling, thou shalt rest!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Willson, Forceythe
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Fort Henry, Battle Of (1862); Sailing & Sailors; United States - History; Dead, The; Seamen; Sails


BOY, BARE YOUR HEAD WHEN THE FLAG GOES BY!, by NANCY BYRD TURNER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Flags - United States


BRAIN ON ICE, by MICHAEL WARR    Poem Source                    
First Line: There's a seat right next to me
Last Line: In which we all %are hourly enslaved
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BRALY STREET, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Every summer %the asphalt softens
Last Line: Would equal, if alive
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BREASTS, by MAXINE CHERNOFF    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I were french, I'd write / about breasts
Subject(s): Breasts; Love - Erotic; Food Habits; Popular Culture - United States; Potatoes


BREASTS, by MAXINE CHERNOFF    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I were french, I'd write %about breasts
Last Line: Bogart is staring at lauren bacall's breasts %as if they might start speaking
Subject(s): Breasts; Erotic Love; Food Habits; Popular Culture - United States; Potatoes


BRESLAU, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: I see everything in layers: %trees, cities, species, the sexuality
Last Line: As the lamps snuff out, the walls %crumble in, the canaries %leave of singing
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, by EDWARD FIELD    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The baron has decided to mate the monster
Last Line: As his hideous body grabs them
Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


BRIDES COME TO YUBA CITY, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sky is hot and yellow, filled
Last Line: We cannot recognize a single face
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: O freemen! Raise a joyful strain
Last Line: Till the bright arch of naval fame, %o'er the broad ocean bend
Subject(s): Lake Champlain, Battle Of; Navy - United States; War Of 1812


BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORY; PERRY, BETTER THAN ENGLISH CIDER, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Huzza! For the brave yankee boys
Last Line: But such perry as she's taken here %she never will wish for again, sir
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


BRILLIANT VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hark how the church bell's thundering harmony
Last Line: Our wasp has stung the frolic hard, %and thus our laurels grow
Subject(s): Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


BRILLIANT VICTORY; ON CAPTURE OF BRITISH SCHOONER DOMINICO, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come my jovial sons of america
Last Line: Who daring fought the british schooner, %and as bravely overthrew
Subject(s): Decatur (ship); Navy - United States; Privateers; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


BRIS, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The strap from the pentax circles allen's forearm
Last Line: We squint to hide the raw flesh of our eyes
Subject(s): Jews - United States


BRITANNIA TO COLUMBIA, by ALFRED AUSTIN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What is the voice I hear
Last Line: "stronger than death is strong."
Variant Title(s): England To America;a Voice From The West;to America
Subject(s): England; Friendship; United States; English; America


BRONCO BUSTING, EVENT #1, by MAY SWENSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The stall so tight he can't raise heels or knees
Subject(s): Americans; Sports; United States; America


BRONCO BUSTING, EVENT #1, by MAY SWENSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The stall so tight he can't raise heels or knees
Last Line: A horn squawks. Up from the dust gets a buster named tucson
Subject(s): Americans; Sports; United States


BROTHER GONE, by GENE BAKER    Poem Source                    
First Line: How can we manage with our brother
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BROWN OF OSSAWATOMIE [DECEMBER 2, 1859], by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: John brown of ossawatomie spake on his dying day
Last Line: To love!
Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Capital Punishment; Freedom; Slavery; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Liberty; Serfs


BRUTUS LIVES AGAIN IN BOOTH, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What time is it?
Last Line: (he rushes off. Great confusion.)
Subject(s): Assassination; Booth, John Wilkes (1838-1865); Ford's Theater, Washington, D.c.; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


BUCKET, by ROSE ROMANO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Why is it I can't sleep tonight
Last Line: Something is rising in me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BUGS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The lightning bug has wings of gold
Last Line: But it gets there just the same
Subject(s): United States


BUILDING A NEW CHURCH, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: They built the front, upon my word
Last Line: They made the back part shabby
Subject(s): United States


BULLY, by MARTIN ESPADA                        Poet's Biography
First Line: In the school auditorium / the theodore roosevelt statue
Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Latinos; Students


BULLY, by MARTIN ESPADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the school auditorium %the theodore roosevelt statue
Last Line: Across the victorian mustache %and monocle
Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations


BULOSAN LISTENS TO A RECORDING OF ROBERT JOHNSON, by ALFRED ENCARNACION    Poem Source                    
First Line: You sing a hard blues
Last Line: Our names so different, %our songs the same
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BUNNY ARKANSAS DAYS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I want to write about bob etta
Last Line: My husband wants some other family member to own a pickup truck
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


BURIAL OF BARBER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bear him, comrades, to his grave
Last Line: Of the freedom of the west!
Subject(s): Barber, Thomas; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Funerals; Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Burials; Serfs


BURY THEM, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bury the dragon's teeth!
Last Line: Fighting against great god.
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Fort Wagner, Battle Of (1863); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; United States - History


BURYING CARNATIONS, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Windy days in missouri, rosemary
Last Line: Today she is looking for flowers
Subject(s): Jews - United States


BUSTED BOY, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Social Commentaries; United States - Race Relations; Police


BUT MY BLOOD, by ROSE ROMANO    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm beginning to talk to myself
Last Line: American as anyone. But my blood %will not change
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


BUTLER'S PROCLAMATION, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ay! Drop the treacherous mask! Throw by
Last Line: Save -- immortality of shame!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Butler, Benjamin Franklin (1818-1893); New Orleans, Battle Of (1862); United States - History; Women


BWANA TUMBO'-THE GREAT HUNTER, by WALTER BEVERLY CRANE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Beyond the sea there's much contented
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


BY BLUE ONTARIO'S SHORE, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By blue ontario's shore, / as I mused of these warlike days & of peace return'd
Last Line: You by my charm I invoke.
Variant Title(s): As I Sat Alone By Blue Ontario's Shore
Subject(s): Democracy; Poetry & Poets; United States; America


BY THE CONEMAUGH, by FLORENCE EARLE COATES    Poem Text                    
First Line: Foreboding sudden of untoward change
Last Line: "but I cannot hide them away from him!"
Subject(s): Conemaugh (river), Pennsylvania; United States - History


BY THE POTOMAC, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The soft new grass is creeping o'er the graves
Last Line: And all our heavy heritage of grief.
Variant Title(s): Accomplices
Subject(s): American Civil War; Potomac River; Rivers; United States - History


BY-PRODUCTS, by BARON WORMSER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The legion hall in atherton contains
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Veterans


CABIN WHERE LINCOLN WAS BORN, by ROBERT MORRIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Only a cabin, old and poor
Alternate Author Name(s): Gibbons, James Sloane
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


CABINS, by FRANK BIRD LINDERMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: They was dirt-roofed, an 'homely, an' ramblin', an' squat
Last Line: I'm old, but I'm glad that I lived when I did
Subject(s): Americans; United States


CADET GREY: CANTO 1, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Act first, scene first. A study. Of a kind
Last Line: The train moved off, and here the first act ended,
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): United States - Military Academy


CADET GREY: CANTO 2, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where west point crouches, and with lifted shield
Last Line: That is best?
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): United States - Military Academy


CADET GREY: CANTO 3, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the sun sinks through leagues of arid sky
Last Line: Now meant stout mistress bloggs of blank blank square.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): United States - Military Academy


CADILLAC MOON, by KEVIN YOUNG    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Basquiat, Jean-michel (1960-1988); Popular Culture - United States; Social Commentaries


CALIFORNIA, by GEORGE OPPEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The headland towers over ocean
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


CALIFORNIA, by GEORGE OPPEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The headland towers over ocean
Last Line: In the bright simpleness and strangeness of the sands
Subject(s): Americans; United States


CALIFORNIA DREAMIN', by SAPPHIRE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: Was I this lonely as a child
Last Line: Trying to find the trees she taught us were ours?
Subject(s): Americans; United States


CALL HIM THE CHILD OF GOD, by WILLIAM H. DRAPER    Poem Source                    
Alternate Author Name(s): Draper, W. H.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CALL OF THE HOUR, by MARION COUTHOUY SMITH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Open the gates to roosevelt; make way
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CALYPSO, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dese days, I doh even bada combing out mi locks
Last Line: Well, dat the only romance I goin give de time a day
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


CAMPAIGN, by JOSEPHINE MILES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My packard bell was set up in the vacant lot near the stump
Last Line: On record to the moon's blanched countenance. %who are you for?
Subject(s): Americans; Politics; United States


CAMPS OF GREEN, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not alone those camps of white, old comrades of wars
Last Line: Nor drummer to beat the morning drum.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


CAN'T TELL, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
First Line: When world war ii was declared
Last Line: We wore black arm bands, %put up a sign %in bold letters
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations; Women


CANA, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I walk the dog beside the sound
Last Line: Just as the harbor waters turn to wine
Subject(s): Cana, Galilee; Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let politicians talk their fill
Last Line: That nations can as brothers love.
Subject(s): Canada; United States; Canadians; America


CANDY LADY, by LAURA BOSS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Aunt lily stood %behind her candy counter
Last Line: And he told me her stone was glass
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CANTICLE DE PROFUNDIS, by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Glory to thee, father of all the immortal
Last Line: Glory to thee!
Variant Title(s): A Canticle In War
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


CANTO, by OTTO ORBAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: For years I longed to translate pound
Last Line: A can, a jackknife is poetry itself
Subject(s): Freedom; History; Poetry And Poets; United States


CANTO 37, by EZRA POUND    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou shalt not', said martin vanburen. 'jail 'em for debt'
Subject(s): United States - Politics & Government; Immigrants; Debt; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration


CAPITALIST POEM #5, by CAMPBELL MCGRATH    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was at the 7-11
Last Line: I was aware of social injustice %in only the vaguest possible way
Subject(s): Americans; Cooking And Cooks; United States


CAPTAIN HULL'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye brave seamen all, where'er you be
Last Line: Like true americans our rights will defend, %and to our government we'll all eb a friend
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


CAPTAIN JINKS, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: I'm captain jinks of the horse marines
Last Line: "the officers they all did shout: / 'why, kick him out of the army'"
Variant Title(s): Captain Junks (with Music)
Subject(s): Marines - United States


CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX; FREE TRADE - SAILORS' RIGHTS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Some two years since, the gallant ship %'the essex' known in fame, sirs
Last Line: Her crown, wealth, empire, all must waste! %and sink, in endless ruin!
Subject(s): Essex (ship); Free Trade; Navy - United States; War Of 1812


CAR CRASH, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Snow-blizzard sowing
Subject(s): United States; America


CAR CRASH, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Snow-blizzard sowing
Last Line: Mussed & ruffled by policeman's rape
Subject(s): United States


CAROLINA [JANUARY, 1865], by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The despot treads thy sacred sands
Last Line: Carolina!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); South Carolina; United States - History


CARROTS IN THE RAIN, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm in the driver's seat
Last Line: And asks if I'm gonna write a poem about this
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


CASEY JONES, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all you rounders if you want to hear
Last Line: Cause you've got another papa on the salt lake line'
Subject(s): United States


CASH IN HAND, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all ye jolly seamen bold
Last Line: The british boys, we always knew, %at jingling cash are handy
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Rodgers, John (1773-1838); Sea Battles; War Of 1812


CATALOGUE ARMY, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Something has happened to my name
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


CATALOGUE ARMY, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Something has happened to my name
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


CATARACT OF T.R, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How do the speeches
Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CAUTION HORSES, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hang their heads over the fence
Last Line: Sweep the ground %at their feet
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


CAVALRY CROSSING A FORD, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A line in long array where they wind betwixt green islands
Last Line: The guidon flags flutter gayly in the wind.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; Cavalry; Holidays; Memorial Day; Soldiers; United States - History; War; Drills & Minor Tactics; Declaration Day


CEDAR MOUNTAIN [AUGUST 9, 1862], by ANNIE (ADAMS) FIELDS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Ring the bells, nor ring them slowly
Last Line: These lives that now we dedicate.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cedar Mountain, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


CENTENNIAL HYMN, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Through calm and storm the years have led
Last Line: The record of thy happier reign.
Subject(s): United States - History


CENTENNIAL HYMN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our fathers' god! From out whose hand
Last Line: Let the new cycle shame the old!
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Patriotism; Peace; United States - Centennial Celebrations; Independence Day


CENTENNIAL MEDITATION OF COLUMBIA, by SIDNEY LANIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From this hundred-terraced height
Last Line: And wave the world's best lover's welcome to the world.
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States - Centennial Celebrations


CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH: 1, by KIMBERLY M. BLAESER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Shuffling papers %rushing to find some critical
Last Line: You won't imprint me again
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH: 2, by KIMBERLY M. BLAESER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Or perhaps it was your capture
Last Line: Mother, american indian. %daughter, mixedblood
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CHAIN OF DATES, by ADA SIMPSON SHERWOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: In seventeen hundred thirty-two
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


CHALLENGE TO AMERICANS, by DORA WARD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Americans, we've built a nation great
Last Line: "we're the greatest nation in all the world!"
Subject(s): Americans; Flags - United States; National Characteristics - American; American Flag


CHANGING ADDRESS BOOKS, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is a project as overwrought
Last Line: Who were loved, who are missed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CHANGING LIGHT, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The changing light at san francisco
Last Line: The city drifts %anchorless upon the ocean
Subject(s): Americans; United States


CHARGE THAT CAN CHEERILY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Now coil up your nonsense 'bout england's great navy
Last Line: Disdaining to strike while a stick is left standing
Subject(s): Navy - Great Britain; Navy - United States; War Of 1812


CHARLES GRANER IS NOT AMERICA, by GEOFFREY BROCK    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Brock, Geoff
Subject(s): Graner, Charles A., Jr.; Torture; United States; America


CHARLES SUMNER, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Garlands upon his grave
Last Line: Upon the paths of men.
Subject(s): United States - History


CHARLESTON, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Calmly beside her tropic strand
Last Line: Pass from the world to glory.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; United States - History


CHARLESTON, by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Calm as that second summer which precedes / the first fall of snow
Last Line: April, 1'63.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; United States - History


CHARLESTON AT THE CLOSE OF 1863, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What! Still does the mother of treason uprear
Last Line: Where her dead martyrs rest!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; United States - History


CHECKERS, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: O my master of the armchair and the ottoman
Last Line: Narrow trenches of leather lined with ripe, damp fur
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


CHERRY-RIPE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here you are again, on that shaky ladder in the south
Last Line: Chose one more night without love and left me barren
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON; A LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Columbians here behold the list
Last Line: Receive thy grateful sacrifice, %of holy freedom's choicest tear
Subject(s): Chesapeake (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON; ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF CAPT. LAWRENCE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Columbia mourns in silent woe
Last Line: Vain though 'tis die, the sacred tear, %for lawrence is in heaven the same
Subject(s): Chesapeake (ship); Lawrence, James (1781-1813); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


CHICAGO TO SALT LAKE BY AIR, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If hanson baldwin got a bullet in his brain, outrage?
Subject(s): United States; America


CHICAGO TO SALT LAKE BY AIR, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If hanson baldwin got a bullet in his brain, outrage?
Last Line: Neal was born in paradise!
Subject(s): United States


CHICKAMAUGA, by MARY EVELYN DAVID    Poem Text                    
First Line: The sharp, clear crack of rifles, and the deep
Last Line: By the river of death!
Alternate Author Name(s): Moore, Mollie E.; Davis, Mollie E. Moore
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chickamauga, Battle Of (1863); Death; United States - History; Dead, The


CHILD OF THE SUN, by LILLIAN M. FISHER    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am child of sand and sun
Last Line: And my people... We are one!
Subject(s): United States


CHIVALRY AND SLAVERY, SELECTION, by JOHN BURKE    Poem Text                    
First Line: It chanced that in a southern state
Last Line: * * *
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cruelty; Death; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States - History; Dead, The; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


CHOICE MADE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: At night I feel the ocean
Last Line: Nothing but bad luck will follow %all the days of your life
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


CHRISTMAS EVE, SOUTH, 1865, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Poverty, remorseless spectre
Last Line: For heaven is real, and earth deceiving.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine
Subject(s): American Civil War; Christmas; Reconstruction (1865-1876); Southern States; United States - History; Nativity, The; South (u.s.)


CINCINNATI, by MITSUYE YAMADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Freedom at last %in this town aimless
Last Line: Everyone knew me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Japanese Americans - Internment; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CIRCLES, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The white man drew a small circle in the sand
Subject(s): United States; America


CIRCLES, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The white man drew a small circle in the sand
Last Line: White man and the red man know nothing'
Subject(s): United States


CITIES: 7. NEW YORK, by CALE YOUNG RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A young amazon
Last Line: Or proud mother of new and mighty tomorrows.
Subject(s): New York City; Sea; United States; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Ocean; America


CITIZENSHIP FOR THE RED MAN, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A mighty nation we have built
Last Line: Merge proudly in american!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Native Americans - History; United States; America


CITOYEN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh missionary, oh honey,' I say
Last Line: We begin the slow march on the capital, we beat %the slow sheep home
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


CITY OF ORGIES, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: City of orgies, walks and joys
Last Line: Lovers, continual lovers, only repay me.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


CIVIL WAR, by DEBORA GREGER    Poem Source                    
First Line: I will never forget that library in the rain
Last Line: The librarian of the dead %surrendered its pages to be turned
Subject(s): Librarians And Libraries; United States; War


CIVIL WAR, by CHARLES DAWSON SHANLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Rifleman, shoot me a fancy shot
Last Line: "load again, rifleman, keep your hand in!"
Variant Title(s): The Fancy Shot
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; War


CLAY PIPE, by J. O. GARRETT    Poem Text                    
First Line: The old log house, built by his own hands
Last Line: "I shall sleep."" and a door closed silently."
Subject(s): American Civil War; Grandparents; Pioneers; Southern States; United States - History; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; South (u.s.)


CLERICAL OPPRESSORS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Just god! And these are they
Last Line: As in their home above.
Subject(s): Clergy; Slavery; Social Protest; United States - History; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Serfs


CLEVELAND, THE FLATS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Into the flats, thru cleveland's
Subject(s): United States; America


CLEVELAND, THE FLATS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Into the flats, thru cleveland's
Last Line: Tsani yea hum hum hum %phat phat phat svaha!
Subject(s): United States


CLOSE TO A NATION'S BEATING PULSE HE STANDS, by LISKA STILLMAN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CLOSE UP THE RANKS!, by EDWARD SIMS VAN ZILE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Gently death came to him and bent
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


COCA-COLA AND COCO FRIO, by MARTIN ESPADA    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: On his first visit to puerto rico
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Popular Culture - United States; United States - Race Relations; Latinos


COCA-COLA AND COCO FRIO, by MARTIN ESPADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: On his first visit to puerto rico
Last Line: Sagged heavy with milk, swollen %and unsuckled
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Popular Culture - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


COLONEL ROOSEVELT IN DOMINICA, by RICHARD BUTLER GLAENZER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A handful of blacks drawn up on the
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


COLOPHON, by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The occident and the orient
Last Line: Dares climb the other?
Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Long Island (n.y.); United States; America


COLOR GUARD, by CHARLES W. HARWOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: There were waving hands and banners, as the crowded car rolled by
Subject(s): Flags - United States


COLUMBIA, by TIMOTHY DWIGHT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Columbia, columbia, to glory arise
Last Line: "skies!"
Variant Title(s): Star Of Columbia
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Patriotism; United States - Declaration Of Independence; Independence Day


COLUMBIA RULES THE SEA, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The pennon flutters in the breeze
Last Line: Columbia free shall rule the sea %britannia ruled of yore
Subject(s): Navy - United States


COLUMBIA'S BANNER, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: God helping me,' cried columbus, 'though fair or foul the breeze
Last Line: God bless you, youths and maidens, as you guard the stripes and stars!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Holidays; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


COLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: O columbia, the gem of the ocean
Subject(s): Flags - United States


COLUMBIAN ODE, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Four hundred years ago a tangled waste
Last Line: Now flutters in the breeze the stars and stripes!
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


COLUMBUS AND THE MAYFLOWER, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O little fleet! That on thy quest divine
Last Line: As in the straitness of the ancient ways.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Mayflower (ship); United States - History; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers


COLUMBUS TO FERDINAND, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Illustrious monarch of iberia's soil
Last Line: Reason shall steer, and skill disarm the gale.
Subject(s): United States - History


COLUMBUS [AUGUST 3, 1492], by JOHANN CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Steer, bold mariner, on! Albeit witlings deride thee
Last Line: What is promised by one, surely the other performs.
Alternate Author Name(s): Schiller, Friedrich Von
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; United States - History; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers


COLUMBUS, THE DISCOVERER, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I see a caravel of spanish make
Last Line: Columbus, calm, his prescience verified.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Sailing & Sailors; Sea; Travel; United States - History; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; Seamen; Sails; Ocean; Journeys; Trips


COLUMBUS; 1492-1892, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Westward columbus steered, while, day by day
Last Line: His first te deum at san salvador.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


COME AS YOU ARE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: She drives all night through the bovine dark
Last Line: Abundance? How, later, to fit back in the box?
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


COME TO PAPA, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sitting in a rusty-armed lawn chair
Last Line: You have shit running down one drawer-leg %doesn't mean it's running down the other
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


COME UP FROM THE FIELDS FATHER, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come up from the fields father, here's a letter from our pete
Last Line: To follow, to seek, to be with her dear dead son.
Variant Title(s): A Letter From Camp
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; United States; War; Declaration Day; America


COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME, by GEORGE J. ELVEY    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Raise the song of harvest-home
Subject(s): United States


COMING (APRIL, 1861), by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: World, art thou 'ware of a storm?
Last Line: Be swept, as by fire, away!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; War


COMING OF AGE, by MICHAEL PALMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was sitting on the roof with my grandmother
Last Line: I grunted spontaneously in time with the hand
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


COMMEMORATION ODE READ AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Weak-winged is song
Last Line: But ask whatever else, and we will dare!
Variant Title(s): Ode Recited At The Harvard Commemoration, July 21, 1865
Subject(s): American Civil War; Courage; Harvard University; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Peace; Presidents, United States; United States - History; Valor; Bravery


COMMEMORATIVE OF A NAVAL VICTORY, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sailors there are of gentlest breed
Last Line: Glides white through the phosphorus sea.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Sea Battles; United States - History; Naval Warfare


COMMODORE RODGERS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Our commodore's return'd again
Last Line: And all columbia's sailors, %they are her nation's pride
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Rodgers, John (1773-1838); Sea Battles; War Of 1812


COMMUNITY GARDEN, SIXTH STREET AND AVENUE B, by ROBIN BECKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Into this urban outback %a child could simply disappear
Last Line: Sailing into the cartoon sky
Subject(s): Americans; United States


COMMUTER, by ELWYN BROOKS WHITE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Commuter - one who spends his life
Alternate Author Name(s): White, E. B.
Subject(s): Commuters; Railroads; United States; Railways; Trains; America


COMMUTER, by ELWYN BROOKS WHITE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Commuter - one who spends his life
Last Line: And rides back to shave again
Alternate Author Name(s): White, E. B.
Subject(s): Commuters; Railroads; United States


COMPOSING ON THE COMPUTER, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I've learned to love the clicking of the keyboard --
Last Line: Background noise now for every poem
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


COMPROMISE; INSCRIBED TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, 1861, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Compromise! Who dares to speak it
Last Line: We will never, never yield!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Government; U.s. - History; United States; Liberty; America


CONCILIATORY LETTER TO MORGAN, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Enclosed is the crushed ice I have promised you
Last Line: Slowly pushing it all back into the earth where it belongs?
Subject(s): Jews - United States


CONCORD HYMN; SUNG AT COMPLETION OF CONCORD MONUMENT, 1836, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By the rude bridge that arched the flood
Last Line: The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Variant Title(s): The Concord Fight;hymn: Sung At The Completion Of The Concord Mounument
Subject(s): American Revolution; Americans; Concord, Massachusetts; Fourth Of July; Freedom; Massachusetts; Monuments; Mourning; Napoleon I (1769-1821); Patriotism; Soldiers; United States; War; Independence Day; Liberty; Bereavement; America


CONSOLER, by MARION COUTHOUY SMITH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw the great bronze lincoln, strong
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CONSTITUTION AND THE GUERRIERE (1), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: It ofttimes has been told how the british sea men
Last Line: But let the world say what they will, %the yankee boys for fighting are the dandy, oh!
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Guerriere (ship); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


CONTINUATION OF A LONG POEM OF THESE STATES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Stage-lit streets / downtown frisco whizzing past, buildings
Subject(s): United States; America


CONTINUATION OF A LONG POEM OF THESE STATES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Stage-lit streets %downtown frisco whizzing past, buildings
Last Line: Orion's muzzle %raised up %to the center of heaven
Subject(s): United States


CONTRAST, by WILDA LEE CUMMINGS    Poem Text                    
First Line: He was a man of greatness and glory
Last Line: That was washington, too.
Subject(s): Boys; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


COOL TOMBS, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: When abraham lincoln was shoveled into the tombs, he forgot the copperheads
Last Line: The dust ... In the cool tombs.
Subject(s): Cemeteries; Death; Graves; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Graveyards; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones


CORNS AND BUNIONS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Certainly, bunions are painful, hard
Last Line: But she did have corns
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Can there be passion in a house
Last Line: One calls out into the fields %the other comes
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


CORPSE AND MIRROR: 3, by JOHN YAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the movie ends and the lights come on, the audience is puzzled
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


CORPSE AND MIRROR: 3, by JOHN YAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the movie ends and the lights come on, the audience is puzzled
Last Line: Long since fallen in. By then the mirror will have vanished and the %movie will have started. This t
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


CORTEZ'S HORSE, by PAT MORA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Return, sweet horse, rise
Last Line: Carry me into the stars
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


COUNTERFEIT EARTH!, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It's 2157. Two adventuring spacemen rocketing home
Last Line: Zen: the writing is the wall
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


COUNTRY -- AND COUNTRY, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O country, my country, whose pride is on high
Last Line: The child of dame nature, the daughter of god!
Subject(s): United States; America


COURIER, by MARGARET DE KAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: There came a courier in the night
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


CRAB-BOIL, by RITA DOVE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Why do I remember the sky
Last Line: We're kicked out now, I'm ready
Subject(s): Americans; United States


CRAVEN, by HENRY JOHN NEWBOLT    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Over the turret, shut in his ironclad tower
Last Line: Princes of courtesy, merciful, proud, and strong.
Variant Title(s): Craven: Mobile Bay, 1864
Subject(s): American Civil War; Craven, Tunis Augustus M. (1813-1864); Mobile Bay, Battle Of (1864); Tecumseh (ship); United States - History


CRAZY 'BOUT A MERCURY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: As you know, my sister says, I talk to god
Last Line: Not just for what I think I want, like sex
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


CRAZY BOYS, by BEVERLY MCLOUGHLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: Watching buzzards, %flying kites
Last Line: And they were wright
Subject(s): United States


CRAZY HORSE MONUMENT, by PETER BLUE CLOUD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hailstones falling like sharp blue sky chips
Subject(s): Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief); Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 1, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I discovered the evidence
Last Line: He forgave me all my sins
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 1, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I discovered the evidence
Last Line: He forgave all my sins
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 2, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Little big horn / little big horn does not belong to me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876); Little Bighorn, Battle Of; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 2, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Little big horn %little big horn does not belong to me
Last Line: Survive - survive - survive
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 3, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I wear the color of my skin
Last Line: In this city where everyone / is afraid of horses?
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Horses; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 3, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I wear the color of my skin
Last Line: In this city where everyone is %afraid-of-horses
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 4, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There are places I cannot leave
Last Line: The exact skin/ never the same home
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Sitting Bull (hunkpapa Sioux Chief); Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 4, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There are places I cannot leave
Last Line: Never the same house
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 5, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am the mirror
Last Line: It is the sound / of glass shattering
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 5, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am the mirror
Last Line: It is the sound %of glass shattering
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 6, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hear the verdict
Last Line: Mortal and sinless
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 6, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hear the verdict
Last Line: Close to their chests %mortal and sinless
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 7, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whenever it all begins again
Last Line: I will be waiting
Subject(s): Etethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief)


CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 7, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whenever it all begins again
Last Line: I will be waiting
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CROSS AND FLAG, by FREDERICK LUCIAN HOSMER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From age to age, they gather, all the brave of heart and strong
Subject(s): Flags - United States


CROSSING BROOKLYN FERRY, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Flood-tide below me! I see you face to face
Last Line: Great or small, you furnish your parts toward the soul.
Subject(s): Americans; Brooklyn, New York; Ferry Boats; United States; America


CROSSING NATION, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under silver wing
Last Line: My body? My neck? My personality?
Subject(s): United States; America


CROSSING NATION, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under silver wing
Last Line: My body? My neck? My personality?
Subject(s): United States


CROWN HIS BLOODSTAINED PILLOW, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


CRUISE OF THE FAIR AMERICAN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The twenty-second of august
Last Line: Success to fair america %and our good privateer
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States


CRUISING THE SLAMMER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am talking low self-esteem, this pretty woman says
Last Line: She actually wrote them letters
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


CUBA LIBRE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: The plywood bar in the basement %glistened with silverfish
Last Line: The primer of mother's muted heels %popping and sparking up above
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


CULTURES, by GLORIA EVANGELINA ANZALDUA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Go out take the pick axe
Last Line: Thistle sage and nettle
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


CURRICULUM VITA, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Antoni szymonik, born 1983, subject of franz-joseph
Last Line: 1974, died of a stroke beside a statue of the blessed virgin
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


DADDY POEM, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father is a handsome guy
Last Line: You're good looking %for a colored man
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENADOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 1, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Long ere ruthless civil war laid waste
Last Line: They idolized with fond, indulgent care.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 10, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: When the chieftain deep into the forest shade
Last Line: And on his mangled bosom died.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 2, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Sounds of trumpet, drum, and shrilling fife
Last Line: His lifeless flesh.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 3, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Upon the balmy breeze of that same morning
Last Line: * * *
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 4, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: At early dawn the wounded federal
Last Line: Of both the rescued and the rescuer.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 5, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: One bright morn as the lovers near the cot
Last Line: Them in a loathsome dungeon south.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 6, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Down beside her senseless mother daisy
Last Line: Death freed reuben from his clanking chains.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 7, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Soon upon the breeze she heard the tramp
Last Line: Were lost, in the gloom of night enshrouded deeply.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DAISY SWAIN, THE FLOWER OF SHENANDOAH; A TALE OF THE REBELLION: 9, by JOHN M. DAGNALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Not till their victims charr'd remains exhaled
Last Line: "but never from your wicked conscience.[""]"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Beauty; Death; Love; Soldiers; United States - History; Women; Dead, The


DANCE OF DEATH, by FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: The mask. Look at the mask
Last Line: Over the faulty pain of new york
Subject(s): Death; Depressions, Economic; New York City - Revolutionary Period; Parades; United States


DANCING, by GERALD STERN    Poem Source     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In all these rotten shops, in all this broken furniture
Last Line: From the other dancing - in poland and germany - %of god of mercy, oh wild god
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DANCING SUNSHINE LOUNGE, by THOMAS RABBITT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The calendar is ironic. The stripper dances
Last Line: She can't care. She loves us each like a friend
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DARKLING I LISTEN, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: If I could write the truth
Last Line: And moulting; the silence %of cannibal grass and trees
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


DATE OF THIRTY-NINE', by W. F. SPICER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nay messmates sit you down again
Last Line: Ha! Ha! Ha, ha, ha, ha! The 'date of thirty-nine'
Subject(s): Navy - United States; U.s. - Naval Academy


DAUGHTER, LEFT, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: In dreams my mother returns
Last Line: Go down to the sea %and fish for your true face
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


DAVID CASSIDY THEN, by DENNIS COOPER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: David cassidy picks me on the dating game
Subject(s): Homosexuality; Popular Culture - United States


DAWN IN NEW YORK, by CLAUDE MCKAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The dawn! The dawn! The crimson-tinted, comes
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


DAWN IN NEW YORK, by CLAUDE MCKAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The dawn! The dawn! The crimson-tinted, comes
Last Line: And I go darkly-rebel to my work
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): Americans; United States


DAY I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR AND SAW NOTHING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was late afternoon. Ninety-plus degrees in dillard, oregon
Last Line: And check to see if maybe %I'd grow a little bit
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DAY THEY EULOGIZED MAHALIA, by AUDRE LORDE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: The day the city eulogized mahalia
Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DAYS OF 1981, by MARK DOTY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Cambridge street, summer
Last Line: A blue I could barely see
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DAYS OF 1981, by MARK DOTY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Cambridge street, summer
Last Line: The astonishing flowers, seething %a blue a could barely see
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DE BUGLE ON DE HILL, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I doan like de noise ob de marchin' ob de boys
Last Line: At de sound ob de bugle on de hill.
Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben
Subject(s): Army - Austria; Army - United States


DEAR DAD, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I wish I was there with you
Last Line: With the radio, cruising through camas valley %hanging a right at brockway store
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DEAR JOHN WAYNE, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: August and the drive-in picture is packed
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


DEAR JOHN WAYNE, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: August and the drive-in picture is packed
Last Line: Those cells, burning, doubling, splitting out of their skins
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DEATH AND ROOSEVELT, by ERNEST HAROLD BAYNES    Poem Source                    
First Line: He turned your lance, o death
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by ELEAZAR PARMLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lincoln is dead! And all the land
Last Line: The other, slavery's cursed chains.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE, by SHARON OLDS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The ambulance men touched her cold
Last Line: Woman %breathing
Subject(s): Monroe, Marilyn (1926-1962); Popular Culture - United States


DEATH OF ROOSEVELT, by THERESA VIRGINIA BEARD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Out of the west the wind
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


DEATH OF STONEWALL JACKSON, by HENRY LYNDEN FLASH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Not midst the lightning of the stormy fight
Last Line: He rises with the crown!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History


DEATH ON ALL FRONTS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A new moon looks down on our sick sweet planet
Subject(s): United States; America


DEATH ON ALL FRONTS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A new moon looks down on our sick sweet planet
Last Line: Left temple living death
Subject(s): United States


DEATH'S DETAILS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: She irons her mother's dress for the open casket
Last Line: Into the shape of the neat collar she'll wear into the ground
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


DEBT, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: All day she scrubs the house
Last Line: This too is not enough
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


DECATUR'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye heroes who bled for the rights of mankind
Last Line: For columbia still generous and brave, just and free, %ere long of the ocean the mistress shall be
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


DECEMBER MORNING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Drinking chase & sanborn %form unmatched cups
Last Line: And clink them together across the table %little fingers held high
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DECEMBER SUNDAY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Two of my sisters and I decide to skip bible study
Last Line: To unscrew the ugly things, get them down %without tearing them up
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DEER CLOUD, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The mohawk lover who told her he stripped all his clothes
Last Line: On tranquilizers, and doesn't mention it
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DEPARTED TRAVELLERS, by GRANT HYDE CODE    Poem Text                    
First Line: I have been exiled among stony hilltops
Last Line: Have wistful eyes.
Subject(s): Exiles; Travel; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Journeys; Trips


DEPRESSION, by ISABEL JOSHLIN GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: We heard people were standing
Last Line: We were growing up rich
Subject(s): United States


DEPRESSION DAYS (2), by PAT MORA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I bought the dark with my last fifteen cents
Last Line: This country, of the price of eggs and skin and names.
Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Motion Pictures; Theater & Theaters; United States - Race Relations; Recessions; Movies; Cinema; Stage Life


DESK, by S. C. HAHN    Poem Source                    
First Line: It is flat and cluttered as a kansas town I once drove through but whose
Last Line: Idaho, I want to exist forever
Subject(s): Driving And Drivers; Maps; United States


DESPISALS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the human cities, never again to
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


DESPISALS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the human cities, never again to
Last Line: With the it : to know that I am it
Subject(s): Americans; United States


DESTRUCTION OF COLUMBIA, by ELIZABETH OTIS MARSHALL DANNELLY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Methinks there'll be emblazoned on the dismal walls of hell
Last Line: "time cannot teach forgetfulness,"" the past can never die."
Subject(s): American Civil War; Columbia, South Carolina; United States - History


DIALECT, by MARK JARMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I can't remember the air, the light, the voices
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEPSI AND COKE, by DAVID LEHMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Can't swim; uses credit cards and pills to combat
Last Line: Knows the new maid steals; and forgives her
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DIGGING IN THE STREETS OF GOLD, by BARRY SEILER    Poem Source                    
First Line: My parents were fish
Last Line: And went to dig in the streets of gold
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DINOSAURIA, WE, by CHARLES BUKOWSKI    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Born like this
Subject(s): United States; America


DIRGE FOR A SOLDIER [SEPTEMBER 1, 1862], by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Close his eyes; his work is done!
Last Line: Lay him low!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Kearny, Philip (1814-1862); Patriotism; United States - History


DIRGE ON THE DEATH OF ADAMS AND JEFFERSON, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Toll not the bell and muffle not
Last Line: And angel harps may hymn their prayers.
Subject(s): Adams, John (1735-1826); Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826); Presidents, United States


DISCOVERY, by MARK IRWIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Across the urban sky the slow bass sound
Last Line: Once violence was real
Subject(s): Explorers; Hotels; Travel; United States


DIVORCE POEM, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: You got the house %with double car garage
Last Line: I got both our boys
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DIXIE, by DANIEL DECATUR EMMETT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I wish I was in de land ob cotton
Last Line: Chorus.
Variant Title(s): Dixie's Land
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Patriotism; United States - History; Liberty


DIXIE, by ALBERT PIKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Southrons, hear your country call you!
Last Line: And conquer peace for dixie!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Military Service, Voluntary; Patriotism; United States - History; Confederacy


DIZZY GIRLS IN THE SIXTIES, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Back then even the good girls got dizzy
Last Line: Thumb-long flesh beginning to steer me wrong
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DOCTRINE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sundays I sit on the floor in a paper
Last Line: And started for seattle
Subject(s): Jews - United States


DOCUMENT, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Page of dead letters. Dead words
Last Line: But the name, sol, is clear and sharp as blood on glass
Subject(s): Jews - United States


DOES HE HUNT WITH THE GREAT ORION, by KATHARINE LEE BATES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


DOLLARES; OUR LADY OF THE WHEAT-CORNER (AFTER A.C.S.), by PHILIP GUEDALLA    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The heavy white shafts and the golden
Last Line: Our lady of gain.
Subject(s): Materialism; Oxford University; Swinburne, Algernon Charles (1837-1909); United States; America


DOMESDAY BOOK: THE JURY DELIBERATES, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The jurymen are seated here and there
Last Line: Your names, and I'll return it to the clerk.
Subject(s): Death; Justice; Life; United States; Dead, The; America


DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT ALGEBRA, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: All through grade school %I thought if I was really smart
Last Line: Where the toilet never flushed and the place always smelled like salem cigarettes
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DON'T PUT UP MY THREAD AND NEEDLE, by EMILY DICKINSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: Still surmise I stitch
Variant Title(s): Poem: 617; Poem: 68
Subject(s): Americans; Sewing; United States


DONE, FINISHED WITH THE BIGGEST COCK, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Done, finished, with the biggest cock you ever saw
Subject(s): United States; America


DONE, FINISHED WITH THE BIGGEST COCK, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Done, finished, with the biggest cock you ever saw
Last Line: In chill breeze darkness under christmas moon
Subject(s): United States


DOREEN, by JANICE MIRIKITANI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Doreen had a round face
Last Line: Because %no one could remember %doreen's face
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DOUBLE FEATURES, by ED ROSSMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Grandma and I used to go
Last Line: At the local ice cream store
Subject(s): United States


DOUGLAS' COMPLAINT, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: He punished me - in fight you see
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


DOVE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Imagine if you could have either cherry or stove
Last Line: Of falling rain, a lover's hand grazing your neck
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


DOWN ON MY KNEES, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Cleaning out my refrigerator
Last Line: And happy enough under a warm and unexpected january sun
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


DRAFT OF A RAP FOR WEN HO LEE, by JUNE JORDAN            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Asian Americans - Chinese; Racism; Chinese In The United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


DREADNOUGHT, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: There's a saucy, wild packet and a packet of fame
Last Line: But the dreadnought's the clipper to beat one and all
Subject(s): Dreadnought (ship); Navy - United States


DREAM LIFE OF A COFFIN FACTORY IN LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, by JOHN YAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Earlier in the century it was not unusual to spend an evening
Last Line: And everyone glistened with pride
Subject(s): Americans; United States


DREAM OF AMERICA, by TROY GARRISON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here where the squalling cornets
Last Line: That you might have filled.
Subject(s): United States; America


DREAM POEM, by MARY JO BONA    Poem Source                    
First Line: I miss my grandmother
Last Line: Her eyes are older than mine
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DREAMING AT THE REXALL DRUG, by ROBIN BECKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In wyoming, at the confluence
Last Line: Imperfect color after another
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


DREAMS IN HARRISON RAILROAD PARK, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
First Line: We sit on a green bench in harrison railroad park
Last Line: And I dream %of embroidering %new skin
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DRIFTED OUT TO SEA, by ROSE HARTWICK THORPE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Two little ones, grown tired of play
Last Line: "my god is good, they are my own!"
Subject(s): United States; America


DRIVING HOME THE COWS, by KATE PUTNAM OSGOOD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Out of the clover and blue-eyed grass
Last Line: Together they followed the cattle home.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; Peace; United States - History; Declaration Day


DROUGHT, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: After the grass burned, after our great
Last Line: In your hair, death %and the banishment of death, wave %after wave
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


DUDE RANCH, by ARTHUR CHAPMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We used to run a cow-ranch
Last Line: When his daily toil is through
Subject(s): Americans; United States


DURING THE SORTIES OVER BAGHDAD, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: A woman works with lace panels
Last Line: A city that has never been bombed
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


DUST DEVILS, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Today, on the thirtieth of the drought
Last Line: And dust devils, hot wind and sod, the gray scale %between black and white?
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


DUST WORLD: 1, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whirlwinds of hot autumn dust
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


DUST WORLD: 1, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whirlwinds of hot autumn dust
Last Line: For my people dying
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DUST WORLD: 2, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With pupil-dilated putti in arms
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


DUST WORLD: 2, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With pupil-dilated putti in arms
Last Line: This is the whiskey talking now
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


DUTCH ODE TO WASHINGTON, SELS., by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: No lofty monument thy greatness needs
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


DYING WITH THE WRONG NAME, by SAM HAMOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: These men died with the wrong names
Last Line: In this house, in these people, in this moment
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


EAGLE, by CAROLINE RUSSELL BISPHAM    Poem Source                    
First Line: A glorious sun has set. And lo
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


EARLY AMERICAN, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From brazil to miami to a roadside motel to a super billboard
Last Line: The pale hands of our brothers upon us
Subject(s): Billboards; Native Americans; Popular Culture - United States; United States; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; America


EARLY SPRING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: We've all been devastated
Last Line: Today she handed me s just-picked bouquet of daffodils %said he got them in the neighbor's yard
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


EAST TO WEST, by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sunset smiles on sunrise: east and west are one
Last Line: Die.
Subject(s): England; Evening; Praise; Sea; United States; English; Sunset; Twilight; Ocean; America


EAST WIND, by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I dream of a languorous, tideless shore
Last Line: And the sea wind is the east wind, as the sea wind ought to be!
Subject(s): New England; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


EASTER, by CHARLES WILLIAMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Was there not one, when in the upper room
Last Line: Even as around them fell the greeting, 'peace'?
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; Easter; Holidays; Peace; Religion; The Resurrection; Theology


EASTER SUNDAY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Slope woods' snows melt
Subject(s): United States; America


EASTER SUNDAY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Slope woods' snows melt
Last Line: Extended from the piney horizon
Subject(s): United States


ECOLOGUE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a thousand years, if there's history
Subject(s): United States; America


ECOLOGUE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In a thousand years, if there's history
Last Line: How many bottles & cans piled up in our garbagepail?
Subject(s): United States


EDEN, by DAVID WOO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Yellow-oatmeal flowers of the windmill palms
Last Line: To prefer real hell to any imaginary paradise
Subject(s): Americans; United States


EIGHT NAVAL VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Columbia's ships triumphant ride, %and humble haughty briton's pride
Last Line: And bold in her defence have stood! %and suits the british henry's race
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


EIGHTEEN SIXTY-ONE, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Arm'd year - year of the struggle
Last Line: I repeat you, hurrying, crashing, sad, distracted year.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


EINSTEIN'S TRAIN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: For years I will track you, tunnel
Last Line: And let lightning strike you twice
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


EL ELVIS, by WASABI KANASTOGA    Poem Source                    
First Line: El elvis %puro pedo %bien chingon
Last Line: Y no me voy
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


ELECTION DAY, by MARGARET BOYCE BONNELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: We miss thy figure in the throng
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ELECTION TIME, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Names will change
Last Line: Ain't nothin' changed at all
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEGIAC SONNET: 56. CAPTIVE ESCAPED IN WILDS OF AMERICA, by CHARLOTTE SMITH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If, by his torturing, savage foes untraced
Last Line: As I, my harriet, bless thy friendship's cheering light.
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner
Subject(s): O'neill, Henrietta (1758-1793); United States; America


ELEGY CHE GUEVARA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: European trib, boy's face photo'd eyes opened
Subject(s): United States; America


ELEGY CHE GUEVARA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: European trib, boy's face photo'd eyes opened
Last Line: Confronting the electric networks
Subject(s): United States


ELEGY FOR CHLOE NGUYEN, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Chloe's father is a professor of linguistics
Last Line: Chloe, we are finally americans now. Chloe, we are here
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEGY FOR NEAL CASSADY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ok neal / aethereal spirit
Subject(s): Cassady, Neal (1926-1968); United States; America


ELEGY FOR NEAL CASSADY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ok neal %aethereal spirit
Last Line: Sir spirit, an' I drift alone: %oh deep sigh
Subject(s): Cassady, Neal (1926-1968); United States


ELEGY: 1. WINEMAKING, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Eyes shining like wetted sapphires
Last Line: In their redman's 'freedom, friendship, charity' %salud
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEGY: 2. IN THE GARDEN, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: He journeyed past liberty and the island
Last Line: In the garden green I followed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEGY: 3. LAMBENT SUNDAYS, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Wineglass at hand
Last Line: He dealt the cards %so I won
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEGY: 4. LAST DAY, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Gentle man, groaning, from the dying bed
Last Line: Your shining eyes closed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEMENTS OF SAN JOAQUIN: FIELD, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The wind sprays pale dirt into my mouth
Last Line: A soil that sprouts nothing %for any of us
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Farm Life; Minorities - United States; San Joaquin Valley, California; U.s. - Race Relations


ELENA, by PAT MORA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My spanish isn't enough
Last Line: When my children need my help
Subject(s): Chicanos; Children; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


ELENA, by PAT MORA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My spanish isn't enough
Last Line: For if I stop trying, I will be deaf %when my children need my help
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ELEPHANT ROCK, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We take place in what we believe
Last Line: Jesus saves
Subject(s): Slavery; Social Problems; United States; Serfs; America


ELLIS ISLAND, by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How can we turn back to the ancient world
Last Line: By future hordes who seek high destiny.
Subject(s): Ellis Island, New York Harbor; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


ELYSIAN FIELDS OF AMERICA, by ROBERT BENSE    Poem Source                    
First Line: There are no more cows
Last Line: Of space. Slow descent %into time
Subject(s): Fields; United States


EMANCIPATION, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Fling out your banners, your honors be bringing
Last Line: Onward to honor, to glory and fame.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


EMANCIPATION, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis a time for much rejoicing
Last Line: God is with us now, forever.
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States


EMANCIPATION FROM BRITISH DEPENDENCE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Deliver us, o lord / not only from british dependence, but also
Last Line: And britain go on -- to be damn'd if she will.
Variant Title(s): Libera Nos, Domine
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; United States - Declaration Of Independence; Independence Day


EMANCIPATION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, APRIL 16, 1862, by JAMES MADISON BELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Unfurl your banners to the breeze!
Last Line: Hath lighter grown by marching on.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Washington, D.c.; Antislavery Movement - United States


EMBARGO; A FAVORITE NEW SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dear sirs, it is wrong %to demand a new song
Last Line: And see who will do most, %to knock out the blocks of embargo
Subject(s): Embargo Act Of 1807; Navy - United States


EMBARGO; A NEW SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Attention pay, ye bonny lads
Last Line: We'll soak our skins in good new rum, %or punch and apple brandy
Subject(s): Embargo Act Of 1807; Navy - United States


EMIGRATION, by LISA DOMINGUEZ ABRAHAM    Poem Text                    
First Line: Last week I scrubbed yellow shadows
Subject(s): United States - Foreign Population; Women


EMIGRES, by TED WALKER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Visiting from britain, I take my ease
Last Line: Not to mention the droughts, the six-foot snows, %in the yard where nothing english ever grows
Subject(s): Immigrants; Travel; United States


EN-VI-RON-MENT, by LEE BENNETT HOPKINS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Homeless people %line up at 8:00 a.M.
Last Line: To %protect %the %en-vi-ron-ment
Subject(s): United States


END OF THE REAGAN ERA, by PETER BALAKIAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Endless horizons of wheat and corn
Last Line: The way they tail off to the beautiful barns
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


ENEMIES, by CHARLOTTE SHAPIRO ZOLOTOW    Poem Source                    
First Line: We watch %tv
Last Line: Which is a jew?
Subject(s): United States


ENGLAND AND AMERICA, 1863, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We only know that in the sultry weather
Last Line: Of wildering passions and the crash of foes.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): England; United States; English; America


ENGLAND TO AMERICA, by WILLIAM JAMES LINTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A hundred years! / too long for memory of the justest feud!
Last Line: And all we have done.
Alternate Author Name(s): Spartacus
Subject(s): England; United States; English; America


ENGLAND'S SORROW, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The hand of an assassin, glowing red
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 1, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The train whistles punctual as a clock
Last Line: Pushing to be first, not miss a thing
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 2, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the museum, a sign tells of the catalogue
Last Line: Sympathetic looks - difficult to understand
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 3, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: At the crematorium, caretakers brush
Last Line: #name?
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 4, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Later, I travel backward on an air-conditioned
Last Line: By the bombs on hiroshima, negasaki
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 5, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: I wake to watch the sun rise silent and red
Last Line: What we should do and what to declare when we land
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ENOUGH, by BERTON BRALEY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Doesn't seem much chance to doubt it
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ENOUGH, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Every morning he brings coconut water
Last Line: He coos, offering me the seeds %of his fettered fruit
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


EPITAPH FOR LINCOLN, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This dust was once the man
Last Line: Was saved the union of these states.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


EPITHALAMION, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The carpenters came %who invited
Last Line: That stirred her %and a black wing
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


ERIE CANAL, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I've got a mule, her name is sal
Last Line: If you've ever navigated on the erie canal
Subject(s): United States


ESCORT OF THE YELLOWSTONE, by JOHN STEVEN MCGROARTY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Above him the wild skies bending
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ESPRESSO, by CAROL LEE SAFFIOTI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lemon rind rubbed on the rim
Last Line: Elegant in its graceful arc %burns my hand
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ETHIOPIA SALUTING THE COLORS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Who are you dusky woman, so ancient hardly human
Last Line: Are the things so strange and marvellous you see or have seen?
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; American Civil War; Georgia (state); Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


ETHNOGENESIS, by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hath not the morning dawned with added light?
Last Line: Strange tropic warmth and hints of summer seas.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Southern States; United States - History; Confederacy; South (u.s.)


EULOGY ON THE TIMES, by THOMAS GREEN FESSENDEN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Let poets scrawl satirick rhymes
Last Line: The foremost in society.
Subject(s): United States - Civilization


EVANGELINE; A TALE OF ACADIE, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks
Last Line: Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.
Subject(s): Acadia; Love; Mothers; Social Protest; United States - History


EVENING OF A TERRITORIAL FOURTH, by SELDEN LINCOLN WHITCOMB    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The location gang of engineers
Last Line: Of the pioneers, of the south dakota to be.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; National Songs; Pioneers; South Dakota; American Flag; National Anthems


EVENING ON A VILLAGE STREET, by ROSELLE MERCIER MONTGOMERY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sun flings lengthening shadows through the trees
Last Line: The sum of streets like this—america!
Subject(s): United States; Villages; America


EVERY TRAVELER HAS ONE VERMONT POEM, by AUDRE LORDE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Spikes of lavender aster under route 91
Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


EVERY TRAVELER HAS ONE VERMONT POEM, by AUDRE LORDE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Spikes of lavender aster under route 91
Last Line: Into cropped and fragrant air
Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba
Subject(s): Americans; United States


EVIDENTLY, SHE SAYS,, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: She's looking for a man physically
Last Line: For a sick man. %the sicker, the better
Variant Title(s): Evidently, She Say
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


EVOLUTION OF USEFUL THINGS, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Consider a hammer %striking a nail
Last Line: Hanging at odd angles %like broken limbs
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


EXCERPT, FROM AN OLD HOUSE IN AMERICA, by ADRIENNE CECILE RICH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am an american woman: %I turn that over
Last Line: Most of the time, in my sex, I was alone
Subject(s): Americans; United States


EXCERPT, INTRODUCTION, by EDWARD SANDERS    Poem Source                    
First Line: O america! How I thirst for you to shine
Last Line: Who have made my nation a marvel
Subject(s): Americans; United States


EXCHANGE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: The first sound was his guitar
Last Line: Than live in the vast, unbridled sea
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


EXILE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: O marble aunts and grandparents %planted in this alien soil
Last Line: For lilies in my arms and growing hair
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


EXILE! EXILE!, by EAVAN BOLAND    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All night the room breathes out its grief
Subject(s): Ireland; United States; Irish; America


EXPLANATION OF AMERICA, by ROBERT PINSKY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As though explaining the idea of dancing
Last Line: So large, and strangely broken, and unforseen
Subject(s): Politics; Social Problems; United States


EXTENSION IS NOT EXPECTED, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
Last Line: One by one the ladies and gentlemen %are hung on the line again
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Patriotism; Soldiers


EXTRACT FROM THE EDWIN MEESE COMMISSION ON PORNOGRAPHY IN AMERICA, by TOM DOMEK    Poem Source                    
First Line: They're out there now, slick
Last Line: And shut your eyes
Subject(s): Pornography; Sex; United States


EXTRACTS FROM NEW-YEAR'S VERSES FOR 1825, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I love the 'universal yankee nation'
Last Line: And boast of such a sight in after years.
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year; United States; America


F.B.C.; CHANCELLORSVILLE, MAY 3, 1863, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He was our noblest, he was our bravest & best
Last Line: Still our bravest and best!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Courage; Death; Heroism; Honor; Soldiers; United States - History; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The; Heroes; Heroines


FABLIAU OF FLORIDA, by WALLACE STEVENS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Barque of phosphor
Subject(s): Americans; Florida; United States; America


FABLIAU OF FLORIDA, by WALLACE STEVENS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Barque of phosphor
Last Line: Fill yhour black hull %with white moonlight. %there will never be an end %to this droning of the sur
Subject(s): Americans; Florida; United States


FACING IT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA    Poem Text     Poem Explanation             Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: My black face fades
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr.
Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; War; Negroes; American Blacks; America


FACING IT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My black face fades
Last Line: No, she's brushing a boy's hair
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr.
Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; War


FAILURE OF AN INVENTION, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am not any of the faces
Last Line: I've never been able to bear
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FALLING ASLEEP IN AMERICA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: We're in the great place, fable place, beulah, man wedded
Subject(s): United States; America


FALLING ASLEEP IN AMERICA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We're in the great place, fable place, beulah, man wedded
Last Line: Only the eye flickering grass green returns me to nashville
Subject(s): United States


FAME OF LINCOLN, by A. DALLAS WILLIAMS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Whereever men are civilized they know
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FAMOUS WOMEN - CLAUDETTE COLBERT, by KATHLEEN DE AZEVEDO    Poem Source                    
First Line: He was quite a guy how he laughed like oh what's the name of the guy
Last Line: Not that we can tell which was which
Subject(s): Actors And Actresses; Colbert, Claudette (1903-1996); Motion Pictures; Popular Culture - United States


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 6, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Proudly the flood comes in, shouting, foaming, advancing
Last Line: Flaunting from many a spar the flag I love.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


FAREWELL HYMN; DEDICATED TO OFFICERS AND MEN OF MERRIMAC, by PHINEAS STOWE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Saviour o'er the restless ocean
Last Line: But we'll hope to dwell together, %on that calm and heavenly shore
Subject(s): American Civil War; Navy - United States; Sea Battles; U.s. - History; Virginia (ship)


FAREWELL TO THE OLD YEAR, 1863, by JANET HAMILTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Farewell, old year 'the bourne' is near
Last Line: To give new year good morrow.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson
Subject(s): Civil War; Grief; Holidays; New Year; Peace; Time; United States; War; Sorrow; Sadness; America


FAREWELL!, by C. H. VAN HOUSEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Farewell! Farewell, great heart!'
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FARMER, by PRINCE REDCLOUD    Poem Source                    
First Line: The farmer, worn from
Last Line: Welcome, warm supper
Subject(s): Farm Life; United States


FARRAGUT, by WILLIAM TUCKEY MEREDITH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Farragut, farragut
Last Line: Thunderbolt stroke!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Farragut, David Glascow (1801-1870); Mobile Bay, Battle Of (1864); Patriotism; United States - History


FARTHER VIEW, by FLORA SHUFELT RIVOLA    Poem Text                    
First Line: The united states of the world-our goal!
Last Line: Good-will-land lies, I know
Subject(s): Nations; Pacifism; Peace; United States; Peace Movements; America


FATHER ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by EDWARD WILLIAM THOMSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: My private shrine. The gettysburg address
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FATHER FROM ASIA, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Father, you turn your hands toward me
Last Line: And asia is dust, is dust
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FATHER MERCY, MOTHER TONGUE, by LINDA GREGERSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If the english language was good enough for jesus
Subject(s): Language; United States; Words; Vocabulary; America


FATHER OF MY FATHER: 1, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: The way the incense gripped
Last Line: Of incense to the bowl
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FATHER OF MY FATHER: 2, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Incense. Sucking the wind from him
Last Line: Surrounding the pagoda of san jose
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FATHER OF MY FATHER: 3, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Have you ever seen
Last Line: Nothing could stop me now
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY, by MRS. MADRID H. SMITH    Poem Text                    
First Line: George washington, a name to love and revere
Last Line: Founder of old glory, the red, white, and blue.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FATHERS AND SONS, by JOSEPH T. COX    Poem Source                    
First Line: My boy lives a half a world away, a man
Last Line: Will always and never again be my little boy
Subject(s): Absence; Army - United States; Fathers And Sons; Soldiers


FAVORITE SONG, CELEBRATING THE NAVAL PROWESS OF AMERICA, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: That power that form'd th' unmeasur'd seas
Last Line: The continent, and all the sea, %but rule proud albion too
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States


FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY, by MARION COUTHOUY SMITH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It was star-time when he died
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FEAST TO CELEBRATE HIS MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: When I woke, I could hear them bleating
Last Line: To her voices still echoing %yu hear me? Hear me gal?
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


FEBRUARY 12, 1809, by GAIL BROOK BURKET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, setting sun, had you no aureole?
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FEBRUARY SPEAKS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Because I am so very small
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FEBRUARY TWELFTH, by MARY F. HEPBURN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Loyal to country and comrades and then
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath the burden of our joy
Last Line: Turned out the war-cloud's light to thee.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


FIGHTING STOCK, by DANIEL MACINTYRE HENDERSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Quentin, the eagle, nobly dead!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FILIPINO BOOGIE, by JESSICA TARAHATA HAGEDORN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Under a ceiling high christmas tree
Last Line: The yellow peril %bombs %pearl harbor
Alternate Author Name(s): Hagedorn, Jessica
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FINAL CURTAIN, by ROGER WODDIS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, say can you hear
Last Line: He would turn in his grave.
Subject(s): Key, Francis Scott (1780-1843); National Song - United States; Watergate; American National Anthem


FINDING TOKEN CREEK, by ROBERT ALEXANDER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Before the yahara enters lake mendota, it widens out and flows through
Last Line: Surface. While the wind blows uncommonly from the cloudless northeast
Subject(s): Brooks; Canoes And Canoeing; Rivers; Travel; United States; Wisconsin


FIRE: 1, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: It seems our days are shaped by conflagration
Last Line: Forever traced in mind
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FIRE: 2, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: In chicago, latino neighborhoods
Last Line: The squeeze of skin, this memory %called our history
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FIRST, by GRACE CAVALIERI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Mrs. Conti was the first
Last Line: She didn't have to fill her time on thursdays
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FIRST, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: First in war
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FIRST ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH, by JONES VERY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With outward signs, as well as inward life
Last Line: His providential purpose to fulfill
Subject(s): Americans; United States


FIRST CAROLINA SAID-SONG, by ARCHIE RANDOLPH AMMONS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In them days %they won't hardly no way to know if
Last Line: It's growed over with soapbushes and huckleberries now
Alternate Author Name(s): Ammons, A. R.
Subject(s): Americans; United States


FIRST FRUITS IN 1812 [AUGUST 19, 1812], by WALLACE RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What is that a-billowing there
Last Line: Found a prize, a bully battle, and a breeze!
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Guerriere (ship); Hull, Isaac (1773-1843); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812; American Navy; Naval Warfare


FIRST HAIR CUT, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The barber's rough bristles brushed
Last Line: The fluorescent light licked %my bare neck to stone
Subject(s): Barbers; Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FIRST LOVE, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: In sixth grade %there was a boy I liked
Last Line: There's nothing more to tell
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


FIRST NIGHT OF FIREFLIES, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: It would be this way: twilight
Last Line: With a grass nest, a punctured lid %he was coming over
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FIRST PAGER, by GUY FORRESTER LEE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Scholar and soldier, wit and sage
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FIRST RITES, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: At the top of the mountain
Last Line: Think it is the face of god
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


FIRST ROCK AND ROLL SONG OF 1970, by PEDRO PIETRI    Poem Source                    
First Line: The unemployed sky above the clouds
Last Line: Will learn how to read the help wanted ads
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


FIRST THANKSGIVING, by MYRA COHN LIVINGSTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Three days we had, %feasting, praying, singing
Last Line: Praying, each to our god
Subject(s): United States


FISH PEDDLER AND COBBLER, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Always for thirty years now
Last Line: Savage eyed whores paraded the streets
Subject(s): Change; Past; Progress; Social Protest; United States; America


FISH PEDDLER AND COBBLER, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Always for thirty years now
Last Line: Savage eyed whores paraded the street
Subject(s): Change; Past; Progress; Social Protest; United States


FISHERMAN'S WIFE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Each day I will make you
Last Line: Like salome's last veil come undone
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Seashore; Women Immigrants - United States


FIVE KERNELS OF CORN [APRIL, 1622], by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas the year of the famine in plymouth of old
Last Line: To the thanksgiving feast bring five kernels of corn!
Subject(s): Famine; Plymouth, Massachusetts; United States - Colonial Period


FLAG, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There's a flag hangs over my threshold, whose folds are more dear to me
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG, by HENRY CODMAN POTTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: O banner blazoned in the sky
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG AND CROSS, by ALFRED J. HOUGH    Poem Source                    
First Line: The bands were playing in the street
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG DAY, by MARTHA BURR BANKS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Run up our flag in the breeze
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG O' MY LAND, by THOMAS AUGUSTINE DALY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Up to the breeze of the morning I fling you
Last Line: Flag o' my land! Flag o' my land!
Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Love; American Flag


FLAG OF OUR UNION [FOREVER], by GEORGE POPE MORRIS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A song for our banner, the watchword recall
Alternate Author Name(s): Morris, George Perkins
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism


FLAG OF STARS, by GRACE ELLERY CHANNING-STETSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh not alone the eager south
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG OF THE CONSTELLATION, by THOMAS BUCHANAN READ    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The stars of our morn on our banner borne
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG OF THE FREE, by WALTER TAYLOR FIELD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Look at the flag as it floats on high
Last Line: Will bless you and trust you, o flag of the free!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


FLAG SONG, by HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Out upon the four winds blow
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FLAG SONG, by LYDIA AVERY COONLEY WARD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Out on the breeze
Last Line: Hearts will forever be singing.
Variant Title(s): A Song For Flag Day
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


FLAG'S MESSAGE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We honor our flag so bright
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FLAG, OUR FLAG, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Flag, that waves the whole day through
Last Line: Glorious red, white and blue.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Summer; American Flag


FLAGS, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Flags of every size
Last Line: Or only from my hand.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Summer; American Flag


FLASH BACK, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In a car grey smoke over elmira
Subject(s): United States; America


FLASH BACK, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In a car grey smoke over elmira
Last Line: O women shut up, yelling for baby meat more
Subject(s): United States


FLASH FRIGATE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'll sing of a frigate, a frigate of fame
Last Line: For they'll beat you and bang you till you ain't worth a d--n, %and send you an invalid to your own
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea


FLESH, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Your newborn neck recalls the potter's fragrant spit
Last Line: Just as mad and milky dim as when we buried them
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FLORAL APRON, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The woman wore a floral apron around her neck
Last Line: How to honor the village, the tribe, %that floral apron
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FLORIDA, by ELIZABETH BISHOP    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The state with the prettiest name
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


FLORIDA, by ELIZABETH BISHOP    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The state with the prettiest name
Last Line: Whimpers and speaks in the throat %of the indian princess
Subject(s): Americans; United States


FLOWER CAST, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: A flower cast has taken place for three days
Last Line: Films in new york and a worldwide gold sealer %summed up that's one small step for %man one small st
Subject(s): News; Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States; Radio


FLOWER-FED BUFFALOES OF THE SPRING, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: With the pawnees, lying low %lying low
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Americans; Buffaloes; Railroads; Social Protest; United States


FLOWERING CHERRY AND AUTUMN MAPLE WITH POEM SLIPS: 1, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Poems pressed into your palm with your fare receipt
Last Line: Poems clipped and filed with family recipes
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FLOWERING CHERRY AND AUTUMN MAPLE WITH POEM SLIPS: 2, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Poems (the smell of mothballs, of cedar) pinned to wirehangers
Last Line: Was like to feel the garment from inside
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FLU SEASON, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: We keep passing the fever between us, a monster's
Last Line: While you are spiking, soaked in your own sweat
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FLYING-MAN, by MOTHER GOOSE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Flying-man, flying-man
Last Line: Can't you take me?
Subject(s): United States


FONTANELLE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The soul keeps pouring in before it closes
Last Line: More gently here on top, %before the small skull shuts
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


FOR A LITTLE PUPIL, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Napoleon was great, I know
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FOR DECORATION DAY: 1861-1865, by RUPERT HUGHES    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: But do we truly mourn our soldier dead
Last Line: The peaceful barracks where their bodies sleep.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


FOR EMILY (DICKINSON), by MAUREEN OWEN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The girl - working the xerox in the stationery store
Subject(s): Dickinson, Emily (1830-1886); Popular Culture - United States


FOR EMILY (DICKINSON), by MAUREEN OWEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The girl - working the xerox in the stationery store
Last Line: I knew you - when you %still had hair!
Subject(s): Dickinson, Emily (1830-1886); Popular Culture - United States


FOR GRANDMA LUCIA LA ROSA, LIGHT THE ROSE, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI    Poem Source                    
First Line: On the crowded subway, %riding to the prison to teach
Last Line: From giving and giving and giving %food and birth
Variant Title(s): Bicentennial Anti-poem For Italian-american Wome
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FOR MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER: A MESSAGE LONG OVERDUE, by MAXINE W. KUMIN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You with the beard as red as barbarossa's
Alternate Author Name(s): Kumin, Maxine
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FOR SERVICES IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN; MEMORIAL VERSES, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O thou of soul and sense and breath
Last Line: And bless thy name forever!
Variant Title(s): Hymn For The Services In Memory Of Abraham Lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FOR TALKING, by DENISE NICO LETO    Poem Source                    
First Line: In catholic school %they teach you
Last Line: For talking %sometimes %takes years
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FOR THE AMERICAN HOSTAGES, by JOCELYN HOLLIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: We are lost out here in the world
Last Line: Where the dark birds make their nest
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3); Hostages


FOR THE AVERY 'KNICKERBOCKER', by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Shade of herrick, muse of locker
Last Line: This the muse can never do!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin
Subject(s): Boughton, George Henry (1833-1905); New York City - Dutch Period; Poetry & Poets; Smoking; United States - Dutch Settlements; Tobacco; Pipes; Cigars; Cigarettes


FOR THE COLOR OF MY MOTHER, by CHERRIE MORAGA    Poem Source                    
First Line: At two %my upper lip split open
Last Line: They cradle her silence %nodding to me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FOR THE COMMEMORATION SERVICES; MEMORIAL VERSES, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Four summers coined their golden light in leaves
Last Line: Living and dead alike forever dear!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


FOR THE UNION DEAD, by ROBERT LOWELL    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: The old south boston aquarium stands
Variant Title(s): Colonel Shaw And The Massachusetts 54
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Boston; Duty; Heroism; Massachusetts; Monuments; Racism; Saint-gaudens, Augustus (1848-1907); Shaw, Robert Gould (1847-1863); Soldiers; United States - History; Heroes; Heroines; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


FOR THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: There's a mighty sound a-comin'
Last Line: Fightin' trim.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FOR YOU SWEETHEART, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'll forget I have a name
Last Line: Knowing you love %to watch flowers bloom
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


FORBIDDING MOURNING, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: In this light, at the window, her reflection
Last Line: As paper, and as precious
Subject(s): Jews - United States


FOREIGN WAYS, by DIANA CHANG    Poem Source                    
First Line: If I were in china this minute
Last Line: My lope with its prairie air
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FORGOTTEN, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Forgotten! Can it be a few swift rounds
Last Line: For the old time's return!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


FORGOTTEN CITY, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When with my mother I was coming down
Last Line: When so near the metropolis, so closely %surrounded by the familiar and the famous?
Subject(s): Americans; United States


FORMERLY A SLAVE' (AN IDEALIZED PORTRAIT, BY E. VEDDER), by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The sufferance of her race is shown
Last Line: Sibylline, yet benign.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Paintings & Painters; Slavery; United States - History; Vedder, Elihu (1836-1923); Serfs


FRAGMENTS FROM AMERICA I LOVE YOU, by JAMES LAUGHLIN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There was a little black
Last Line: Don't like johnson %or goldwater either
Subject(s): Dillinger, John (1902-1934); United States


FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA AND ANTHROPOLOGIST INTERPRETER TEACHING GARTEWIEN, by DAVID WOJAHN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It's done phonetically, of course, at great
Last Line: Dr, singh: mean: everybody - die - together - here
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


FRANK BROKE, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Frank broke the precedent and traveled to the odd east
Last Line: He moves early and evacuates the fifth jet to washington. %in nineteen days it fit
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Travel


FRANKENSTEIN, by CONNIE DEANOVICH    Poem Source                    
First Line: Frankenstein naps on a golden bed
Last Line: Or will you quickly distribute fire?
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


FREDERICK DOUGLASS: 1817-1895, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Douglass was someone who
Last Line: He died in 1895. %he is not dead
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); United States


FREDERICKSBURG, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The increasing moonlight drifts across my bed
Last Line: Hark! -- the black squadrons wheeling down to death!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fredericksburg, Battle Of (1862); Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


FREE FLAG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: O holy ensign! Symbol fair
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FREE TRADE AND SAILORS' RIGHTS!, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ho! All ye brave tars of columbia
Last Line: Free trade is the right we content for, %this right we still will maintain
Subject(s): Enterprise (ship); Free Trade; Navy - United States; Sailors And Sailing; War Of 1812


FREEDOM AT MCNEALY'S, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All around old chattanooga
Last Line: As you would a faithful horse.
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


FREEDOM OF THE MIND, by WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: High walls and huge the body may confine
Last Line: And in its watches wearies every star.
Variant Title(s): The Free Mind;freedom For The Mind;sonnet Written In Prison;liberty
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


FREELY ESPOUSING, by JAMES SCHUYLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: A commingling sky
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Social Commentaries; New York City; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: 5. EMPIRE BUILDERS, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is the making of america in five panels
Last Line: When the land lay waiting for her westward people
Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald
Variant Title(s): Empire Builders
Subject(s): Capitalism; United States; America


FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: 5. EMPIRE BUILDERS, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is the making of america in five panels
Last Line: The yellowstone moved on the gravel and the grass grew %whenthe land lay waiting for her westward pe
Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald
Variant Title(s): Empire Builder
Subject(s): Capitalism; United States


FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: BACKGROUND WITH REVOLUTIONARIES, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When they're shunting the cars on the katy a mile off
Last Line: There is too much sun on the lids of my eyes to be listening
Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald
Subject(s): United States; Challenges; Strength


FRESCOES FOR MR. ROCKEFELLER'S CITY: BACKGROUND WITH REVOLUTIONARIES, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When they're shunting the cars on the katy a mile off
Last Line: There is too much sun on the lids of my eyes to be listening
Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald
Variant Title(s): Poem
Subject(s): United States; Challenges; Strength


FRESNO, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Fresno, california's eighth largest city, is the financial headquarters
Last Line: Watered by want, the spirit thrives
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; California; Ethnic Groups - United States


FRIDAY IN JERUSALEM, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: We wake to roosters arguing over tractates of talmud
Last Line: Reverently raises his new watch to the ceiling
Subject(s): Jews - United States


FRIDAY NIGHT, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My oldest son called
Last Line: I guess I'd go get drunk
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blasts rip newspaper grey manahatta's mid day air spires
Last Line: Down thru cloud-floor to chicago, sunset fire obliterate in %black gas
Subject(s): United States


FRIENDLY TOWN #1, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was august, I was inner city
Last Line: Their teeth chasing our bus
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FRIENDLY TOWN #3, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: For thirteen days %she had threatened
Last Line: New, dark, empty space %slowly
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS DAY, by JAY MEEK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Standing in the shadow of a hangar
Last Line: As if they were stars of the show
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Aviation And Aviators; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Travel


FROM A HEART OF RICE STRAW, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ma, my heart must be made of rice straw
Last Line: Ma, hear me now, tell me your story %again and again
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FROM A TRAIN WINDOW, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Precious in the light of the early sun the housatonic
Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs.
Subject(s): Americans; Railroads; United States; Railways; Trains; America


FROM A TRAIN WINDOW, by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Precious in the light of the early sun the housatonic
Last Line: Is the grave-scarred hillside. %as if after all, the earth might know what it is about
Alternate Author Name(s): Boyd, Nancy; Boissevain, Eugen, Mrs.
Subject(s): Americans; Railroads; United States


FROM AN ISLAND YOU CANNOT NAME, by MARTIN ESPADA                        Poet's Biography
First Line: Thirty years ago, / your linen-gowned father stood
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Latinos


FROM AN ISLAND YOU CANNOT NAME, by MARTIN ESPADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thirty years ago, %your linen-gowned father stood
Last Line: That you're other, %that you're not
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FROM COLONY TO NATION, by IRVING LAYTON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A dull people
Last Line: Of one of the meaner lakes, %their bones not even picked for souvenirs
Subject(s): United States


FROM EPHEMERA TODAY ON ALL MY CHILDREN, by CONNIE DEANOVICH    Poem Source                    
First Line: Natalie gets discovered in her pit an old, drunken transient
Last Line: A sex offender enters - just his breath on the phone
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


FROM HAUNTS OF BEASTS, by JOSEPH BERNARD RETHY    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


FROM JOSEF IN THE REST HOME, by SHARON CHMIELARZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm still alive
Last Line: By the t.V. Tray
Subject(s): Fathers And Sons; Immigrants; Nursing Homes; Old Age; Poland; United States


FROM OKRA TO GREENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I haveta turn my television down sometimes cuz
Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette
Variant Title(s): From Okra To Greens - A Different Love Poem
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FROM OKRA TO GREENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I haveta turn my television down sometimes cuz
Last Line: & sure can dream gd/soppin up the pot liquor %& them peppers
Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette
Variant Title(s): From Okra To Greens - A Different Love Poe
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


FROM POTOMAC TO MERRIMAC, by EDWARD EVERETT HALE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Do you know how the people of all the land
Last Line: Forever and a day!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


FROM RICH UNEASY AMERICA TO MY FRIEND CHRISTOPHER LOGUE, by ADRIAN MITCHELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Jim hall's guitar walking around
Last Line: It overflows, by christ, it overflows
Subject(s): Hall, Jim (b. 1930); Jazz; Music And Musicians; United States


FROM TEXAS TO MAINE', by GEORGE HENRY PREBLE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hail, banner of glory! Hail, banner of light!
Subject(s): Flags - United States


FROST HEAVES, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: When the winter retches so hard the roads contort
Last Line: Frost heaves when I touch myself %pretending to touch her
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


FRUIT, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Spaghetti sliding %down our kitchen walls
Last Line: To paint a smiling face upon
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


FUJI-YAMA, by A. WALTER SOLOMON    Poem Text                    
First Line: As an old noble-lady
Last Line: A fiery heart leaps.
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; Old Age; Women; Japanese In The United States


FUNERAL HYMN, by PHINEAS DENSMORE GURLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Rest, noble martyr! Rest in peace
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FUNERAL HYMN, by PHOEBE A. HANAFORD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hushed today are the sounds of gladness
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


FUNICELLO AT 50, by KLIPSCHUTZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Annette has ms, she needs mickey's help
Last Line: On some far coast, the surf's up
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


FUNK LORE, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We are the blues
Last Line: We is ouselves / the blues
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


FUNK LORE, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We are the blues
Last Line: We is ourselves %the blues
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


G. A. R. TO A. E. F., by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hope and promise of the nation
Last Line: You who fight to save the world!
Subject(s): Army - United States; World War I; First World War


G.S. READING POESY AT PRINCETON, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gold beard combd down like chinese fire - gold hair braid
Subject(s): Princeton University; Snyder, Gary (b. 1930); United States; America


G.S. READING POESY AT PRINCETON, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gold beard combd down like chinese fire - gold hair braid
Last Line: Gary's voice echoing hollow under electric lamps
Subject(s): Princeton University; Snyder, Gary (b. 1930); United States


GALE, by W. F. SPICER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The dark scud scowls at the shrinking moon
Last Line: We shame our course, and joyously %to western isles we sail
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Storms


GALLERY, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When my grandfather stepped from the boat
Last Line: And pretty as a picture
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


GARFIELD'S RIDE AT CHICKAMAUGA, by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Again the summer-fevered skies
Last Line: By chickamauga river.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chickamauga, Battle Of (1863); Garfield, James Abram (1831-1881); Thomas, George Henry (1816-1870); United States - History


GARRISON, by AMOS BRONSON ALCOTT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Freedom's first champion in our fettered land
Last Line: Survived, -- its ruin and our peace to see.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879); Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


GARRISON, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The storm and peril overpast
Last Line: A hand to set the captive free!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879); Antislavery Movement - United States


GATE A-4, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wandering around the albuquerque airport terminal, after learning
Subject(s): Air Travel; Arabic Language; United States; America


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: In seventeen hundred thirty-two
Last Line: And earthly life shall end
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: By broad potomac's silent shore
Last Line: Art to his fame no aid hath lent; / his country is his monument
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by LAURA REW BIXBY    Poem Text                    
First Line: A nation was born in a vast new domain
Last Line: Of a self-governed people. May they honor his name!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; United States - History; United States - Politics & Government; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by ALICE CRAIG EDGERTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: From time's beginning it was foreordained
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by MARYANN WEEKS ELLIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: First in war was he
Last Line: His valiant deeds will ever recall.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by ROSE L. HERZOG    Poem Text                    
First Line: Twas in seventeen hundred and thirty - two
Last Line: Yet each may have part in this bicentenary.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by JOHN HALL INGHAM    Poem Text                    
First Line: This was the man god gave us when the hour
Last Line: The everlasting surges of the tide.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: How did george washington look
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, by CARLO VILLA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sometimes the captain feels unwell
Last Line: We must write him a letter
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON - A PORTRAIT, by MINNIE PARKER MCCOWN    Poem Text                    
First Line: We do not think of him as fair of face
Last Line: A soul of adamant, undaunted and sublime.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE LOSS OF HIS TEETH, by DIANE WAKOSKI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: An ultimate / in the un-romantic
Last Line: Got the teeth in your mouth
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Teeth; Washington, George (1732-1799); Toothaches


GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE LOSS OF HIS TEETH, by DIANE WAKOSKI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: An ultimate %in the un-romantic
Last Line: Got the teeth in your mouth
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Teeth; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON WAS LUCKY!, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am eight years old
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GEORGE WASHINGTON, LOVER, by GREG HEWETT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I always preferred the quiet life
Last Line: I am the good wife
Subject(s): Masculinity (psychology); Men; Presidents, United States; Washington, D.c.; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GERMAN OUT-CAST, by W. FREDRIC KAUFMAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: A little lad is born
Last Line: A little lad was born -- a jew.
Subject(s): Ambition; Jews; Religious Discrimination; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Judaism; Religious Conflict


GETTYSBURG [JULY 1-3, 1863], by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There was no union in the land, / though wise men labored long
Last Line: The sword of meade and lee!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Patriotism; United States - History; Gettysburg, Battle Of


GHOSTS, by WILLIAM CARPENTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Every evening I do this. I stop work, and though
Last Line: I raise the volume. I quicken my pace a little, to catch up
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


GHOSTS OF THE NEW WORLD, by ALFRED NOYES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There are no ghosts, you say
Last Line: Calls to the slumbering host.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Death; Dreams; Earth; Explorers; Ghosts; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Supernatural; Dead, The; Nightmares; World; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers


GIFT, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The preacher's sermon is on the parable of the talents
Last Line: My sister says she knows what her one talent is %encouraging others
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


GIFT, by LI-YOUNG LEE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To pull the metal splinter from my palm
Last Line: When he's given something to keep. %I kissed my father
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Men; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GIFT OUTRIGHT, by ROBERT FROST    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The land was ours before we were the land's
Last Line: But still unstoried, artless, unenhanced, %such as she would become
Subject(s): Inaugural Poem; United States; War


GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, by DENNIS COOPER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The professor and ginger are standing in the space in front
Last Line: To start. Clouds appear in the sky, and it begins to snow
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


GLORIOUS NAVAL VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come listen to my story the truth I will unfold
Last Line: So may success attend these heroes of the constitution's crew
Subject(s): Bainbridge, William (1774-1833); Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


GOD AND THE CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER, by PARK JERAULD WHITE JR.    Poem Text                    
First Line: You say it's never right to laugh at prayer?
Last Line: You'd find your holy place filled by another!
Subject(s): Army - United States; Clergy; Prayer; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops


GOD BLESS AMERICA, by IRVING BERLIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Last Line: God bless america, my home sweet home
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States


GOD COMES IN HANDY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: When you're recently divorced
Last Line: You drop the shit and flush
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


GOD SAVE OUR PRESIDENT, by FRANCIS DE HAES JANVIER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All hail! Unfurl the stripes and stars!
Last Line: God save our president!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States; United States; America


GOD SAVE THE FLAG, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Washed in the blood of the brave and the blooming
Last Line: Washed from its stains in the blood of the brave!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Flags - United States; United States - History; American Flag


GOD SAVE THE NATION!, by THEODORE TILTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou who ordainest, for the land's salvation
Last Line: With peace elysian!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


GOING DOWN, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm scrubbing my back bathroom toilet
Last Line: And the ship is going down
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


GOING HOME, by WING TEK LUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ngoh m' sick song tong hwa
Last Line: But chinamen aren't supposed to cry
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Language; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GOING ROUND THE HORN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nor'west winds are blowing
Last Line: Bless me aint it pleasant %going round the horn?
Subject(s): Navy - United States


GOING TO CHICAGO, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: 22,000 feet over hazed square vegetable planet floor
Last Line: By man poet's eyes astounded in the fire haze, / carbon gas aghast
Subject(s): United States; Air Travel; America


GOING TO CHICAGO, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: 22,000 feet over hazed square vegetable planet floor
Last Line: Scream in despair over meat and metal microphone
Subject(s): United States


GOLDSBORO NARRATIVE #4: MY FATHER'S VIET NAM TOUR NEAR OVER, by FORREST HAMER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The young dead soldier was younger
Last Line: And, afterwards, there's nothing left %to look forward to
Subject(s): Army - United States; Death - Children; War


GONE IS ULYSSES, by MARIE L. EGLINTON    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GOOD MORNING AMERICA: 14, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now it's uncle sam sitting on top of the world
Subject(s): United States


GOOD MORNING AMERICA: 15, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In god we trust; it so written
Subject(s): United States; God; America


GOOD MORNING AMERICA: 16, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The silent litany of the workmen go on -
Subject(s): United States; Labor & Laborers; America; Work; Workers


GOOD MORNING, AMERICA!, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There are two sights that make my heart feel gay
Subject(s): Flags - United States


GOOD NEWS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I've got to write a letter, card or something, anything
Last Line: And give her a couple of turbans for free
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My daddy has paid the rent
Subject(s): Family Life; African Americans; Family Life; United States; Relatives; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America


GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My daddy has paid the rent
Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America


GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My daddy has paid the rent
Last Line: Oh children think about the %good times
Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; United States


GRAFFITI 12TH CUBICLE MEN'S ROOM SYRACUSE AIRPORT, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am married and would like to fuck someone else
Subject(s): United States; America


GRAFFITI 12TH CUBICLE MEN'S ROOM SYRACUSE AIRPORT, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am married and would like to fuck someone else
Last Line: Way to really get your head together by first getting %it apart lsd forever
Subject(s): United States


GRANDFATHER AT THE INDIAN HEALTH CLINIC, by ELIZABETH COOK-LYNN    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's cold at last and cautious winds creep
Last Line: To everyone who comes
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations


GRANDMA IN THE SHOWER, by DALE KUSHNER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Puckered breasts like leiberman's
Last Line: Grandma's moustache. Grandma's teeth in the glass
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GRANDMOTHER, by GRACE CAVALIERI    Poem Source                    
First Line: What is the purpose of visits to me twice since you've died
Last Line: A bright clock shaped like a train - %simply that it moves
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GRANDMOTHER, A CARIBBEAN INDIAN, DESCRIBED BY MY FATHER, by YVONNE SAPIA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nearly a hundred when she died
Last Line: There would be room for me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GRANT PARK: AUGUST 28, 1968, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Green air, children sat under trees with the old
Subject(s): United States; America


GRANT PARK: AUGUST 28, 1968, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Green air, children sat under trees with the old
Last Line: Who wants to be president of the %garden of eden?
Subject(s): United States


GRAPPLING, by ROBERT J. CLAWSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sergeant sets the throttle: troll
Subject(s): Diving & Divers; Marines – United States


GRAVE OF ROOSEVELT, by SNOW LONGLEY HOUGH    Poem Source                    
First Line: He had found joy in these wide-reaching trees
Alternate Author Name(s): Snow Longley
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GRAY IS THE PALL OF THE SKY, by ROGER STERRETT    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GREAT BELL ROLAND; SUGGESTED BY PRESIDENT'S CALL VOLUNTEERS, by THEODORE TILTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Toll! Roland, toll!
Last Line: Tool! Roland, toll!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Soldiers; United States - History


GREAT IS OUR GRIEF, by NINA JONES    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GREAT OAK, by BENNETT CHAPPLE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Some men are born, while others seem to grow
Last Line: When he might save a nation in its strife.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


GREAT PLAINS IN WINTER, by TED KOOSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Great Plains (united States); Winter


GREAT WITHOUT POMP, WITHOUT AMBITION BRAVE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


GREAT, STRONG, FREE, AND TRUE, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Great, my country, great in gold
Last Line: Ever true to god and man.
Subject(s): United States; World War I; America; First World War


GREAT, WILD, FREE SOUL, by J. A. H.    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GREEN ASH, RED MAPLE, BLACK GUM, by MICHAEL WATERS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How often the names of trees consoled me
Last Line: Black gum, black gum, black gum.
Subject(s): Grief; Loss; Marriage; Moving & Movers; Refugees; Trees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Sorrow; Sadness; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


GREGOR SAMSA SYNDROME, by DENNIS SCHMITZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: My nixon began when I did
Last Line: I once copied to quote myself %into my wife's love
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Political Campaigns; Presidents, United States


GROTESQUE, by RUTH GUTHRIE HARDING    Poem Text                    
First Line: With the first light on the skyline came the rapping of the sickles
Last Line: "and the fields with harvest teeming have forgot them all too soon!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Burton, Richard, Mrs.
Subject(s): Fields; Injustice; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers; Serfs


GROWING OLD NEAR CHARLESTON, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm still a fossil point kid
Last Line: And blue beach glass %finding only broken pieces
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


GROWING UP ITALIAN, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When I was a little girl
Last Line: Like a bright, red flag
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


GUARDIAN OF THY LAND, by HERMAN MONTAGU DONNER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The world grows tow'rd its disenthralled
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GUESS WHO?, by BERTON BRALEY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sometimes fantastical %often bombastical
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


GULF, by DEREK WALCOTT    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The airport coffee tastes less of america
Last Line: Age after age, the uninstructing dead
Subject(s): Air Travel; Texas; United States


GULL HOUSE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Those stilts have held their own
Last Line: Yellow eyes, they own
Subject(s): Jews - United States


GURU OM, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: October 4, 1970 / car wheels roar over freeway concrete
Last Line: I am leaving the world, I will close my eyes and rest my tongue & hand
Subject(s): United States; America


GURU OM, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: October 4, 1970 %car wheels roar over freeway concrete
Last Line: Chest dark baby kingdom in the skull
Subject(s): United States


GYPSY TEACHERS HER GRANDCHILD WOLFEN WAYS, by SUSAN SWARTWOUT    Poem Source                    
First Line: All tongues tell their monsters, shapes
Last Line: Pray the gleam shines from faith not fang
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HABITUAL OFFENDER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My oldest sister sits
Last Line: For his old man to just once tell him that he loves him
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


HACIENDO APENAS LA RECOLECCION, by TINO VILLANUEVA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: For weeks now
Last Line: You shall not again %pick cotton
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HAIL COLUMBIA, by JOSEPH HOPKINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hail, columbia! Happy land!
Last Line: Peace and safety we shall find.
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Patriotism; United States; American Navy; America


HAIL YE AMERICA, by ELSIE TAYLOR DUTRIEUILLE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Found ye a nation to stand without halter
Last Line: Hail ye america, this be your home!
Alternate Author Name(s): Du Trieuille, Elsie Taylor
Subject(s): United States; America


HAIL, AMERICA, by FREDERIC LAWRENCE KNOWLES    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hail, son of peak and prairie
Alternate Author Name(s): Paget, R. L.
Subject(s): Flags - United States


HAIL, BRIGHTEST BANNER THAT FLOATS ON THE GALE, by WILLIAM S. ROBINSON    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


HALF-BREED, by CHERRIE MORAGA    Poem Source                    
First Line: The difference between you and me
Last Line: My reflection has always been %once removed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HAMMOCK, by VICTOR HERNANDEZ CRUZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: The tainos of the antilles
Last Line: You can go right down %to the bone
Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States


HANGING FIRE, by AUDRE LORDE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am fourteen / and my skin has betrayed me
Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Teenagers; United States - Race Relations


HANGING FIRE, by AUDRE LORDE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am fourteen %and my skin has betrayed me
Last Line: And momma's in the bedroom %with the door closed
Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Teenagers; U.s. - Race Relations


HAPPY NEW YEAR TO COMMODORE RODGERS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Huzza for the seamen undaunted by fear
Last Line: Columbia's bright name then with glory shall sound, %and the praise of her heroes be sung the year r
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Rodgers, John (1773-1838); War Of 1812


HAPPY WARRIOR, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Source                    
First Line: In early years our valiant fight began
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HAROLD AND IMOGENE, by PAUL RANDOLPH VIOLI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The beautiful imogene is finally alone
Last Line: His head against the mantelpiece and sobs
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HARRIET TUBMAN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: In memory of harriet tubman
Last Line: An' I nebber los' a passenger'
Subject(s): United States


HATCHET, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: George washington, though great was he
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?', by ALLEN GINSBERG            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Old maple hairytrunks root asphalt grass marge, november
Subject(s): United States; America


HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?', by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Old maple hairytrunks root asphalt grass marge, november
Last Line: Lights on cars front western lane grey twilight falls on %rolling robotland
Subject(s): United States


HAVING THE WRONG NAME FOR MR. WRIGHT, by HELEN BAROLINI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Pietrofesso,' I repeat to mr. Wright, the science teacher in junior high
Last Line: No teacher ever corrected me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HAZEL TELLS LAVERNE, by KATHARYN HOWD MACHAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Last night %im cleanin out my
Last Line: Me %a princess
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HE ENTERETH AMERICA BY THE FRONT DOOR, by WALLACE IRWIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Muses, lend me an earthquake
Alternate Author Name(s): Ginger; Hashimura Togo
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HE HATED SHAM, by JOHN W. LOW    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HE IS ALL OURS', by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I could forge you verses that would ring
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HE LEADS US STILL, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dare we despair? Through all the nights and days
Last Line: The nation lincoln died for cannot fail!
Subject(s): Holidays; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HEAVY BLUE VEINS, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Heavy blue veins streaked across my mother's legs, some of them
Last Line: Coming, never stops pouring, this memory of mama and blood and watts
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HEAVY WATER BLUES, by BOB KAUFMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The radio is teaching my goldfish jujitsu
Last Line: But me and my son laughed in our furnished room
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HELLO NEIL AND BUZZ FROM OMAHA, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hello neil and buzz from omaha and the church camp
Last Line: Thirty-four hours all the utilities and tvs can %start anytime you want
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


HENRY WARD BEECHER, by CHARLES HENRY PHELPS    Poem Text                    
First Line: His tongue was touched with sacred fire
Last Line: Wherever men lay bound he clave.
Subject(s): Beecher, Henry Ward (1813-1887); Clergy; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Politics & Government; Writing & Writers; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Antislavery Movement - United States


HERE'S A CHRISTMAS CARD, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: With the blank look of abbot thayer's angel
Last Line: And not in the bright throbbing of the stars
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


HERE'S A HALTH TO THEE, TOM BREESE, by J. C. DRAKE    Poem Source                    
Last Line: May grief rest lightly on thy heart, %as feathers 'neath thy pillow
Subject(s): Breese, Thomas; Navy - United States


HERITAGE, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From my mother, the antique mirror
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indian


HERITAGE, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From my mother, the antique mirror
Last Line: Of never having a home
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations


HERMANN KAFKA'S DINNERTIME PANTOUM, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: When father says it's time, it's time!
Last Line: And when father says it's time, it's time!
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


HEROES, by EMMA LAZARUS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In rich virginian woods
Last Line: Of knightly deeds and dreams.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


HEROES, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The winds that once the argo bore
Last Line: And the world is a braver world to-day.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Heroism; United States - History; Liberty; Heroes; Heroines


HIGH BARBAREE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: There were two lofty ships form old england came
Last Line: But the quarters that we gave them - we sunk them in the sea, %cruising down along the coast of the
Subject(s): Navy - United States


HIS DAY, by WILLIAM SAMUEL JOHNSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: There were earth-men and wing-men
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Celestial choir! Enthron'd in realms of light
Last Line: With gold unfading, washington! Be thine.
Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis
Variant Title(s): George Washington
Subject(s): Love - Loss Of; Mortality; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


HIS LAST WORDS, by EDITH DALEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Put out the light!' although the
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HIS LIVING MONUMENT, by MINNA IRVING    Poem Source                    
First Line: Though many a year above his dust
Alternate Author Name(s): Michener, Harry, Mrs.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HIS LOVE OF HOME, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As love of native land,' the old
Last Line: "a hoosier's love is fer the old homestead."
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Home; Love; Patriotism; American Flag


HIS NAME, by PAULINE FRANCES CAMP    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Just a wee little scrap of a laddie, so fair
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HISTORIC EPISODES, by PETER WELLINGTON CLARK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Toussaint %sticking out his tongue
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906); Jesus Christ; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803)


HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS, by JOHN HOLLANDER    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Higgledy-piggledy, / benjamin harrison
Last Line: Didn't do much
Subject(s): Harrison, Benjamin (1833-1901); Presidents, United States


HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS, by JOHN HOLLANDER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Higgledy-piggledy, %benjamin harrison
Last Line: Idiosyncracy, %didn't do much
Subject(s): Harrison, Benjamin (1833-1901); Presidents, United States


HISTORY OF AMERICA, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A linear projection: a route. It crosses
Last Line: Wonder you fear this bleeding pulse, no wonder
Subject(s): History; United States


HIWAY POESY L.A. TO WICHITA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Up up and away! %we're off, thru america
Last Line: Green signs, %welcome to wichita %population 280,000
Subject(s): United States


HOMAGE TO ELVIS, HOMAGE TO THE FATHERS, by BRUCE WEIGL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All night the pimps' cars slide past the burning mill
Last Line: Of our next moment alive
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HOME ALONE, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Cigarette smokers
Last Line: After another, eating candy, flicking %my ashes on the floor
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


HOME MOVIE, 1960, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Who were you before you could speak?
Last Line: I wish I could cover you with language
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


HOME THOUGHTS FROM EUROPE, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis fine to see the old world, and travel up and down
Last Line: Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Variant Title(s): America For Me'
Subject(s): Patriotism; Religion; United States; Theology; America


HOME, SWEET HOME, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sharers of a common country
Last Line: Be our watchwords evermore.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


HOMES FOR ALL, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Columbia, fairest nation of the world
Last Line: The glory that thou wearest like a crown
Subject(s): United States


HOMEWARD BOUND, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh! To pensacola town we'll bid adieu
Last Line: For you know we're outward bound
Subject(s): Navy - United States


HOMING SONG, by RAY CLARKE ROSE    Poem Text                    
First Line: The waves come racing to my boat
Last Line: To kiss my love.
Subject(s): Longing; Love; Man-woman Relationships; Navy - United States; Sailing & Sailors; War; Male-female Relations; American Navy


HONEST ABE' WHAT STRANGE VEXATION, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HONOR WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We're here today to honor washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


HOOKER'S ACROSS, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Hooker's across! Hooker's across!
Last Line: Hooker's across!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879); United States - History


HOPE, by LIZ ROSENBERG    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Edith b__ and her mother on a sunday afaaternoon. The
Last Line: Voice, I hope I shall come to know you
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HORNET, OR VICTORY NUMBER FIVE, by SAMUEL WOODWORTH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Rejoice, rejoice, fredonia's sons rejoice
Last Line: Our tars shall mars protect beneath our stars, %and fredonia's eagle hover o'er the sea
Subject(s): Hornet (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


HORSE, by GLORIA EVANGELINA ANZALDUA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Great horse running in the fields
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HOUSE IN SPRINGFIELD, by GAIL BROOK BURKET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here in this simple house his presence clings
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HOUSE ON MOSCOW STREET, by MARILYN NELSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It's the ragged source of memory
Last Line: Generations lost to be found, %to be found
Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Family Life; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HOUSE WHERE LINCOLN DIED, by ROBERT MACKAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Above jedea's purple-mantled plain
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HOUSEWIFE, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sits on her carefully made bed
Last Line: She'll burn the hell out of dinner
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


HOW ARE YOU, SANITARY?', by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Down the picket-guarded lane
Last Line: "pass in, sanitary!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; Patriotism; United States - History; Declaration Day


HOW I CHANGED MY NAME, FELICE, by FELIX STEFANILE    Poem Source                    
First Line: In italy a man's name, here a woman's
Last Line: And fanned my little neapolitan ass
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HOW I GOT THAT NAME, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I am marilyn mei ling chin
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


HOW I GOT THAT NAME, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I am marilyn mei ling chin
Last Line: Mesmerized %by all that was lavished upon her %and all that was taken away!
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HOW I LEARNED ENGLISH, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It was in an empty lot
Subject(s): Baseball; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; United States - Race Relations


HOW I LEARNED ENGLISH, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It was in an empty lot
Last Line: Hum baby' sweetly on my lips
Subject(s): Baseball; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; U.s. - Race Relations


HOW LONG!, by EMMA LAZARUS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How long, and yet how long
Last Line: Resound unto a yet unheard-of strain.
Subject(s): United States; America


HOW LONG?, by JAMES MONROE WHITFIELD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How long, o gracious god! How long
Last Line: Exult in glorious liberty.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET, by ASTORIA RED    Poem Source                    
First Line: How quickly we forget how this country was built
Last Line: Feel the pain to learn the truth?
Subject(s): History; United States


HOW THE CUMBERLAND WENT DOWN [MARCH 8, 1862], by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Gray swept the angry waves
Last Line: As the cumberland went down.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cumberland (ship); Hampton Roads, Virginia; Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


HOW WE BURNED THE 'PHILADELPHIA', by BARRETT EASTMAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: By the beard of the prophet the bashaw swore
Last Line: And troubled his soul no more.
Subject(s): Courage; Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); Navy - United States; Patriotism; Philadelphia (ship); Pirates; Tripoli; Valor; Bravery; American Navy; Piracy; Buccaneers


HOWARD AT ATLANTA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Right in the track where sherman
Last Line: A joy and blessing!
Subject(s): Atlanta, Georgia; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Howard, Oliver Otis (1830-1909); Antislavery Movement - United States


HULA SKIRT, 1959, by KIMIKO HAHN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Before my fourth birthday my father
Last Line: That much I remember
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


HULA SKIRT, 1959, by BARBARA KINGSOLVER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: Before my fourth birthday my father
Last Line: That much I remember
Subject(s): Americans; United States


HULL'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye true sons of freedom, give ear to my song
Last Line: And now with three cheers ere we sail to the main, %we will greet our brave captain again and again
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


HUM BOM!, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Whom bomb? / we bomb them!
Subject(s): Nuclear War; United States; Atomic Bomb; Hydrogen Bomb; America


HUM BOM!, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whom bomb? %we bomb them!
Last Line: Whom bomb? %you bomb you!
Subject(s): Nuclear War; United States


HUNTER, TIRING OF THE CHASE, by EDMUND VANCE COOKE    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


HUZZA FOR COMMODORE RODGERS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Weighing the acnhor's the first thing I tell
Last Line: With our iron pills, leaden pills, chain shot & powder. %oh!The land of columbia forever!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; President (ship); Rodgers, John (1773-1838); War Of 1812


HUZZA FOR THE CONSTITUTION, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Once more john bull may stamp and rave
Last Line: And what she has been, be so still, %the boast and glory of our land
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


HYGIENE, by REGINALD SHEPHERD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Some men wash their hands five times a day
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HYGIENE, by REGINALD SHEPHERD    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Some men wash their hands five times a day
Last Line: In how to become someone else %who isn't moving anymore
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


HYMN, by JR. ABNER CHENEY GOODELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: O thou who givest life
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HYMN, by JONES VERY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O god! Who dost the nations lead
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HYMN .. CELEBRATION OF 3RD ANNIVERSARY BRITISH EMANCIPATION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O holy father! Just and true
Last Line: Be praise and glory evermore.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


HYMN AFTER THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Giver of all that crowns our days
Last Line: With peace on earth, good-will to men!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


HYMN FOR AMERICA, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where's the man, in all the earth
Last Line: Till each foe be friend.
Subject(s): United States; America


HYMN FOR THE CELEBRATION OF EMANCIPATION AT NEWBURYPORT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not unto us who did but seek
Last Line: To whom be glory, first and last!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Newburyport, Massachusetts; Antislavery Movement - United States


HYMN FOR THE FAIR AT CHICAGO, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O god! In danger's darkest hour
Last Line: And all the earth is thine.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


HYMN TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WILLIAM WILBERFORCE NEWTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Saw you in his boyhood days
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


HYMN TO THE NATIONAL FLAG, by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Float aloft, thou stainless banner!
Subject(s): Flags - United States


HYMN WRITTEN FOR THE GREAT CENTRAL FAIR IN PHILADELPHIA, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Father, send on earth again
Last Line: Faithful to freedom and thee.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


I AM FORTUNATE IN A MEMORY OF SOUNDS, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Trains in the stockyard answer the piano
Last Line: With your shoes dropping in the doorway
Subject(s): Jews - United States


I AM SINGING NOW, by LUCI TAPAHONSO    Poem Source                    
First Line: The moon is a white sliver
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I AM THE FLAG, by LAWRENCE M. JONES    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am a composite being of all the people of america
Subject(s): Flags - United States


I AM WHAT YOU MAKE ME, NOTHING MORE, by FRANKLIN K. LANE    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Flags - United States


I ASK MY MOTHER TO SING, by LI-YOUNG LEE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: She begins, and my grandmother joins her
Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Heritage; Heredity


I ASK MY MOTHER TO SING, by LI-YOUNG LEE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: She begins, and my grandmother joins her
Last Line: Both women have begun to cry. %but neither stops her song
Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I DEFY YOU WALLACE STEVENS, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
Last Line: The hungry and dead are this 'exquisity truth,' %and you an american fiction
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I GIVE YOU BACK, by JOY HARJO    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I release you, my beautiful and terrible
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Peace; United States - Race Relations


I GIVE YOU BACK, by JOY HARJO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I release you, my beautiful and terrible
Last Line: I am alive and you are so afraid of dying
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Peace; U.s. - Race Relations


I HAVE LOST THE ADDRESS OF MY COUNTRY, by KAREN SWENSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
Last Line: I have lost the address of my country
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States; Islam


I HAVE NOT SIGNED A TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, by UNKNOWN+183    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nor has my father nor his father
Last Line: Take these words back with you
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I HEAR AMERICA SINGING, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: I hear america singing, the varied carols I hear
Last Line: Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Subject(s): Americans; Labor & Laborers; Patriotism; Singing & Singers; United States; Work; Workers; Songs; America


I HEAR THE BELLS OF THE ICE-CREAM VENDOR OUTSIDE MY DOOR, by RAY GONZALEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: The sign on his cart says pancho's ice cream
Last Line: Strawberry red in my cold hands
Subject(s): Americans; United States


I LIKE AMERICANS, by ERNEST HEMINGWAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: They are fine people
Subject(s): Americans; United States


I LOOK ACROSS THE OCEAN, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: And growing near your time—
Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour
Subject(s): United States


I PROMISE YOU THIS, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Water finds its own level
Last Line: The hint of water %already filling their cribs
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


I PUNCH OUT JESUS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Peter, andrew, james, john
Last Line: That part about no pain, no tears
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


I REMEMBER HAIFA BEING LOVELY BUT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There were snakes in the tent
Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Shoah; Judaism


I REMEMBER HAIFA BEING LOVELY BUT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There were snakes in the tent
Last Line: Appeared mysteriously, %tattooed on your arm
Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I SIT AND SEW, by ALICE RUTH MOORE DUNBAR-NELSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I sit and sew - a useless task it seems
Last Line: It stifles me -- god, must I sit and sew?
Alternate Author Name(s): Nelson, Alice Dunbar (moore)
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Americans; Sewing; United States; War; America


I TELL THEM I'M A BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I tell my old friends that I'm a housewife/homemaker
Last Line: And I say I'm crazy %not to tell them that
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


I TRY NOT TO WRITE POEMS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: About my dead sister's daughter's blocked fallopian tubes
Last Line: Where I could write poetry all day long
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


I WAKE TO THE TOUCH, by JOHN PEPPER CLARK    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Last night, times out of dream
Last Line: In the wild of america!
Alternate Author Name(s): Clark-bekederemo, J. P.; Clark, J. P.
Subject(s): Dreams; Sleep; United States


I WALK IN THE HISTORY OF MY PEOPLE, by UNKNOWN+183    Poem Source                    
First Line: There are women locked in my joints
Last Line: How I am still walking
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


I WONDER IF HE KNOWS IT - HOW THE BOYS, by WILBUR DICK NESBIT    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


I'M DYING, COMRADE, by MARY H. C. BOOTH    Poem Text                    
First Line: I think I'm dying, comrade
Last Line: Is calling me from life.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Martyrs; United States - History


I, TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I, too, sing america. / I am the darker brother
Last Line: I, too, am america.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Variant Title(s): Epilogue;i, Too, Sing America
Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America


IF HE'S LUCKY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: When his lower back goes out
Last Line: His feet up %his eyes closed
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


IF I SHOULD CARVE A LINCOLN, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I should carve a lincoln, I would take
Last Line: Some new gibraltar, by our western sea.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


IF I WERE PRESIDENT, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I were president, I'd speak
Last Line: Is -- just -- what -- taft -- does -- do.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Taft, William Howard (1957-1930)


IF I WERE RITA HAYWORTH, by PATRICIA SPEARS JONES    Poem Source                    
First Line: I would hear spanish first
Last Line: Wide enough to swallow the damnation of my beauty
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


IF LINCOLN SHOULD RETURN, by MARGARET E. BRUNER    Poem Text                    
First Line: If lincoln were to come again to earth
Last Line: Distress would somehow know the thing to do.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


IF ROOSEVELT HAD BEEN BAD, by JOHN WALLACE CRAWFORD    Poem Source                    
First Line: You never spoke a greater truth
Alternate Author Name(s): Jack, Captain
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ILLINOIS, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Shaped like lincoln's face, veined red and blue
Last Line: And cottonmouth, the submerged willow root %I could wreck my life on
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


ILLINOIS FARMER, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bury this old illinois farmer with respect
Last Line: Dream of illinois corn.
Subject(s): Farm Life; United States; Agriculture; Farmers; America


ILLITERATE, by RICHARD CLOKE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Us ranks 49th in literacy rate
Last Line: I read that and my hair curled
Subject(s): Education; Illiteracy; United States


ILLUMINATION FOR VICTORIES IN MEXICO, by SARA JANE CLARKE LIPPINCOTT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Light up thy homes, columbia
Last Line: Light up, light up your homes!
Alternate Author Name(s): Greenwood, Grace
Subject(s): United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


IMAGINARY UNIVERSES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under orders to shoot the spy, I discharged
Subject(s): United States; America


IMAGINARY UNIVERSES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under orders to shoot the spy, I discharged
Last Line: That was true, yes
Subject(s): United States


IMITATION OF LIFE, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When the movies were 35
Last Line: Pulsating fires in a fragile tapestry
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IMMIGRANTS, by DEBRA KANG DEAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: To be always carrying
Last Line: Where the grains of sand are stars
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Immigrants; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration


IMMIGRANTS, by PAT MORA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wrap their babies in the american flag
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


IMMIGRANTS, by PAT MORA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wrap their babies in the american flag
Last Line: Our boy, our girl, our fine american %boy our fine american girl
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IMMIGRANTS IN OUR OWN LAND, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We are born with dreams in our hearts
Last Line: So long gone from life itself, so many things have changed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Social Problems; United States - Race Relations


IMMIGRANTS IN OUR OWN LAND, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We are born with dreams in our hearts
Last Line: So long gone from life itself, so many things have changed
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Social Problems; U.s. - Race Relations


IMPROVISATION FOR PIANO, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Freshly lit cigarette in his mouth
Last Line: I slip away hoping there are angels
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IN A MOONLIT HERMIT'S CABIN, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Watching the white image, electric moon, white mist drift
Last Line: Setting up the flag!
Subject(s): United States


IN A STRANGE LAND, by ALFRED DENNIS GODLEY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Far hence a lonely exile strayed
Last Line: He'd no nostalgia now.
Alternate Author Name(s): Godley, A. D.
Subject(s): Magazines; Nostalgia; Travel; United States; Journeys; Trips; America


IN A U-HAUL NORTH OF DAMASCUS, by DAVID BOTTOMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lord, what are the sins
Last Line: To believe in new beginnings? Could I be moved?
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Pain; Popular Culture - United States; Suffering; Misery


IN GEORGETOWN; HOLIDAY INN, WASHINGTON, D.C., by HAYDEN CARRUTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is not where the rich and famous pursue their lifestyles
Last Line: "melodiously at the door: ""are you all right, sir? Are you all right in there?"
Subject(s): Americans; Corruption In Politics & Government; Hotels; Politics; Social Protest; United States; Washington, D.c.; Inns; Innskeepers; Motels; Boarding Houses; Politicians; Political Poetry; America


IN HARDIN COUNTY, 1809, by LULU E. THOMPSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: With flintlock guns and polished stocks
Subject(s): History; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


IN HERITAGE FARMS, SETTLED, by DAVID BOTTOMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In their tennis whites, their pastel izods, all day the women
Last Line: Of the hornworm inching toward the wings of the phoenix moth.
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Consumerism; Discontent; Popular Culture - United States; Suburbs; Estrangement; Outcasts; Dissatisfaction


IN HONOUR OF AMERICA, 1917; ANTITHESIS TO ROSSETTI'S 'REFUSAL OF AID', by ALICE MEYNELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not that the earth is changing, o my god! / not that her brave demoracies
Last Line: Our earth holds confident, steadfast, being young.
Alternate Author Name(s): Meynell, Wilfrid, Mrs.; Thompson, Alice Christina
Subject(s): United States; America


IN HOSPITAL: 21. ROMANCE, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Talk of pluck!' pursued the sailor
Last Line: "and they meant it too, by thunder!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Henley, W. E.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; Hospitals; United States - History


IN MEMORIAM, by GEORGE DOUGLASS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Men come and go, as comes and goes
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


IN MEMORIAM (ABRAHAM LINCOLN), by DEXTER SMITH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Columbia weeps! Her cherished son
Last Line: Our future is alone with god.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


IN MEMORIAM: ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JAMES THOMPSON MCKAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: There's a burden of grief on the breezed of spring
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


IN MEMORIAM: THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by ANNETTE KOHN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Let there be light!' - god's voice was heard
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


IN MEMORY OF JAMES LAWRENCE, ESQUIRE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To life his name to high renown
Last Line: Here lawrence rests, his country's pride, %on valor's decks who fought and died!
Subject(s): Chesapeake (ship); Lawrence, James (1781-1813); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


IN MEMORY WE ARE WALKING, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN    Poem Source                    
Last Line: We don't want your kind here
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IN MY OTHER LIFE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was born with a stone in my hand
Last Line: I was a goat on a hillside %sure of the path
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


IN PRAISE OF CALIFORNIA WINES, by YVOR WINTERS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Amid these clear and windy hills
Last Line: In sunlight vanish quite away
Subject(s): Americans; United States


IN PRAISE OF WASHINGTON, by ELIZA COOK    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


IN THE BLACK CAMARO, by DAVID BOTTOMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Through the orange glow of taillights, I crossed
Last Line: A truck in a thicket a half-mile downstream.
Subject(s): Conspiracy; Insurance & Insurance Agents; Popular Culture - United States; Worry


IN THE BLUEMIST MOTEL, by GREG PAPE    Poem Source                    
First Line: I hear voices in the next room
Last Line: Is falling asleep in his own bed
Subject(s): Hotels; Popular Culture - United States


IN THE COVE, by MARY FANNY YOUNGS    Poem Text                    
First Line: There's a hill above the harbor
Last Line: Beyond the shining west.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


IN THE DAYS OF RIN-TIN-TIN, by DANIEL GERARD HOFFMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: And overtook the little fellow on his way to school
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOIR, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I had never seen a cornfield in my life
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts; Students


IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOIR, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I had never seen a cornfield in my life
Last Line: Des moines, I was saying to myself %baton rouge. Terre haute. Boise
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations


IN THE GARDEN OF BANANA AND COCONUT TREES, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Before the woman's hips
Last Line: Clapping hands, bells jingling %on her ankles
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


IN THE GOOD OLD U.S.A., by SR. JOSE ANGEL VILLALONGO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here in the good old u.S.A.
Last Line: My language %my brillo hair, %and my name
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IN THE INNER CITY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: Like we call it %home
Subject(s): Cities; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IN THE LAND WHERE WE WERE DREAMING, by DANIEL BEDINGER LUCAS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fair were our visions! Oh, they were as grand
Last Line: In the land where we were dreaming.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Peace; United States - History


IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE JUNIOR COLLEGE ON THE EVE OF A PRESIDENTAL, by JANE MEAD    Poem Source                    
First Line: I've been sitting in this parking lot %for a long time-thinking
Last Line: Abraham. Abraham- %I'm talking about the wonder
Subject(s): Elections; Presidents, United States


IN THE SLEEP OF REASON, by THOMAS MCGRATH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The pilot, returned, sees the village
Last Line: At 40,000 feet
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Film (photography); News; War


IN THE TIME OF STRIFE, by FRANK LEBBY STANTON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We may not know
Subject(s): Flags - United States


IN THE WAY BACK, by DEBRA KANG DEAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The friday before labor day
Last Line: Our parents left us free to look in both directions, %behind us and ahead
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


IN WHICH ROOSEVELT IS COMPARED TO SAUL?, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where is david? - oh, god's people
Last Line: "singing like a mountain rill!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Saul (11th Century B.c.)


INAUGURATION DAY: JANUARY 1953, by ROBERT LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The snow had buried stuyvesant
Subject(s): Elections; Presidents, United States; Stevenson, Adlai (1900-1965); Voting; Voters; Suffrage


INAUGURATION DAY: JANUARY 1953, by ROBERT LOWELL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The snow had buried stuyvesant
Last Line: The mausoleum in her heart
Subject(s): Elections; Presidents, United States; Stevenson, Adlai (1900-1965)


INCOGNITO LOUNGE, by DENIS JOHNSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The manager lady of this
Last Line: And were married to a deep %comprehension and terror
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


INDEPENDENCE DAY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Orange hawkeye stronger than thought winking above a
Last Line: Independence day! The cow's deep moo's an aum!
Subject(s): United States


INDEPENDENCE DAY, by ROYALL TYLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Squeak the fife, and beat the drum
Last Line: This glorious independence day!
Alternate Author Name(s): Old Simon; S.
Variant Title(s): Ode Composed For The Fourth Of July
Subject(s): Gallatin, Albert (1761-1849); Madison, James (1751-1836); United States - Declaration Of Independence


INDEPENDENCE DAY 1960, by PHILIP S. BRYANT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Around the dawn of time
Last Line: Our own independence day
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Fourth Of July; Freedom; Independence; Sermons


INDIAN BLOOD (2), by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The blackbird teacher / white claw waving
Last Line: Indian blood
Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Children; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations; Students


INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL: THE RUNAWAYS, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Home's the place we head for in our sleep
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Education; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Students


INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL: THE RUNAWAYS, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Home's the place we head for in our sleep
Last Line: Face before it hardened, pale, remembering %delicate old injuries, the spines of names and leaves
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Education; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations


INDIAN CAR, by CATRON GRIEVES    Poem Source                    
First Line: Driving to the winnebago pow-wow, across iowa in the august evening
Last Line: To gas up this indian car
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


INDIAN MOVIE, NEW JERSEY, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not like the white filmstars, all rib
Last Line: Sacrifice, success, love and luck, %the america that was supposed to be
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


INITIAL CONDITIONS, by MARVIN BELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The way the sun will slant
Last Line: As you breathe, let your chest sag to feel bone
Subject(s): Books; History; Restaurants; United States; Washington (state); Reading; Historians; Cafes; Diners; America


INNER HISTORY (APRIL 19, 1775), by LENA HALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: I know a mother wise as solomon
Last Line: And wise heart linked to heart, we understand.
Subject(s): Colonialism; Great Britain; Revolutions; United States; America


INSCRIPTION FOR A WELL IN MEMORY OF THE MARTYRS OF THE WAR, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fall, stream, from heaven to bless; return as well
Last Line: So did our sons; heaven met them as they fell.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fountains; Martyrs; United States - History


INTO THE SILENCE, by WILLIAM HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The stalwart hands, with firmness
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


INTRODUCTION, by JOHN YAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It had to be from someone whose grandparents were born in shanghai
Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Asian Americans - Chinese; Self; Heritage; Heredity; Chinese In The United States


INVENTORY, by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thanksgiving today. Soaked with sleet
Last Line: Here: in america. In america.
Subject(s): Belgium; Confessions; Daughters; Gardens & Gardening; Gratitude; Holidays; Honor; Larch Trees; Loss; Memory; Moving & Movers; Numbers; Omens; Refugees; Sons; Thanksgiving Day; Time; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


INVITATION TO MISS MARIANNE MOORE, by ELIZABETH BISHOP    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From brooklyn, over the brooklyn bridge, on this fine morning
Subject(s): Americans; Moore, Marianne (1887-1972); United States; America


INVITATION TO MISS MARIANNE MOORE, by ELIZABETH BISHOP    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From brooklyn, over the brooklyn bridge, on this fine morning
Last Line: Please come flying
Subject(s): Americans; Moore, Marianne (1887-1972); United States


INVOCATION, by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O thou whose equal purpose runs
Last Line: Be lightning for the land we love!
Variant Title(s): The Land We Love
Subject(s): United States; America


INVOCATION TO THE SOCIAL MUSE, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Se??Ora, it is true the greeks are dead
Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald
Subject(s): United States; Social Classes; Poetry & Poets; America; Caste


IOWA, by MICHAEL DENNIS BROWNE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Air as the fuel of owls. Snow
Last Line: On their hills are strangely childlike
Subject(s): Americans; Iowa; United States


IOWA BLUES BAR SPIRITUAL, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Little tokyo bar -- / ladies night, smoky gauze balcony, whispering tommy becker
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons


IOWA BLUES BAR SPIRITUAL, by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Little tokyo bar -- %ladies night, smoky gauze balcony, whispering tommy becker
Last Line: Opal-eyed suzie in a flannel shirt; we beckon the spark, the body to live
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


IRISHMAN'S OBSERVATION ON BRITISH POLITICS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh what shall we do with the yankeys
Last Line: For jammy has gave him a smack, %and no ships on the ocean to plunder
Subject(s): Great Britain; Navy - United States


ISLA, by VIRGIL SAUREZ    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In los angeles I grew up watching the three stooges,
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States; Cuba; Mothers; Popular Culture - United States


IT IS A LIVING CORAL, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: A trouble / archaically fettered
Subject(s): United States - History


IT IS MY DUTY (1), by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: And it is my duty to say yesterday
Last Line: That is our rate of salt %that is our agreement of chrome and autumn
Subject(s): Duty; Military; Presidents, United States; World War I - Naval Actions


IT IS MY DUTY (2), by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: It is my duty to say that the united states
Last Line: Mr. Churchill will not forget the mortal cereal %but organize and slowly bring the horses on the sta
Subject(s): Churchill, Winston (1874-1965); Presidents, United States


IT IS THE FLAG, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sail some foreign sea
Last Line: But it is the flag!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


IT'S A YOUNG COUNTRY, by REETIKA VAZIRANI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And we cannot bear to grow old
Last Line: Pack lightly we move so fast
Subject(s): Immigrants; Travel; United States


IT'S ONLY ROCK AND ROLL BUT I LIKE IT : THE FALL OF SAIGON, 1975, by DAVID WOJAHN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The guttural stammer of the chopper blades
Last Line: His fists beating time. Then the hands giving way
Variant Title(s): 'it's Only Rock And Roll But I Like It': The Fall Of Saigon, 197
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975


JACK CREAMER [OCTOBER 25, 1812], by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The boarding nettings are triced for fight
Last Line: And the nation was close to its maker then.
Variant Title(s): Jack Cramer
Subject(s): Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); Sea Battles; United States (ship); War Of 1812; Naval Warfare


JACK MAINMAST, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Jack mainmast once got half seas o'er
Last Line: Here's to the lads of a-meri-ca
Subject(s): Navy - United States


JACK MANDOORA ME NO CHOOSE NONE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: It begins when the mother
Last Line: Chopping steadily %into the silent woods
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


JACK, AFTERWARDS, by PHILIP DACEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's difficult to say what it all meant
Last Line: Not even my mother knew, when she could see
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


JACKET NOTES, by ISHMAEL REED    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Being a colored poet
Last Line: You're bigger than the %barrel
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


JACKIE IN CAMBODIA, by CATHERINE BOWMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The air force jet set down like a god
Last Line: Jacqueline to us, not quite jackie o
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


JADE, by JANICE MIRIKITANI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I knew a young hooker
Last Line: Her dead eyes, glassy %as jewels
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


JAMAICA, 1978, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was always about the coconut tree
Last Line: Yu haffa aks yuself: is who this tree go a shade from sun?
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


JAMAICA, OCTOBER 18, 1972, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You tell me about the rickety truck
Last Line: The water between us becoming a river
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


JAMES DEAN & THE PIG, by JOSEPH LIKE    Poem Source                    
First Line: You can't just call it a pig
Last Line: This james dean balanced against this gilt
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


JASPER AT FORT MOULTRIE, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I'm only a sergeant!' jasper said
Last Line: All honor and praise to you!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Courage; Flags - United States; Patriotism; Valor; Bravery; American Flag


JAZZ, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: The music speaks for itself. And it certainly spoke to me. It called me
Last Line: And before he knew it, he was writing poetry
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; Ethnic Groups - United States; Jazz; Music And Musicians


JEANNE DIXON'S AMERICA, by GERALD COSTANZO    Poem Source                    
First Line: San francisco remains in grave personal danger
Last Line: Don't look for this to happen any time soon
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


JEFFERSON D., by HENRY SYLVESTER CORNWELL    Poem Text                    
First Line: You're a traitor convicted, you know very well
Last Line: Jefferson d.!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889); United States - History; Confederacy


JEFFERSON DAVIS, by WALKER MERIWETHER BELL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Calm martyr of a noble cause
Last Line: A relic and a shrine!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889); United States - History; Confederacy


JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN: 74. THE ENGLISH IN VIRGINIA, APRIL 1607, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: They landed and could
Subject(s): United States - Colonial Periodl Nature


JEW IN A NEW SUIT, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: (ice man) %there he goes, the old man selling ice
Last Line: It's your sweet fruit in my bitter mouth
Subject(s): Jews - United States


JEW MARINE, by FERNAND ROQUEPLAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Man, I thought I'd be a boot forever! I just
Last Line: Brace & they thought I'd been shot, too. I said a bland grace
Subject(s): Jews; Marines - United States


JEWISH SINGLES EVENT, by STEWART J. FLORSHEIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here are those who are challenged by
Last Line: Their branded arms embrace us
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


JOHN BROWN OF OSAWATOMIE [OCTOBER 16, 1859], by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: John brown in kansas settled, like a steadfast yankee farmer
Last Line: May trouble you more than ever, when you've nailed his coffin down!
Variant Title(s): How John Brown Took Harper's Ferry;john Brown At Harper's Ferry;how Old John Brown Took Harper's Ferry
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs


JOHN BROWN'S BODY, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They came on to fish-hook gettysburg in this way, after this fashion
Last Line: And the strange south moved against you, lean members lost in the corn
Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Gettysburg, Battle Of; Serfs


JOHN BROWN'S BODY, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They came on to fish-hook gettysburg in this way, after this fashion
Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; U.s. - History


JOHN BURNS OF GETTYSBURG, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Have you heard the story that gossips tell
Last Line: You'll show a hat that's white, or a feather.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; Burns, John; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Patriotism; United States - History; Gettysburg, Battle Of


JOHN CHARLES FREMONT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thy error, fremont, simply was to act
Last Line: But the full time to harden into things.
Variant Title(s): To John C. Fremont
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Fremont, John Charles (1813-1890); Missouri; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY, by JOHN MASEFIELD    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All generous hearts lament the leader killed
Last Line: The promise of his spirit be fulfilled.
Alternate Author Name(s): Masefield, John Edward
Subject(s): Assassination; Dallas, Texas; Death; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917-1963); Lament; Presidents, United States; Dead, The


JOHN HANCOCK, by LEE BENNETT HOPKINS    Poem Source                    
First Line: There,' %he said
Last Line: Proclaimed %the rebellious %john hancock
Subject(s): United States


JOHN HENRY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When john henry was a little boy
Last Line: Lord, I've hammered my insides in two'
Subject(s): United States


JOHN HENRY JONES, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I think I'll be like washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


JOHN PELHAM, by JAMES RYDER RANDALL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Just as the spring came laughing through the strife
Last Line: Twining the victor's crown!
Variant Title(s): The Dead Cannoneer
Subject(s): American Civil War; Kelly's Ford, Virginia, Battle Of (1863); Pelham, John (1838-1863); United States - History


JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, by ELIZABETH H. WHITTIER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He rests with the immortals; his journey has been long
Last Line: Shall his voice be heard to cheer us, shall his finger point the way.
Subject(s): Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848); Presidents, United States


JOHNNY BULL'S BIG GUNS, AND BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sure, have you not heard of that pesky john bull
Last Line: That he'll scarcely be able to get out of port, %with his big guns and rockets and pumpkin-shell bom
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; War Of 1812


JOLLY SOLDIER, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: I once was a seaman stout and bold
Last Line: "abd I'll still be the jolly, jolly soldier"
Subject(s): "holidays;presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


JONAH'S PROMISE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm supposed to sit with the coffin for an hour and read psalms
Last Line: Unto you will I sing praises
Subject(s): Jews - United States


JOURNEY SOUTH, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA    Poem Source                    
First Line: How have you been, %my beautiful friend
Last Line: Bless us, %eucalyptus
Subject(s): California; Immigrants; Travel; United States


JULY, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: July's for independence day
Last Line: July comes for flags and play.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Fourth Of July; Holidays; Summer; American Flag; Independence Day


JULY FOURTH BY THE OCEAN, by ROBINSON JEFFERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The continent's a tamed ox, with all its mountains,
Last Line: How it would have feared us
Subject(s): Sea; United States; Ocean; America


JUNE FOURTEENTH, by CAROLINE BOWERS TOMBO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Once upon a summer's day
Subject(s): Flags - United States


JUNE'S FLAG, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: June flung her flag out
Last Line: And wave on so forever, bright flag of the free!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Freedom; Summer; American Flag; Liberty


JUNIOR HIGH DANCE, by ALLISON JOSEPH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No one wanted to dance with us
Last Line: Right there, no matter how funky %the beat, no matter how delicious
Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations


KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A closed window looks down
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks


KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A closed window looks down
Last Line: Return, destroy, and create. What will be %the sacred words
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


KANSAS CITY TO SAINT LOUIS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Leaving k.C. Mo. Past independence past liberty
Subject(s): United States; America


KANSAS CITY TO SAINT LOUIS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Leaving k.C. Mo. Past independence past liberty
Last Line: Highway spanning highway, %bridged from suburb to suburb
Subject(s): United States


KATHE KOLLWITZ, AFTER A VISIT TO THE NEW RUSSIA, 1927, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: My model sleeps. But no matter
Last Line: Even there hunger rattles on %like an empty train
Subject(s): Kent State University - Riot, 1970; Kollwitz, Kathe (1867-1945); Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


KATORI MARU, OCTOBER 1920, by JAMES MASAO MITSUI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Two weeks across a strange sea
Last Line: On the gray sidewalks of america
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


KEARNY AT SEVEN PINES [MAY 31, 1862], by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So that soldierly legend is still on its journey
Last Line: Line.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Kearny, Philip (1814-1862); Memorial Day; Patriotism; Seven Pines, Battle Of (1862); United States - History; Declaration Day; Fair Oaks, Battle Of (1862)


KEENAN'S CHARGE, by GEORGE PARSONS LATHROP    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sun had set
Last Line: That saved the army at chancellorsville.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cavalry; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Holidays; Keenan, Peter (1834-1863); Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


KENTUCKY BELLE, by CONSTANCE FENIMORE WOOLSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Summer of 'sixty-three, sir, and conrad was gone away
Last Line: Ah! We've had many horses since, but never a horse like her!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Kentucky; Morgan, John Hunt (1825-1864); United States - History


KILLED AT THE FORD, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He is dead, the beautiful youth
Last Line: And the neighbors wondered that she should die.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; War


KING COMMITTEE', by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I'm the nice demure congressional committee
Last Line: Stick my tongue, a mite sarcastic, in my cheek
Subject(s): United States – Congress; Wit & Humor


KINGED, by SHALIN HAI-JEW    Poem Source                    
First Line: Crumpled like an embroidered pillowcase
Last Line: Into her blood for it to be creeping %so slowly now. So red.Black
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


KISS ASS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Kissass is the part of peace
Subject(s): United States; America


KISS ASS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Kissass is the part of peace
Last Line: Only pathway to peace, kissass
Subject(s): United States


KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I always like summer / best
Last Line: And sleep
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Appalachia; Family Life; Knoxville, Tennessee; Summer; United States; Women; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America


KNUCKS, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In abraham lincoln's city
Last Line: This is abraham lincoln's home town.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Secondhand Trade


KONG BREAKS A LEG AT THE WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, by WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE    Poem Source                    
First Line: First, this one: peetah, peetah, peetah!
Last Line: Imagine you're pearl harbour, I said inscrutably
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


KOSCIUSKO (ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS AID TO AMERICA), by MARGARETTE BALL DICKSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: West point has many monuments of note
Last Line: And in the land of william tell ... Met death.
Subject(s): Kosciuszko, Thaddeus (1746-1817); United States - Military Academy


LA MIGRA, by PAT MORA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Let's play la migra
Last Line: You do not understand / get ready
Subject(s): Mexican Border; United States – Immigration & Emigration


LA MIGRA, by PAT MORA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Let's play la migra
Last Line: You do not understand %get ready
Subject(s): Chicanos; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LA NUIT AMERICAINE, by MARK SULLIVAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The american night throws shadows
Last Line: A white lie, not fooling anyone
Subject(s): Automobiles; Night; United States


LA PUCELLE DE VERCHERES, by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Name of heaven! 'no woman, 'you say, 'may be
Last Line: But to test our own was madeleine's soul lent us from heaven an hour.
Subject(s): Courage; Death; Religion; United States - Colonial Period; Women; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The; Theology


LABYRINTH OF HEARING, by PABLO MEDINA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sound, no
Last Line: The labyrinth of hearing
Subject(s): Cuba; Ethnic Groups - United States; Poetry And Poets; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration


LACKAWANNA ELEGY, by IWAN GOLL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: America %the tongues of your rivers burn with thirst
Last Line: In the rose-garden of your sick soul %the holocaust waits to begin
Alternate Author Name(s): Goll, Yvan
Subject(s): Exiles; United States; World War Ii


LADY IN THE PINK MUSTANG, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sun goes down for hours, taking more of her along
Last Line: Until we're even. Until the last %coin is rubbed for luck and spent. %I don't sell for nothing less
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Popular Culture - United States


LAKOTA SISTER/CHEROKEE MOTHER, by VICTORIA LENA MANYARROWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: We are both from the center of the continent
Last Line: That no one could understand
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAMENTING THE INEVITABLE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The world dances with hate
Last Line: Of the burning world
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAMENTING THE INEVITABLE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The world dances with hate
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LANDSCAPE WITH BARNS, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The barns like scarlet lungs are breathing in
Subject(s): United States; America


LANGUAGE LESSON 1976, by HEATHER MCHUGH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When americans say a man
Subject(s): Americans; Language; Play; United States; Words; Vocabulary; America


LANGUAGE LESSON 1976, by HEATHER MCHUGH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When americans say a man
Last Line: And let me be %the one you never hold
Subject(s): Americans; Language; Play; United States


LANGUAGE OF GREAT-AUNTS, by ALBERTO ALVARO RIOS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The great-aunts have a corner, and wrinkled skin
Last Line: Later we stay tight, and pull in mirrors at our strong skin
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAST CENTURY, by WYATT PRUNTY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Last century we took a lot of shots
Subject(s): United States - History


LAST GOOD WAR-AND AFTERWARD, by ISABEL JOSHLIN GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: We saved enough tinfoil
Last Line: To love again, later
Subject(s): United States


LAST WOLF, by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The last wolf hurried toward me
Last Line: I know what they have done
Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAST WORD, by AMINA BARAKA    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'd rather my fist be made of steel
Last Line: Be at least as mighty as the sword
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAUGHING GAS, by RUTH WHITMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was near the coliseum, rko
Last Line: Laugh before breakfast, %cry before dinner
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LAUNCH; A FEDERAL SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye sons of columbia, your ardour display
Last Line: To bravely oppose the proud foes of our nation
Subject(s): Merrimack (ship); Navy - United States


LAUS DEO!, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It is done! / clang of bell and roar of gun
Last Line: Who alone is lord and god!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; God; Patriotism; United States - History; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


LAVENDER WINDOWPANES AND WHITE CURTAINS, by JUAN RAMON JIMENEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lavender window panes! They are like a pedigree of nobility
Last Line: Homesick for earth
Subject(s): New York City - Colonial Period; United States


LAWRENCE WELK, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: I loved my gram, but couldn't stand her show
Last Line: Would polka her around the universe
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


LE MARAIS DU CYNGE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A blush as of roses
Last Line: The march of the day.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Marais Du Cygne (river), Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


LEAGUE OF NATIONS; THE PRESIDENT RETURNS TO AMERICA, by NANCY BYRD TURNER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Back to our shores he comes from the sad strand
Last Line: A watch-fire on the topmost hill of time.
Subject(s): League Of Nations; Nations; Presidents, United States; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924)


LEARNING TO DRAW, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Leonardo! I'm learning to see %in fractions: the body in eighths
Last Line: In their saucers, and my frogs any moment %will leap off the page
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


LEARNING TO READ, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Very soon the yankee teachers / came down and set up school
Last Line: As the queen upon her throne.
Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Americans; Bible; Schools; Slavery; Southern States; United States; Students; Serfs; South (u.s.); America


LEAVE, O LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY FELL, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From their far hesperides
Last Line: Leave, o leave them where they fell!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): France; Soldiers; United States; War; America


LEAVES, by SAM HAMOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Tonight, sally and I are making stuffed
Last Line: Though it seems so late
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LECOMPTON'S BLACK BRIGADE, by CHARLES GRAHAM HALPINE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Single-handed, and surrounded by lecompton's
Last Line: Through all the coming years.
Alternate Author Name(s): O'reilly, Miles
Subject(s): Democratic Party (u.s.); Douglas, Stephen A. (1813-1861); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Political Conventions; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


LED AND RULED?, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: English led and english ruled'!
Last Line: That herald peace, outshining mars!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): England; Leadership; United States; English; America


LEDA'S CHILDREN, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The swan honking of the woman
Last Line: Shit she leaves behind, only to %step, once more, in my own
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


LEE TO THE REAR [MAY 12, 1864], by JOHN REUBEN THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dawn of a pleasant morning in may
Last Line: The gray-bearded man in the black slouched hat.
Alternate Author Name(s): Thompson, John Randolph
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Memorial Day; Patriotism; United States - History; Wilderness Campaign (1864); Declaration Day


LEFT BANK JAZZ SOCIETY, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Freddie hubbard's music
Last Line: Black and black -sweet
Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers


LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground
Last Line: Said what they meant %and I guess nobody ever does
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LENOX HILL, by AGHA SHAHID ALI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The hun so loved the cry, one falling elephant's
Last Line: When I remember you – beyond all accounting o my mother?
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


LES ONCLES, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Snow on the roof but fire in the cellar'
Last Line: I had learned enough of that language to ask %'but didn't you use the familiar?'
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


LET THERE BE LIGHT, by JOHN PIERPONT    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From the beginning the eternal cause
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LET THREE DAYS PASS, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let the one released from feeling
Last Line: Showering every two hours and scrubbing their hair.
Subject(s): Nuclear Accidents; Popular Culture - United States; Television; Chernobyl; Three Mile Island; Tv


LETTER TO A CRETAN FLUTE-MAKER, by JUSTIN VITIELLO    Poem Source                    
First Line: We have not forgotten you but here they have you pretend to work
Last Line: There are no peasants here, but my son is learning how to swim and play the flute
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LETTER TO MOTHER, by JOHN CIARDI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It was good. You found your america. It was worth all
Last Line: But there will be no america discovered by analogy
Subject(s): Letters; Mothers; United States; America


LETTER TO MOTHER, by JOHN CIARDI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It was good. You found your america. It was worth all
Last Line: But there will be no americas discovered by analogy
Subject(s): Letters; Mothers; United States


LETTER TO THE FRONT: 8, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Evening bringing me out of the government building,
Subject(s): War; Freedom; United States; Liberty; America


LETTER TO THE FRONT: 9, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Among all the waste there are the intense stories
Subject(s): United States - Politics & Government; Women & War


LEWINSKI STEW, by PAT D'AMICO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Monica squealed while linda was taping
Last Line: Though I fear she will soon have him fixed
Subject(s): Clinton, William Jefferson (b. 1946); Lewinski, Monica; Politics; Presidents, United States; Sex


LIBERACE, by JONATHAN HOLDEN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It took generations to mature
Subject(s): Liberace, Lee (1919-1987); Popular Culture - United States


LIBERACE, by JONATHAN HOLDEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It took generations to mature
Last Line: Knows. Thank you, it breathes %with ointment in its voice, %thank you very much
Subject(s): Liberace, Lee (1919-1987); Popular Culture - United States


LIBERATOR, by HORACE SPENCER FISKE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Uprisen from his fasced chair of state
Variant Title(s): St. Gauden's Lincoln Statue, Chicag
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LIBERTY TREE, by THOMAS PAINE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a chariot of light from the regions of day
Last Line: In defence of our liberty tree.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Freedom; United States - Continental Congress; War; Liberty


LIFE, MCKENZIE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is the envelope, my gap-toothed friend
Last Line: Let them make for you a new exasperation
Subject(s): Jews - United States


LIFE-MASK OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by GERTRUDE BLOEDE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah, countless wonders brought from every zone
Alternate Author Name(s): Sterne, Stuart
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LIGHT ON THE PEWTER DISH, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Driving across the huge bridge
Last Line: During the thirty years' war
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War


LIKE A TREE, by EMMA THOMAS SCOVILLE    Poem Text                    
First Line: I saw a sturdy tree, wind crucified
Last Line: He stood quite like the scarred and noble tree!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Peace; Presidents, United States; Silence; War


LIKE WASHINGTON, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: We cannot all be washingtons
Last Line: They do their best when they are smaller
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


LILIES OF THE FIELD, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The road is full of people
Last Line: And her english has much improved
Subject(s): United States - Immigration & Emigration


LINCOLN, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I knew the man. I see him, as he stands
Last Line: Lord of himself, an inborn gentleman!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Crown we our heroes with a holier wreath
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by JOHN VANCE CHENEY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The hour was on us; where the man?
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by SAMUEL VALENTINE COLE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Whence came this man? As if on the wings
Last Line: And belongs to the ages now!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Hurt was the nation with a mighty wound
Last Line: And wrote thee down among her treasured few.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by LYDIA LANDO ELLIOTT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The deeds of him who bore that name
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like a gaunt, scraggly pine
Last Line: Bitter for remembrance of the healing which has passed.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by SAMUEL ELLSWORTH KISER    Poem Source                    
First Line: New heroes rise above the toiling throng
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Would I might rouse the lincoln in you all
Last Line: Fire that freed the slave.
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by RICHARD LINTHICUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: What strong, sure hand shall guide the laboring ship
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by THOMAS MACKELLAR    Poem Source                    
First Line: So deep our grief, it may be silence is
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Chained by stern duty to the rock of state
Last Line: Who always on earth's little ones hath smiled.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by WILBUR DICK NESBIT    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We mark the lovly place where he was born
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by ROBERT HENRY NEWELL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas needed - the name of a martyr sublime
Alternate Author Name(s): Kerr, Orpheus
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by BENJAMIN S. PARKER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The voice is hushed, the heart is still
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by HENRIETTA CORDELIA RAY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We lift the curtain of the past to-day
Last Line: The world shall echo with our lincoln's name.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ray, Cordelia
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A peaceful life; - just toil and rest
Last Line: Of self, his peaceful life.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by BEULAH WINDLE SCALLIN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Brave soul, heir of sturdy mountaineers
Last Line: The great american.
Subject(s): Americans; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by EMMA THOMAS SCOVILLE    Poem Text                    
First Line: I mused by lincoln's statue on the square
Last Line: Ring out his eulogy in silver songs.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Praise; Presidents, United States; Statues


LINCOLN, by B. F. M. SOURS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Over snowy fields of cotton
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Say - if men asked for him - he has gone home
Last Line: "they have the power to will, the will to wait."
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Heroic soul, in homely garb half hid
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by HENRY TYRRELL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Lincoln arose! The masterful, great man
Last Line: Blending of puritan and cavalier.
Variant Title(s): The Masterful Great Man;lincoln's Way
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: In him distilled and potent the choice essence of a race!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by RICHARD WIGHTMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: And he was once a babe, little and like any other
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: A log cabin, rude and rough
Last Line: Of that dim shadowy firelit room.
Subject(s): February; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN (1), by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: Wise with the wisdom of ages
Last Line: Deathless, he enters life.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN (2), by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: He walked among us and we passed him by
Last Line: The goal of their desires, with breaking dawn.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN - THE BOY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O simple as the rhymes that tell
Last Line: The loving man he was.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN AND HIS PSALM, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TAYLOR    Poem Source                    
First Line: Move on, ye pilgrims, to the springfield tomb
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN AT GETTYSBURG, by MARY MATHEWS ADAMS    Poem Source                    
First Line: A nation's voice, a nation's praise
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


LINCOLN BOULDER, by LOUIS BRADFORD COUCH    Poem Source                    
First Line: O mighty boulder, wrought by god's own hand
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN CAMPAIGN SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We hear a cry increasing still
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN CENTENARY ODE, by PERCY MACKAYE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No ceremonial
Alternate Author Name(s): Mackaye, Percy Wallace
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN IN BRONZE, by ROBERTUS LOVE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here do I look upon historic form
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN LEADS, by MINNA IRVING    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Across the page of history
Last Line: For lincoln leads them all.
Alternate Author Name(s): Michener, Harry, Mrs.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN SLAIN, by EDWIN MARKHAM    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the moment of his glory
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN STILL LIVES, by CHARLES MUMFORD    Poem Text                    
First Line: This mask of bronze cannot conceal his heart
Last Line: O shame-faced death, you sped your shaft in vain.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN TRIUMPHANT, by EDWIN MARKHAM    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lincoln is not dead
Last Line: To make the world a world of friends.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN! WHEN MEN WOULD NAME A MAN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S ASSASSINATION, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: On pleasure bent, see how the pressing hordes
Last Line: Lincoln alone, in an eternal scene.
Subject(s): Assassination; Comedy; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Plays & Playwrights ; Presidents, United States; Tragedy; Dramatists


LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A sacred day is this
Last Line: All glorified!
Alternate Author Name(s): Hotair, Dopeton
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, by NATHAN HASKELL DOLE    Poem Source                    
First Line: As back we look across the ages
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, by IDA VOSE WOODBURY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Again thy birthday dawns, o man beloved
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY - 1918, by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When over-burdened with its care
Last Line: Mine eyes will find their way to light.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hotair, Dopeton
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S DREAM, by FREDERICK RIDGELY TORRENCE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How can I tell them what it was I saw
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN'S PASSING BELL, by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tolling, tolling, tollint!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN, THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE, by EDWIN MARKHAM    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the norn mother saw the whirlwind hour
Last Line: And leaves a lonesome place against the sky.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States; Religion; United States - History; Theology


LINCOLN: A RETROSPECT, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now that the winds of peace have blown away
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINCOLN; APRIL, 1865-1915, by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O thou that on this april day
Last Line: No marble white enough for thee!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LINES ADDRESSED TO MRS. H.B. STOWE ON HER VISIT TO GLASGOW, 1853, by JANET HAMILTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lady, to thee, to fortune, and to fame
Last Line: Shall meet thee—not on earth; our goal's the sky.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896); Temperance; Antislavery Movement - United States; Prohibition


LINES FOR A FLAG RAISING CEREMONY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Full many a flag the breeze has kissed
Last Line: Our flag shall sink into the dust.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


LINES ON THE BACK OF A CONFEDERATE NOTE, by SAMUEL ALROY JONAS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Representing nothing on god's earth now
Last Line: Like our hope of success it has passed.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Patriotism; United States - History; Confederacy


LINES ON THE DEATH OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, by JAMES MONROE WHITFIELD    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The great, the good, the just, the true
Last Line: The blessings, truth and virtue given
Subject(s): Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848); Amistad (schooner); Presidents, United States; Slavery


LINES TO A FRIEND VISITING AMERICA, by GEORGE MEREDITH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now farewell to you! You are
Last Line: To england, and to me my friend.
Subject(s): England; United States; War; English; America


LINES TO MARY ELLIOT FLANERY, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As your eager eyes peruse
Last Line: Live long your principles to prove.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


LINES UPON THE DEATH OF CHARLEY DU BIGNON, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The years of manhood had not tinged
Last Line: The laurel wreath of fame.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Soldiers; United States - History; Dead, The


LINES WRITTEN NEAR SAN FRANCISCO, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I wake and feel the city trembling.
Subject(s): Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921); United States; Social Commentaries; America


LION THAT ROOSEVELT SHOT, by ISABEL FISKE CONANT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was a king of beasts, and he, all valor
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


LISTENEN TO BIG BLACK AT S.F. STATE, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No mo meetings
Last Line: Loud with blk/nation/hood %builden
Subject(s): Americans; United States


LITERALLY, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Abortion was merely a metaphor
Last Line: I am now trying my best to ignore
Subject(s): Abortion; Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


LITERARY IMPORTATION, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: However we wrangled with britain awhile
Subject(s): Great Britain; United States


LITTLE GIFFEN, by FRANCIS ORRERY TICKNOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Out of the focal and foremost fire
Last Line: "for ""little giffen,"" of tennessee."
Variant Title(s): Little Giffen Of Tennessee
Subject(s): American Civil War; Giffen, Isaac Newton (1847-1865); Heroism; Murfreesboro, Battle Of (1862); Patriotism; United States - History; Giffen, Isaac; Heroes; Heroines


LITTLE GIRL AND WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'd like to be like washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


LITTLE MAID OF FAR JAPAN, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Little maid upon my fan
Last Line: Do you like this other place?
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; Children; January; Japanese In The United States; Childhood


LITTLE ORPHANT TEDDY'S COME TO OUR, by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Hotair, Dopeton
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


LIVE THOU IN NATURE, by RICHARD WATSON GILDER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


LIVING ALONE WITH JESUS, by MAXINE W. KUMIN    Poem Source     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Can it be %I am the only jew residing in danville, kentucky
Last Line: Out of your damaged hands
Alternate Author Name(s): Kumin, Maxine
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jews; Kentucky; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LIVING IN AMERICA, by ANNE STEVENSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Living in america,' / the intelligent people at harvard say,
Subject(s): United States; America


LIVING IN CHESTON, by CYNTHIA RYLANT    Poem Source                    
Last Line: There's nothing more, %but me and this frozen town %that somebody's been dreaming %into life
Subject(s): United States


LO! HE WOULD LIFT THE BURDEN, by WILLIAM DUDLEY FOULKE    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


LOGAN AT PEACH TREE CREEK; A VETERAN'S STORY [JULY 20, 1864], by HAMLIN GARLAND    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You know that day at peach tree creek
Last Line: As on the day mcpherson died.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Atlanta Campaign (1864); Logan, John Alexander (1826-1886); Mcpherson, James Birdseye (1828-1864); United States - History


LOLLAPALOSER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: So your second marriage is not sad
Last Line: About your being the milkman's daughter
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


LONELINESS OF LINCOLN, by X. J. KENNEDY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At mount rushmore I look up into one
Last Line: And he looked me in the eye and he said, alone
Alternate Author Name(s): Kennedy, Joseph
Subject(s): United States


LONELY TYLENOL, by PETER GIZZI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: You have to begin somewhere
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


LONELY TYLENOL, by PETER GIZZI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You have to begin somewhere
Last Line: There there. No place like home
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


LONG I THOUGHT THAT KNOWLEDGE ALONE WOULD SUFFICE ME, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: It is to be enough for each of us that we are together—we never separate again
Subject(s): United States; Poetry & Poets; Conduct Of Life


LONG ISLAND SOUND, by EMMA LAZARUS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I see it as it looked one afternoon
Last Line: All these fair sounds and sights I made my own.
Subject(s): Americans; Long Island Sound; United States; America


LONG SHADOW OF LINCOLN, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Be sad, be cool, be kind
Last Line: By the light of the hard old teaching: %'we must disenthrallouselves'
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


LONG, LONG AGO (2), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Back in our history long, long ago
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


LOOK TO THE END, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER    Poem Text                    
First Line: The german empire is no more
Last Line: O, god!—and we've been proud!
Subject(s): Disasters; Germany; Lusitania (ship); Shipwrecks; United States; War; Germans; America


LOOK WITHIN, by CLAUDE MCKAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lord, let me not be silent while we fight
Last Line: While worm-infested, rotten through within!
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): Fascism & Fascists; Racism; United States; World War Ii; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; America; Second World War


LOSING FOOTING, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Did your father's breathing become the rasping
Last Line: As you lifted your palms to the light?
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


LOSING LANGUAGE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's pan zbyszek's funeral, and I'm running late
Last Line: I will neither fidget nor flinch
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


LOST AND FOUND, by MAXINE CHERNOFF    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I am looking for the photo that would make all the difference in my life. It's
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


LOST NAME WOMAN, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Mississippi china woman
Last Line: Who will feed you when you die
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


LOST PARENTS, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It takes a fast car / to lead a double life
Subject(s): Modern Man; Popular Culture - United States


LOST PARENTS, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It takes a fast car %to lead a double life
Last Line: For lost parents %their own age
Subject(s): Modern Man; Popular Culture - United States


LOT'S WIFE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The last time we cast shadows %on the wall
Last Line: And god, his mouth, his wet mouth, %always the taste of
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


LOVE IN AMERICA, by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whatever it is, it's a passion
Subject(s): Americans; Modern Life; United States; America


LOVE IN AMERICA, by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whatever it is, it's a passion
Last Line: Whatever it is, let it be without %affectation %yes, yes, yes, yes
Subject(s): Americans; Life, Modern; United States


LOVE POEM FOR MY BROTHER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: You were so cool %so handsome in a white t-shirt
Last Line: She lied. I'm sorry you were up there when momma died
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


LULLABY, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Your hands resting %against my scalp
Last Line: Wind blowing in %colder than your kiss
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


LUNCH WITH GIRL SCOUTS, by SHARON BRYAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: These ten-year-olds all want other names
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


LYRICS FOR THE BRIDE OF GOD: 2. AMERICA: SEEN AS A BIRD, by NATHANIEL TARN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The light in the skull of the bird
Last Line: Slow fall to grasses like the dying snow
Subject(s): Birds; United States


MACARONI, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis made of the flour of wheat, so they say
Last Line: And don't you forget the chianti!
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Food & Eating; Italian Americans; New York City; Pasta; Restaurants; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Spaghetti; Lasagna; Noodles; Macaroni; Cafes; Diners


MADAM'S PAST HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My name is johnson
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America


MADAM'S PAST HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My name is johnson
Last Line: I do cooking, %day's work, too ! %alberta k. Johnson %madam to you
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Subject(s): African Americans; United States


MADAME LA GRIPPE, by JAMES RYDER RANDALL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the seas meet the land, and the land quits the seas
Last Line: So providence shield us from madame la grippe!
Subject(s): Cities; Sickness; United States; Urban Life; Illness; America


MADISON'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all ye madisonian's, ye have now gain'd your pitch
Last Line: And for free commerce on the sea, %to columbia's sons
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


MAFIOSO, by SANDRA M. GILBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Frank costello eating spaghetti in a cell at san quentin
Last Line: To grind the organs out of you
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAIL KING, by PAUL B. JANECZKO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Edward macdermott %came back from wwii
Last Line: Me a catalog of garden supplies
Subject(s): United States


MAIL ORDER CATALOGS, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Pewter loons, ceramic bunnies, and faux bamboo
Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MAIL ORDER CATALOGS, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Pewter loons, ceramic bunnies, and faux bamboo
Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MAKING PIEROGI, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: The dough is not turning out. It refuses
Last Line: And float in the salty water, and rescue them %again and again
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


MALCOLM IS 'BOUT MORE THAN WEARING A CAP, by MICHAEL WARR    Poem Source                    
First Line: The problem is not the letter x
Last Line: Only we can malcolm the x
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MALVERN HILL [JULY 1, 1862], by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye elms that wave on malvern hill
Last Line: Leaves must be green in spring.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Malvern Hill, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


MAMA, COME BACK, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
Last Line: As warmly as you hugged strangers
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAMA: 1. RICE CHILD, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: She is the lady %who microwaves tea
Last Line: The last child to taste her rice candy
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAMA: 2. THE MARRIAGE, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Her marriage was arranged
Last Line: And demanded a new wife
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAMA: 3. FAMILY, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: She and her husband moved
Last Line: Dropped in letters and flags
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAMA: 4. HER WISH, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: During the fifties
Last Line: As she cried, 'I want to die
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAMA: 5. HER GIFT, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: In september %I became a woman
Last Line: She is my obaachan
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAN FOR MARY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: One who wouldn't dream of insisting
Last Line: Mary loves house plants, lots of windows, lots of light
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MAN I LOVE AND I SHOP AT JEWEL, by JIM ELLEDGE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Untouched, the door swings open before us, and-voila!-we're in the produce
Last Line: Universe, I belt out I feel pretty, oh, so retty in the best ethel merman I can %muster
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE, by FREDERIC LAWRENCE KNOWLES    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The chance-flung favorite of no lucky
Alternate Author Name(s): Paget, R. L.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MAN OF MEN, by LEONARD VAN NOPPEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Bred in a low place, lord of little deeds
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


MAN OF STRAIGHT WORD AND VALIANT DEED, by MARGARET BOYCE BONNELL    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MAN SHE CALLED HONEY, AND MARRIED, by ALBERTO ALVARO RIOS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In her hands she holds
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MAN WHO TOUCHED THE TWELVE-ARMED GODDESS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am clever,' says the man. 'the guards
Last Line: Curving ram's horns, necklace of claws, tiger teeth
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


MANASSAS [JULY 21, 1861], by CATHERINE ANNE WARFIELD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They have met at last - as storm-clouds
Last Line: At manassas.
Alternate Author Name(s): Warfield, Catherine M.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bull Run, Battles Of; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Manassas, Batlle Of; Declaration Day


MANE STORY, by LAURA TOHE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Straight hair, black hair, brown hair, coarse hair, horse hair
Last Line: Over paper is the sound of seeds tumbling inside a dry gourd
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Ethnic Identity; Native Americans - Women


MANHATTAN ARMING, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: First o songs for a prelude
Last Line: But now you smile with joy exulting old mannahatta.
Variant Title(s): Drum-taps
Subject(s): American Civil War; New York City - 19th Century; Soldiers; United States - History


MANHATTAN LULLABY, by RACHEL (LYMAN) FIELD    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now lighted windows climb the dark
Last Line: And boys like you are born
Subject(s): United States


MANHATTAN THIRTIES FLASH, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Long stone streets inanimate, repetitive machine crash cookie-cutting
Subject(s): New York City; United States; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; America


MANHATTAN THIRTIES FLASH, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Long stone streets inanimate, repetitive machine crash cookie-cutting
Last Line: Con edison skyscraper clock-head gleaming gold-lit at sun dusk
Subject(s): New York City; United States


MANHATTAN'S DEAR ISLE; U.S.S. RELIEF, CALLAO, PERU, 1843, by W. F. SPICER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Tis the evening of christmas, the maskers have met
Last Line: Until from the land of the stranger she's borne, %and anchors once more near manhattan's dear isle
Subject(s): Christmas; Navy - United States


MANHATTAN, 1609, by EDWIN MARKHAM    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where now the bells of trinity are heard
Last Line: Up went the flag of holland like a flame!
Subject(s): New York City; Sea Voyages; Tourists; United States - History; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


MANNEQUINS, by DANIEL MARK EPSTEIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: This indecent procession of the undead
Last Line: Kiss me, you desecration of a man
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MANTLE, by WILLIAM HEYEN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mantle ran so hard, they said
Subject(s): Baseball; Mantle, Mickey (1931-1995); Popular Culture - United States; Sports


MANTLE, by WILLIAM HEYEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mantle ran so hard, they said
Last Line: Now a fastball, now a slow %curve hanging %like a model's smile
Subject(s): Baseball; Mantle, Mickey (1931-1995); Popular Culture - United States; Sports


MARCHING SONG, by DANA BURNET    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When pershing's men go marching into picardy
Last Line: And pershing's men are marching, marching into picardy.
Subject(s): Army - United States; World War I; First World War


MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA, by HENRY CLAY WORK    Poem Text                 Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bring the good old bugle boys, we'll sing another song
Last Line: While we were marching through georgia.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Georgia (state); Holidays; Memorial Day; Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History; Declaration Day


MARILYN MONROE INDIAN, by LEO ROMERO    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Out by zuni %or someplace
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MARINES' HYMN, by L. Z. PHILLIPS    Poem Source                    
First Line: From the halls of montezuma
Last Line: They will find the streets are guarded %by the united states marines
Subject(s): Marines - United States; Patriotism


MARINES' HYMN [OR, SONG], by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: From the halls of montezuma
Last Line: They will find the streets are guarded by %the united states marines
Subject(s): Marines - United States; Navy - United States


MARIO SAVIO, by CARL STILLWELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: There was a time
Last Line: Mario savio %presente!
Subject(s): United States


MARTAL DIPTYCH, by GLYN MAXWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By stock-still flags on the hottest day
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; War


MARTHY VIRGINIA'S HAND [SEPTEMBER 17, 1862], by GEORGE PARSONS LATHROP    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There, on the left!' said the colonel; the battle had shuddered
Last Line: See! There is lifted the hand of a baby -- marthy virginia's hand!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Antietam, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


MARTIN AND MY FATHER, by DAVID HERNANDEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Martin was too peaceful for me
Last Line: That martin, %he was something else
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MARTIN LUTHER KING, by AILEEN FISHER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Because he took a stand for peace
Last Line: Of martin luther king
Subject(s): United States


MARTYR, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No, not in vain he died, not all in vain
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


MARY MORELLE SHOW, by DENISE NICO LETO    Poem Source                    
First Line: My aunt maria %had a show
Last Line: But did anyone %really know %her
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MARY TODD LINCOLN AT FORD'S THEATRE, by SUSAN TERRIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: So I said no, no more dramas like these with pieces of my flesh
Last Line: Let me, too, be freed from myself and from this killing darkness
Subject(s): American Civil War; Civil War; Death; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History; Violence


MARY TODD ON HER DEATHBED, by JULIANNA BAGGOTT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I can hear them, choking on spoons, screaming
Last Line: In my handmade girlhood hoop-skirt snapping
Subject(s): Death; Insanity; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


MARY, MOTHER OF WASHINGTON, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Children of fair saint botolph's town
Last Line: Mary, mother of washington!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799); Washinton, Mary Ball


MASTER OF HEARTS OF MEN THAT JUSTICE, by JOHN LINCOLN BLAUSS    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MASTERY, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: At 22, I snuck up on rembrandt's pose
Last Line: Of what was lost: a rescue or refuge
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


MATINEE, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Two o'clock on a saturday afternoon in november
Last Line: And wounded bird. Pretend, pretend. You glitter as you fall
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MAY-81, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was leaving my ninth year
Last Line: With hair of coiling flames %each turned away his face
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


MEANING OF W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: W is for washington, noble and brave
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


MEETING, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: In school, I kept my papers neat
Last Line: And I did %god help me, I did
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


MEETING, by ELLA GRANDOM SMITH    Poem Source                    
First Line: Upward and onward his brave soul is
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MEETING YOU AT THE PIERS, by KENNETH KOCH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I should like to describe amerika to you
Subject(s): United States; New York City; Immigrants; Kafka, Franz (1883-1924); America; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration


MEMORIES OF WHITMAN AND LINCOLN, by JAMES OPPENHEIM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lilacs shall bloom for walt whitman
Last Line: And lilacs for abraham lincoln.
Subject(s): Flowers; Lilacs; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Poetry & Poets; Presidents, United States; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891)


MEMORLAE POSITUM; R. G. S., by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath the trees
Last Line: And die as thine have done!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


MEMORY GARDENS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Covered with yellow leaves / in morning rain
Subject(s): United States; America


MEMORY GARDENS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Covered with yellow leaves %in morning rain
Last Line: Everything else, drunken %dumbshow
Subject(s): United States


MEMORY OF LINCOLN AND THE YANKEES, by JAMES EPHRIAM MCGIRT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Among the dear old friends we people cherish
Last Line: And tell them of the yankees' blessed deed.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


MEN: 1, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Today I saw black men
Last Line: Holding their own
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MEN: 2, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our streets filled
Last Line: Headlines ourselves
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MEN: 3, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the world
Last Line: We jab and swing
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MEN: 4, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Black men
Last Line: Black hearts, black %hands
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MEN: 5, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The young men
Last Line: Just big enough %for love
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MENOPAUSE, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I dreamed I had an alligator belly
Last Line: To help me cut off this huge, bloody growth %hanging out of my crotch
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MENTAL HORIZONS: 5. PROFESSOR WHITEPRIDE-RACE PREJUDICE, by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Anon approaches a critical sage
Last Line: "whether jap or german, swede or kurd!"
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


MERCY AND THE BRAZOS RIVER, by WALTER ROBERT MCDONALD                        Poet's Biography
First Line: My great-greats came to hardscrabble plains
Alternate Author Name(s): Mcdonald, Walt
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Prairies - Texas; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Plains - Texas


MERICN FST FD, by THOM TAMMARO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sld bar 1.99+drnk
Last Line: All u care 2 eat
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MERMAID (2), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: On friday morn we set sail
Last Line: And the land lubbers lying down below
Subject(s): Navy - United States


MERRY CREW, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The boiler boys below decks
Last Line: Set course against the wind
Subject(s): Jews - United States


MIAMI HEART, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a long text, on live tv, in an amphitheater, in the soil
Last Line: One writes with one's desire.
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Discontent; Popular Culture - United States; Writing & Writers; Estrangement; Outcasts; Dissatisfaction


MID-YEAR REPORT: FOR HARUKO, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By this time / 20,000 tusti had been slaughtered
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MID-YEAR REPORT: FOR HARUKO, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By this time %20,000 tusti had been slaughtered
Last Line: Remember what %exactly
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MIDNIGHT VIGIL, by FRAN HARAWAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: At twelve o'clock midnight, the lights are cut
Last Line: That liberty must never, ever sleep
Subject(s): United States


MIDWESTERN AUTUMN, by IMRE ORAVECZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: The sun still shines warmly
Last Line: To the recent immigrants
Subject(s): Guests; Presidents, United States; Roads; Tourists; Travel


MIDWIFE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Fingers a pelvis model %thrust on a stick like sculpture
Last Line: Clatters his trucks, like anybody's son
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


MIGHTY OAK, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It hath crashed down-the mighty oak
Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MIKEY LIKES IT, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The way I wait on him
Last Line: Mikey will give you our key
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MILAREPA TASTE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who am I? Saliva
Subject(s): United States; America


MILAREPA TASTE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Who am I? Saliva
Last Line: Light as ashes
Subject(s): United States


MILITARISM, by DERRICK NORMAN LEHMER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like molten lava down the mountain steep
Last Line: With nineveh, with tyre and babylon.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Army Life; Militarism; War; Drills & Minor Tactics


MILK COW BLUES, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I never once saw dad kiss momma
Last Line: It had to be %some kind of love
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MINORITY REPORT, by JOHN UPDIKE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My beloved land
Last Line: You are the only land
Subject(s): United States; America


MINORITY REPORT, by JOHN UPDIKE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My beloved land
Last Line: You are the only land
Subject(s): United States


MINUTE-GUNS, by WILLIAM SYDNEY THAYER    Poem Source                    
First Line: A steel-gray sky and a slaty sea
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MIRANDA'S SUPPER (VIRGINIA, 1866), by ELINOR WYLIE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Between the solemn portico's
Last Line: Nothing is lost! Nothing is lost!
Alternate Author Name(s): Benet, William Rose, Mrs.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


MISGIVINGS (1860), by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When ocean-clouds over inland hills
Last Line: The hemlock shakes in the rafter, the oak in the driving keel.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


MISGUIDED ANGELS, by GALE RENEE WALDEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: That summer the women sat on their porches
Last Line: To become on our way to love
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MISS CLEMENT'S SECOND GRADE, by MARYFRANCES WAGNER    Poem Source                    
First Line: They sat in even rows
Last Line: They didn't mind her italian name
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MISS SALLY'S WISDOM, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Chiniman say yu put purse pon ground
Last Line: Up against yu chest. But remember, %wanty wanty no getty getty
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States


MISS VICTORY (1895), by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: You can't fool us, miss victory, queening it
Last Line: Your left hand flaming, the other hugging the hilt
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


MISSING, by JEFFERSON TOOMBS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I lay down my fresh morning paper
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MNEMONIC, by LI-YOUNG LEE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I was tired. So I lay down
Last Line: Once, I was cold. So my father took off his blue sweater
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MODERN MOSES, OR 'MY POLICY' MAN, by JAMES MADISON BELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a tide in men's affairs
Last Line: And the wonderful star of a wonderful age!
Subject(s): Freedom; Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875); United States - Reconstruction (1865-1877); Liberty


MODERN SECRETS, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Last night I dreamt in chinese
Last Line: And hides still in the cupboard %with the china and tea-leaves
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MOLOCH IN STATE STREET, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The moon has set: while yet the dawn
Last Line: God of the free!
Subject(s): Boston; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Pilgrim Fathers; Antislavery Movement - United States


MOM DID MARILYN, DAD DID FRED, by JACK MYERS    Poem Source                    
First Line: We sat there, her tiny audience
Last Line: To have other notions of beauty
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MOMENT, by JANE HIRSHFIELD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A person wakes from sleep
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


MONTEREY [SEPTEMBER 23, 1846], by CHARLES FENNO HOFFMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We were not many, we who stood
Last Line: Than not have been at monterey?
Subject(s): Monterey, Battle Of (1846); Patriotism; Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850); United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


MOON WINX MOTEL, by EMILY HIESTAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: The moon winx with its neon eyes and sly smile
Last Line: And one unknown: the so-called, still secret: 7x
Subject(s): Hotels; Popular Culture - United States


MORE OPPOSITES: 33, by RICHARD WILBUR    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What is the opposite of missouri?
Last Line: In massachusetts, anyway
Subject(s): English Language; Synonyms & Antonyms; United States


MOSBY AT HAMILTON, by MADISON JULIUS CAWEIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Down loudon lanes, with swinging reins
Last Line: She would not scorn to bury.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Mosby, John Singleton (1833-1916); United States - History


MOST BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: John bull in old times, thought each yankee a dunce
Last Line: The huzza for yankees. They're brave and they're free. %huzza for columbia! 'sailors' rights' - libe
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


MOTHER, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: What were the angels' demands?
Last Line: One by one, pulled from sleeping hands
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


MOTHER LOVE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I know what she knew
Last Line: Moon still in its place. The water on the table
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


MOTHER OF LINCOLN, by BENJAMIN DAVENPORT HOUSE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Out on the lie of 'lowly born!'
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


MOTORCYCLISTS, by JAMES TATE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My cuticles are a mess. Oh honey, by the way
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MOTOWN/ SMOKEY ROBINSON, by JESSICA TARAHATA HAGEDORN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hey girl, how long you been here?
Last Line: Strong now / you really gotta hold on me ...
Alternate Author Name(s): Hagedorn, Jessica
Variant Title(s): Motown / Smokey Robinson
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MOUNT VERNON, THE HOME OF WASHINGTON, by WILLIAM DAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: There dwelt the man, the flower of human kind
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


MOURNING CLOUD LIES BLACK ACROSS THE SUN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MOUTH OF THE HUDSON, by ROBERT LOWELL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A single man stands like a bird-watcher
Last Line: Of the unforgivable landscape
Subject(s): Americans; United States


MOUTHFUL OF SAND, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I gave up on words when my daughter died
Last Line: In a new language only the two of us know
Subject(s): Jews - United States


MOVING, SELS., by SAM HAMOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: So we move now
Last Line: Grandfathers -- grandmothers -- fathers
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MR. VALIANT PASSES OVER, by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR    Poem Source                    
First Line: When the post came. And told him that
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MUGFORD'S VICTORY, by JOHN WHITE CHADWICK    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our mother, the pride of us all
Last Line: And who brought him, though dead, to his own!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Mugford, James; Navy - United States; Sea Battles; American Navy; Naval Warfare


MUSIC, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966)    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If I rest for a moment near the equestrian
Subject(s): Americans; New York City; United States; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; America


MUSIC, by FRANK O'HARA (1926-1966)    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If I rest for a moment near the equestrian
Last Line: But no more fountains and no more rain, %and the stores stay open terribly late
Subject(s): Americans; New York City; United States


MY AMERICA, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: More famed than rome, as splendid as old greece
Last Line: For all the earth, till every man and child be free!
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


MY AUTUMN WALK, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On woodlands ruddy with autumn
Last Line: Roslyn, october, 1'64.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


MY COUNTRY, by FRANK CRANE    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am an american
Subject(s): United States


MY COUNTRY, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mysterious, my country! -- she abides
Last Line: With their dull shadows lying on the hills.
Subject(s): United States; America


MY COUNTRY NEED NOT CHANGE HER GOWN, by EMILY DICKINSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: That taunts her bayonet.
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States


MY COUNTRY'S FLAG, by JUNIATA STAFFORD    Poem Text                    
First Line: This is my country's flag
Last Line: Will ever be my joy.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


MY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE, by AMBROSE BIERCE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My country, 'tis of thee %sweet land of felony
Last Line: Whips to the quakers hide %and made him spring!
Subject(s): United States


MY DADDY'S TATTOO, by RICHARD SCHAAF    Poem Source                    
First Line: Goose-stepping over the pacific
Last Line: And I spy you, huge and global %flying at half-mast
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Politics


MY FATHER AND THE FIGTREE, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For other fruits my father was indifferent
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


MY FATHER AND THE FIGTREE, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For other fruits my father was indifferent
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MY FATHER'S CORNET, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The parched leather case, flecked in the corners
Last Line: To. We never learned much more
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


MY FATHER'S HANDS, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's a school night. While I get ready for bed
Last Line: Raising me like a glass of wine
Subject(s): Jews - United States


MY FATHER'S PORNOGRAPHY, by DAVID WOJAHN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The semiotics not of sex but of concealment, the lessons
Last Line: His first solid food in weeks
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MY FIRST RIOT: BRONX, NYC, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: We are ten, two %boys and a girl
Last Line: Not far enough away
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MY KINSMAN, by CARLOS DAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dead! %the one word sped
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


MY MARYLAND, by JAMES RYDER RANDALL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The despot's heel is on thy shore
Last Line: Maryland, my maryland!
Variant Title(s): Maryland! My Maryland;maryland
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Maryland; Patriotism; State Rights; United States - History; Liberty; Secession


MY MOTHER-LAND, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My mother-land! Thou wert the first to fling
Last Line: A prelude and a prophecy combined!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Fort Sumter, South Carolina; United States - History; Confederacy


MY NATIVE LAND, by CARLOS STUART    Poem Text                    
First Line: Though brighter beams may gild the shore
Last Line: Profane my own, my native land!
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


MY PARENTS BUY A BURIAL PLOT, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: It took her fifteen years to get him
Last Line: I'll be in hell if she's been right all along
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


MY PEOPLE ARE THE COLOR OF THE EARTH, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You cannot leave / my aunt's house
Last Line: Offended.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


MY POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am 25 years old
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


MY POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am 25 years old
Last Line: If I never do %anything %it will go on
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Subject(s): Americans; United States


MY RICH UNCLE, WHOM I ONLY MET THREE TIMES, by MARGE PIERCY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We were never invited to his house
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jewish Families; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MY RICH UNCLE, WHOM I ONLY MET THREE TIMES, by MARGE PIERCY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We were never invited to his house
Last Line: His last trick was to vanish himself forever
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jewish Families; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MY RINGLESS FINGERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TELL THE STORY, by LAURA BOSS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Never before without a ring
Last Line: My fingers never looked so free
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


MY SISTER BELIEVES IN MIRACLES, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: The latest of which %is a short, bald, fifty-year-old italian
Last Line: He believes in jesus
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MY SISTER CALLS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: To say she's lost weight
Last Line: And I tell her I'm writing %just as fast as I can
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


MY SON SHOWS ME A PHOTOGRAPH OF MICHAEL JORDAN PERFORMING A SLAM DUNK, by LOUIS PHILLIPS    Poem Source                    
First Line: What would jung make of such levitation?
Last Line: Do anything this certain, any of us
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MY STATE-SOUTH DAKOTA, by ROBERTA ROBERTSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Mine is a state of prairie loveliness
Last Line: —the argus leader
Subject(s): South Dakota; United States; America


MY WIFE AND CHILD, by HENRY R. JACKSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: The tattoo beats - the lights are gone
Last Line: O god, protect my wife and child!
Subject(s): Consolation; United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


MYTHOLOGY, by MARILYN HACKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Penelope as a garcon manque
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


MYTHOLOGY, by MARILYN HACKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Penelope as a garcon manque
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


NAAYAWVA TAAWI, by WENDY ROSE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Left in the field
Last Line: See, pahana, how we nest %in your ruins
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NABBY, THE NEW YORK HOUSEKEEPER, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Well, nanny, I am sorry to find, since you write us
Last Line: The beefe is half raw—and the bell rings for dinner!
Subject(s): Friendship; Housekeeping; New York City - Revolutionary Period; United States - Congress


NAMING, by GIOVANNA (JANET) CAPONE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Meant my grandfathers dominic and donato
Last Line: The more I insist %on possessing %entirely who I am
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NANCY HANKS, MOTHER OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A sweet girl graduate, lean as a fawn
Last Line: Nancy hanks, in a lost log cabin, %nancy hanks had the loveliest face!
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Hanks, Nancy (1783-1818); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


NANI, by ALBERTO ALVARO RIOS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sitting at her table, she serves
Last Line: Even before I speak, she serves
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NARRATIVE OF THE VISION OF OUR LADY OF ARMEIRO, by NATHANIEL TARN    Poem Text                    
First Line: The photograph of our lady of armeiro has been placed
Last Line: Have we ever known of any death so measured and so rigorous?
Subject(s): Death; Memory; Old Age; Photography & Photographers; United States; Dead, The; America


NAT LOVE: BLACK COWBOY, by LEE BENNETT HOPKINS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Whoever heard of a black cowboy?
Last Line: A slave born down in tennessee
Subject(s): United States


NATION AND WORLD, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Glory of our country
Last Line: Nation of mankind!
Subject(s): United States; America


NATIONAL COLORS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The red has been dyed with the blood of the brave
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


NATIONAL ODE, JULY 4, 1876, SELS., by BAYARD TAYLOR                        Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Taylor, James Bayard
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Freedom


NATIONAL ODE; INDEPENDENCE SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, by BAYARD TAYLOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sun of the stately day
Last Line: And the greater task, for thee to live!
Alternate Author Name(s): Taylor, James Bayard
Variant Title(s): Centennial Ode
Subject(s): United States - Centennial Celebrations


NATIONAL SONG, by WILLIAM HENRY VENABLE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: America, my own!
Last Line: Imperial to save!
Subject(s): National Song - United States; American National Anthem


NATIVE PRIDE, by ALICIA SWIMMER    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is something on my mind
Last Line: Or experience crazy horse's wrath
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Ethnic Identity; Racism


NAVAL ACADEMY GRADUATE'S SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We're gathered now, my class-mates, to chant our parting song
Last Line: To the memory of annapolis and our alma mater o!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; U.s. - Naval Academy


NAVAL PHOTOGRAPH: 25 OCTOBER 1942: WHAT THE HAND, by DAVID BOTTOMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Reports of a japanese surface presence
Last Line: Toward the camera, toward us, for all of the reasons anyone waves.
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Photography & Photographers; Waves; World War Ii; American Navy; Second World War


NAVAL RECRUITING SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Now the president's ready for sea boys
Last Line: We'll come back to sal, kate, and poll boys, %and cheer them with a hearty heo ho!
Subject(s): Navy - United States


NAVAL SONG: RISE COLUMBIA, BRAVE AND FREE, by EDWIN C. HOLLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: When freedom first the triumph sung
Last Line: Shall rule the billows of the sea, %and bid defiance to the world
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


NAVAL SONG: THE PILLAR OF GLORY, by EDWIN C. HOLLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hail to the heroes whose triumphs have brighten'd
Last Line: Albion is heartless - and stoops to his glance
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


NAVAL VICTORY, BY THE UNITED STATES FIRGATE CONSTITUTION, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all ye hardy sailors, and join me in my song
Last Line: And so to all our yankee crew, %who british seamen can subdue, %as true yankee boys
Subject(s): Bainbridge, William (1774-1833); Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


NAVY FIELD, by WILLIAM MEREDITH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Limped out of the hot sky a hurt plane,
Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Aviation & Aviators; Air Warfare; American Navy; Airplanes; Air Pilots


NAY, TELL ME NOT TO-DAY THE PUBLISH'D SHAME, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: All day to these give audience
Subject(s): Newspapers; United States


NECESSITY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: You need to live %near the edge of the world
Last Line: You need to live on the edge of the world %and, oh, how you need jesus
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


NEGLECTED GRAVE OF LINCOLN'S MOTHER, by JAMES CORBIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: A wooded hill - a low-sunk grave
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


NEIL AND BUSS SAY A WORD, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Neil and buss say a word from the president
Last Line: They put an assembly for a return. %they put a panic last %the operation like a sunburn a doubts the
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


NEVER BREAK A PROMISE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: If you wish to be respected
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


NEVER LAND, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I don't wish you were
Last Line: Reproduce that face %in the oval mirror
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr.
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


NEVER OR NOW; AN APPEAL, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Listen, young heroes! Your country is calling!
Last Line: Hear the last angel-trump, -- never or now!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


NEW APARTMENT: MINNEAPOLIS, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The floorboards creak
Last Line: And deer walking quietly on the soft red earth
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Memory; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations


NEW BANNER, by KATRINA TRASK    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: O fellow-citizens of storm-tossed lands
Alternate Author Name(s): Trask, Kate Nichols
Subject(s): Flags - United States


NEW ENGLAND'S GROWTH, by WILLIAM BRADFORD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Famine once we had
Last Line: If you will take the pains them to seek for.
Subject(s): New England; United States - Colonial Period


NEW GLORY, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Old glory is a gallant flag
Last Line: New glory means in small.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


NEW HAIL COLUMBIA, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Look our ransomed shores around
Last Line: Find the many still are one!
Variant Title(s): Additional Verses To Hail Columbia
Subject(s): United States; America


NEW HAMPSHIRE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: God bless new hampshire! From her granite peaks
Last Line: What one brave state hath done, can ye not also do?
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; New Hampshire; Antislavery Movement - United States


NEW NATION, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A mountain of white ice
Subject(s): United States - History; Native Americans; Massacres; Slavery; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Serfs


NEW SONG, by JAMES CAMPBELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all ye yankee heroes, come listen to my song
Last Line: Come rouze ye yankee tars, firm united let us be, %resolv'd to fight and conquer for the rights of a
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


NEWSMAN'S ADDRESS (1784), by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What tempests gloom'd the by-past year
Last Line: That wrangling is the life of news
Subject(s): Army - United States; News; Newspapers; Sailors And Sailing


NICE THING ABOUT COUNTING STARS, by DWIGHT OKITA    Poem Source                    
First Line: So my mother begins
Last Line: And peg and I hugged it during stormy days
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NIGHT DRIVING, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: No one selling cherries %at roadside kiosks
Last Line: Argument will be over. %two inches
Subject(s): Jews - United States


NIGHT RIDE OF ANCIENT ABE, by CHARLES GRAHAM HALPINE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not a drum was heard, not a party cry
Alternate Author Name(s): O'reilly, Miles
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


NIKKI-ROSA, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Childhood remembrances are always a drag / if you're black
Last Line: All the while I was quite happy
Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki
Variant Title(s): Nikki-roasa
Subject(s): African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Women


NIXON AND NIKITA IN THE KITCHEN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: At the threshold of the model american home
Last Line: To tell the truth, and the young are rarely capable of it
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


NIXON ON THE PLEASURES OF UNDRESSING A WOMAN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: With us, it is easy: a tug on the tie, the ubiquitous zipper
Last Line: But for silence, longing, a residue of perfume
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


NIXON'S BRIEFCASE BY JOSEPH CORNELL, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nixon rubs his palm across the large pores
Last Line: He feels like a pharaoh at the mouth of his own tomb
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


NIXON'S NIGHTMARE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: B-52s with heavy payloads whinny %over the reflecting pools at versailles
Last Line: Untwits the pin of a grenade. Serpents %of reel-to-reel shoot through the pool
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


NO CODE; A PREARRANGED AGREEMENT FOR NO LIFE SUPPORT, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm thankful that my brother wasn't drunk
Last Line: With my sister over coffee while they waited
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


NO DEPOSIT NO RETURNS, by CARLOS CUMPIAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: While passing through a %pueblito en mexico
Last Line: Only koca-capital brings
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


NO, SUPERMAN WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE, by KATHARYN HOWD MACHAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: In secret, lois lane wore coins and jewels
Last Line: Even from clark she kept her crimbals hid
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


NOCTURNO DE WASHINGTON: 1, by PABLO MEDINA    Poem Source                    
First Line: They called forth the train whistle at midnight
Last Line: Blinking and defecating
Variant Title(s): Nocturno De Washingto
Subject(s): Grief; Railroads; Tourists; Travel; U.s. - History; United States; Washington Monument


NORFOLK GIRLS, by W. F. SPICER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Our top-sails reef'd and filled away
Last Line: Perhaps we'll meet the nofolk girls, %and portsmouth maidens, too
Subject(s): Navy - United States


NORMA, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As a teen-ager I was very shy. I always felt so conspicuous that it
Last Line: Then I pulled myself up and turned away; never to agree again
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NORTH: 1991, by JOHN DUFFRESNE    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the euphoria that followed
Last Line: Of saws, the rise and fall, %a crackling in the hard wood
Subject(s): Air Warfare; News; Nuclear War; United States


NORTHERN SOLDIER (1), by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ours not to sleep in shady bowers
Subject(s): American Revolution; Army - United States


NORTHWARD, by JOHN MILTON HAY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Under the high unclouded sun
Last Line: In dalliance deck the bridal bower.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Key West, Florida; United States - History


NORTHWEST PASSAGE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Incense under horse heaven hills
Last Line: Next to everybody's bank
Subject(s): United States


NOT DEAD, by MINNIE D. WILBUR    Poem Source                    
First Line: We cannot think of him as dead
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


NOT SLEEPING TOO GOOD MYSELF, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My sister slips up and lets out
Last Line: Her caseworker to come to church some sunday
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


NOT THE PILOT, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not the pilot has charged himself to bring his ship to port
Last Line: For a battle-call, rousing to arms if need be, years, centuries hence.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


NOT YET, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O country, marvel of the earth!
Last Line: Writes, in men's sight, the answer, no!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


NOTE ON MY SON'S FACE, by TOI DERRICOTTE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tonight, I look, thunderstruck %at the gold head of my grandchild
Last Line: The worst is true. %everything you did not want to know
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations


NOTES FOR A POEM ON BEING ASIAN AMERICAN, by DWIGHT OKITA    Poem Source                    
First Line: As a child, I was a fussy eater
Last Line: And says, 'can you really tell the difference between a chinese and a japanese
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


NOVELTY SHOP, by DUANE NIATUM    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: More grotesque than a row of laundromats
Last Line: Into the sea at the end of the pier
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


NOVEMBER, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here comes our last storm with thunder
Last Line: And the dust that settles in the cleavage %of ripe plums?
Subject(s): Autumn; Catholics - United States; Seasons; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


NOW WE SING OF WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


NOW, WHEN, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Outside, the granite field, ringed
Last Line: Knowing what he wants
Subject(s): Jews - United States


NUNS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: When our nun drove the idiot's head into the blackboard
Last Line: Not even from thirst, or from hunger
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; Nuns; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


NUTCRACKER, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Not to be confused with the little wooden priapus
Last Line: Secretly. I clicked her empty legs like castanets
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: O captain! My captain! Our fearful trip is done
Last Line: Fallen cold and dead.
Variant Title(s): On The Death Of President Lincoln;my Captain;to Abraham Lincoln;on Lincoln
Subject(s): American Civil War; Assassination; Freedom; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Loss; Patriotism; Presidents, United States; Sea; United States - History; Liberty; Ocean


O MOMMA, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I come from a real life %soap opera family
Last Line: But we're perceptive that way %we know hurt
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


O NAME FOREVER TO THY COUNTRY DEAR!, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


O PIONEERS!, by JOHN PEALE BISHOP    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The white sagebrush desert. Noon
Last Line: To ravage, and raving romped from sea to sea
Subject(s): Americans; United States


O SOUTHLAND!, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O southland! O southland!
Last Line: The faint one at his side.
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; South (u.s.)


O THAT SUMMER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My sister and I
Last Line: To slice our foot on beach glass
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


O WHITMAN, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O whitman, he was wrong
Subject(s): Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); United States


OCCASIONED BY GENERAL WASHINGTON'S ARRIVAL IN PHILADELPHIA, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The great unequal conflict passed
Last Line: And all the pageant scene expires.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ODE (IN HONOR OF THE BRAVERY AND SACRIFICES OF SOLDIERS OF THE SOUTH), by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With bayonets slanted in the glittering sun
Last Line: Across those lonely desolated graves!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Courage; Soldiers; United States - History; Confederacy; Valor; Bravery


ODE FOR GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, by HUMBERT WOLFE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No spartan tube, no attic shell
Last Line: That palsied arm no more whirls on the waste of war.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ODE FOR THE BURIAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, slow to smite and swift to spare
Last Line: Who perished in the cause of right.
Variant Title(s): Abraham Lincoln;the Death Of Lincoln
Subject(s): Funerals; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Burials


ODE FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY, by CHARLES SPRAGUE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To the sages who spoke, to the heroes who bled
Last Line: And the beacon-fire raised that gave light to the world.
Subject(s): Adams, John (1735-1826); Fourth Of July; Presidents, United States; Independence Day


ODE FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Welcome to the day returning
Last Line: Trust us, while we honor thee!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ODE IN MEMORY OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by RUDOLPH ALTROCCHI    Poem Source                    
First Line: A man has died. We pause to meet
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ODE ON THE FACELIFTING OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, by EDWARD DORN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: America is inconceivable without drugs
Subject(s): United States; Narcotics; America


ODE TO AMERICA, by MARY P. DENNY    Poem Text                    
First Line: America, america! / we chant thy note of praise
Last Line: Unto the perfect day!
Subject(s): Praise; United States; Wealth; America; Riches; Fortunes


ODE TO T.R, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou who, with sword or pen
Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ODE TO THE CONFEDERATE DEAD, by JOHN ORLEY ALLEN TATE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Row after row with strict impunity
Alternate Author Name(s): Tate, Allen
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cemeteries; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Graveyards; Confederacy


ODE TO THE FLAG, by CHARLES C. CRELLIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Stars of the early dawning, set in a field of blue
Subject(s): Flags - United States


ODE TO WASHINGTON, by LILLIAN R. FLETCHER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Out of the pages of history, beyond our memories' kin
Last Line: Beyond the dim horizon, light of tomorrow's star.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ODE, BY THE CONSTITUENTS OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, by JOHN PIERPONT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not from the bloody field
Last Line: New life to give.
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848); Presidents, United States; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs


ODE; FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE WASHINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY, by CHARLES SPRAGUE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The bugle is hushed, and the war-blade is sheathed
Last Line: "sleep, spoiler of nations, the slumber of time!"
Subject(s): American Revolution; Lafayette, Marie Joseph, Marquis De; Presidents, United States; Veterans; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ODE; SUNG BY THE CHILDREN OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, by W. T. ADAMS    Poem Text                    
First Line: No more the cannon peal
Last Line: And deathless fame.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Fame; Monuments; United States - History; Dead, The; Reputation


OF BEING NUMEROUS, 24, by GEORGE OPPEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In this nation
Subject(s): United States; America


OF FLESH AND SPIRIT, by WANG PING    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I was a virgin till twenty-three, then always had more than
Last Line: Never saw him again.
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Chinese; Chinese In The United States


OF HIM WHO LOVED NOT REST, by HELEN GRAY CONE    Poem Source                    
First Line: How shall we say 'god rest him!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Green, Coroebus
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


OF HISTORY AND HOPE, by MILLER WILLIAMS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: We have memorized america,
Last Line: Press.
Subject(s): United States - History


OF IMMIGRATION, by JUDD TELLER    Poem Source                    
First Line: My mother leads me through streets
Last Line: Of a little jew
Subject(s): Immigrants; Jews - United States


OF TIME AND THE LINE, by CHARLES BERNSTEIN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: George burns likes to insist that he always / takes the straight lines
Subject(s): Language Poetry; Popular Culture - United States


OF TIME AND THE LINE, by CHARLES BERNSTEIN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: George burns likes to insist that he always %takes the straight lines
Last Line: An angle but only one lime to make a margarita
Subject(s): Language Poetry; Popular Culture - United States


OFF FROM SWING SHIFT, by GARRETT KAORU HONGO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Late, just past midnight
Last Line: No one speaks a word
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


OFFSET FOR THE CHESAPEAKE; OR, THE CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Bad news was the cry, on the second of june
Last Line: For columbians their standard will never disgrace, %nor flinch when their duty the foe bids them fac
Subject(s): Fort George, Battle Of (1813); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


OH, FOR A SON OF THY RELENTLESS POWER, by LILBURN HARWOOD TOWNSEND    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


OH, I AM A MERRY SAILOR LAD, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Last Line: I love, I love, I love the dark, blue sea
Subject(s): Navy - United States


OKLAHOMA AMERICA, by FRANK LIMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: The fathers of america
Last Line: And neglected %specs of freedom?
Subject(s): United States


OLD ABE, by GEORGE E. TOMAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Let's go and look
Last Line: Maybe we should take our hats off, eh?
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


OLD AMUSEMENT PARK (BEFORE IT BECAME LA GUARDIA AIRPORT), by MARIANNE MOORE            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hurry, worry, unwary / visitor, never vary
Subject(s): Americans; Amusement Parks; United States; America


OLD AMUSEMENT PARK (BEFORE IT BECAME LA GUARDIA AIRPORT), by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hurry, worry, unwary %visitor, never vary
Last Line: When the triumph is reflective %and confusion, retroactive
Subject(s): Americans; Amusement Parks; United States


OLD BAWLING HAGS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lonely, horny, divorced
Last Line: We split a moon pie and cry
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


OLD BUILDINGS, by PEDRO PIETRI    Poem Source                    
First Line: (1422 amsterdam avenue) %everybody knew
Last Line: That were not too expensive
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


OLD CAMBRIDGE, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And can it be you've found a place
Last Line: As all the world shall know!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


OLD FLAG, by HUBBARD PARKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: What shall I say to you, old flag?
Last Line: Old flag.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


OLD GLORY, by EMMA FRANCES DAWSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Enchanted web! A picture in the air
Last Line: "our hallowed, eloquent, beloved ""old glory""!"
Subject(s): Flags - United States; United States - History; American Flag


OLD GLORY, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sing for old glory a jubilant song
Last Line: Live and die for old glory.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


OLD GLORY ALOFT, by FRANK LEBBY STANTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: She's up there - old glory - where lightnings are sped
Last Line: She's the flag of our country forever!
Variant Title(s): Our Flag Forever;old Flag Forever
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


OLD IRONSIDES, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ay, tear her tattered ensign down
Last Line: The lightning and the gale!
Subject(s): Americans; Boats; Constitution (ship); Navy - United States; Patriotism; Sea; United States; American Navy; Ocean; America


OLD WAR-DREAMS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In midnight sleep of many a face of anguish
Last Line: I dream, I dream, I dream.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Dreams; United States - History; Nightmares


ON, by BOB KAUFMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On yardbird corners of embryonic hopes, drowned in a heroin tear
Last Line: On lonely poet corners of low lying leaves & moist prophet eyes
Subject(s): Popular Culture United States; Social Commentary


ON A BUST OF LINCOLN, by CLINTON SCOLLARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This was a man of mighty mould
Last Line: Stand as his cenotaph!
Subject(s): Heroism; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Heroes; Heroines


ON A CANDIDATE ACCCUSED OF YOUTH, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Too young' do they call him? Who say it? Not they
Last Line: Ask the foe by which weapon he fears most to fall!
Subject(s): Elections; Politics & Government; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Voting; Voters; Suffrage


ON ALABAMA AVE., PATERSON, NJ, 1954, by RACHEL GUIDO DEVRIES    Poem Source                    
First Line: At seven I dreamed again and again
Last Line: On a blue plate, where they clattered like dice
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ON AN AMERICAN SOLDIER OF FORTUNE SLAIN IN FRANCE, by CLINTON SCOLLARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You, who sought the great adventure
Last Line: In the forest of argonne!
Subject(s): Argonne, Battle Of (1918); Army - United States; World War I; First World War


ON AN INVITATION TO THE UNITED STATES, by THOMAS HARDY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My ardours for emprize nigh lost
Last Line: And their experience count as mine.
Subject(s): United States; America


ON BOARD THE CUMBERLAND, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Stand to your guns, men!' morris cried
Last Line: For those beneath the wave!
Variant Title(s): Attack Of The Cumberland
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cumberland (ship); Hampton Roads, Virginia; Morris, George Upham; Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


ON CERTAIN SUNNY SUNDAYS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: On the way to k-mart
Last Line: On certain sunny sundays
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


ON GUARD, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Pain-weary, sore oppressed by time's
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ON LIBERTY AND SLAVERY, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Alas! And am I born for this
Last Line: With songs of liberty!
Variant Title(s): Liberty And Slavery
Subject(s): Americans; Freedom; Slavery; United States; Liberty; Serfs; America


ON LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY, by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A day of joy, a holiday!
Last Line: The treasures of mankind!
Alternate Author Name(s): Hotair, Dopeton
Subject(s): Holidays; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ON NEAL'S ASHES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Delicate eyes that blinked blue rockies all ash
Subject(s): Cassady, Neal (1926-1968); United States; America


ON NEAL'S ASHES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Delicate eyes that blinked blue rockies all ash
Last Line: All ashes, all ashes again
Subject(s): Cassady, Neal (1926-1968); United States


ON READING OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S WORK POLICE COMMISSIONER, by WILLIAM NOBLE ROUNDY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Men of his mould arouse the dawdling
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ON READING PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S LETTER, by H. L. GORDON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Perish the power that, bowed to dust
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ON THE ADMISSION OF MICHIGAN INTO THE UNION, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Come in, little sister, so healthful and fair
Last Line: "so, hold up your head with the ""old thirteen."
Subject(s): Michigan; United States; America


ON THE BEARING OF WAITRESSES, by RODNEY JONES    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Always I thought they suffered, the way they huffed
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants; Cafes; Diners


ON THE BEARING OF WAITRESSES, by RODNEY JONES    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Always I thought they suffered, the way they huffed
Last Line: Chapters, filling the air with her glamour and her shame
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants


ON THE BIRTH OF BOMANI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We have taken the best leaves
Last Line: Art that made you fill your heart
Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Cultural Differences; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks


ON THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Behold the mossed corner-stone dropped from the wall
Last Line: And to thee be the glory alone.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ON THE BRIGANTINE PRIVATEER PRINCE DE NEUFCHATEL, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What is wealth, that men will roam, %risque their all, and leave their home
Last Line: Little lost, and much to save, %had the prince of neufchatel
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Prince De Neuchatel (ship); Privateers; War Of 1812


ON THE BRITISH BLOCKADE, AND EXPECTED ATTACK ON NEW YORK - 1814, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Old neversink, with bonnet blue
Last Line: And cockburn miss a handsome plunder.
Subject(s): Naval Blockades; Navy - United States; New York City - War Of 1812; War Of 1812; American Navy


ON THE CAPTURE OF THE UNITED STATES FRIGATE ESSEX, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From cruising near the southern pole
Last Line: And though commanded by a lord %they'll have no cause to brag
Subject(s): Essex (ship); Navy - United States; Porter, David (1780-1843); Valparaiso, Battle Of; War Of 1812


ON THE CIRCUIT, by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Among pelagian travelers
Alternate Author Name(s): Auden, W. H.
Subject(s): Tourists; United States; America


ON THE CIRCUIT, by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Among pelagian travelers
Last Line: God bless the u.S.A., so large, %so friendly, and so rich
Alternate Author Name(s): Auden, W. H.
Subject(s): Tourists; United States


ON THE DEATH OF AUGUSTINE C. LUDLOW, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Great spirit of the mighty dead
Last Line: The foemen - are his brothers here, %and every hero - is his friend
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sailors And Sailing; War Of 1812


ON THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BIDDLE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What distant thunders rend the skies
Last Line: And lost what honor won.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Biddle, Nicholas (1786-1844); Navy - United States; American Navy


ON THE DEATH OF CHARLES T. TORREY, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Woe worth the hour when it is crime
Last Line: His mercy to the oppressor's heart.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Torrey, Charles Turner (1813-1846); Antislavery Movement - United States


ON THE DEATH OF LIEUT. WILLIAM HOWARD ALLEN, by FITZ-GREENE HALLECK    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He hath been mourned as brave men mourn the brave
Last Line: It was a mother's -- and is broken now.
Alternate Author Name(s): Croaker
Subject(s): Death; Grief; Navy - United States; Pirates; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness; American Navy; Piracy; Buccaneers


ON THE DEFEAT OF HENRY CLAY [A GREAT MAN], by WILLIAM WILBERFORCE LORD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Fallen? How fallen? States and empires fall
Last Line: Time's dim horizon with eternity.
Subject(s): Clay, Henry (1777-1852); United States - History


ON THE EMIGRATION TO AMERICA AND PEOPLING WESTERN COUNTRY, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To western woods and lonely plains
Last Line: Than all the eastern sages knew.
Subject(s): Middle West; Pioneers; United States; West (u.s.); Midwest; Old Northwest; Central States; North Central States; America; Southwest; Pacific States


ON THE HILL, by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There on the summit was your 'crowded hour'
Alternate Author Name(s): Bridges, Robert+(2)
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ON THE HOME GUARDS; WHO PERISHED ... LEXINGTON, MISSOURI, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The men who here in harness died
Last Line: Hearts sore beset, which died at bay.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Soldiers; United States - History


ON THE LAKE EXPEDITIONS, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where niagara's awful roar
Last Line: And, to extend the flames of war, %employs them both
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


ON THE LATE ROYAL SLOOP-OF-WAR GENERAL MONK, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the washington ship by the english was beat
Last Line: "all her guns should be wooden -- to suit with his head."
Subject(s): American Revolution; General Monk (ship); Montagu, John, 4th Earl Of Sandwich; Navy - United States; Sea Battles; Twitcher, Jemmy; American Navy; Naval Warfare


ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The builders had the ship prepared
Last Line: What should have long ago been done, %amendments - you know what
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Navy - United States


ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE SEVENTY-FOUR GUN SHIP INDEPENDENCE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our trade to restore as it stood once before
Last Line: Then stand to your arms, you shall ne'er be enslav'd, %let the battle go on till the nation is saved
Subject(s): Independence (ship); Navy - United States


ON THE LOSS OF THE PRIVATEER BRIGANTINE GENERAL ARMSTRONG, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The armstrong arrived in the port of fayal
Last Line: May it ever be ready, the britons to maul, %as the armstrong behaved in the road of fayal
Subject(s): Azores; General Armstrong (ship); Mountains; Navy - United States; Reid, Samuel Chester (1783-1861); War Of 1812


ON THE MEMORABLE VICTORY OF PAUL JONES, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O'er the rough main with flowing sheet
Last Line: They trembled and ador'd.
Variant Title(s): Bonhomme Richard And Serapis
Subject(s): American Revolution; Bon Homme Richard (ship); Jones, John Paul (1747-1792); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; American Navy; Naval Warfare


ON THE NAVAL ATTACK NEAR BALTIMORE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The sons of the old ocean advanced from the bay
Last Line: And the sight, we expect, will be not very new %when they meet us again, with our tow-row-dow
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


ON THE NEW AMERICAN FRIGATE ALLIANCE, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As neptune traced the azure main
Last Line: "these sail -- to vanquish tyranny."" --"
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States; Ships & Shipping; American Navy


ON THE PROSPECT OF PLANTING ARTS AND LEARNING IN AMERICA, by GEORGE BERKELEY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The muse, disgusted at an age and clime
Last Line: Time's noblest offspring is the last.
Variant Title(s): America, 1750;old World And The New;verses On The Prospect Of Planting Arts And Learning In America
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS, MARYLAND, by ENID DAME    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Dreamily %making a list %of new names
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ON THE SLAIN AT CHICKAMAUGA, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Happy are they and charmed in life
Last Line: Make this memorial due.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chickamauga, Battle Of (1863); Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


ON THE SLAIN COLLEGIANS, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Youth is the time when hearts are large
Last Line: And kill them in their flush of bloom.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; Youth


ONE COUNTRY, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: One country! Treason's writhing asp
Last Line: One country now and evermore!
Subject(s): United States; America


ONE LAND, ONE FLAG, ONE BROTHERHOOD, by THOMAS STEPHENS COLLIER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Now silent are the forests old, amid whose cool retreats
Alternate Author Name(s): Collyer, Thomas Stephens
Subject(s): Flags - United States


ONE MEAT BALL, by THOMAS LUX    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You gets no bread with
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons


ONE MEAT BALL, by THOMAS LUX    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You gets no bread with
Last Line: One meat ball
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


ONE OF OUR PRESIDENTS, by WENDELL PHILLIPS STAFFORD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He sits there on the low, rude, backless bench
Last Line: "I thought, ""thank god, thank god the ship rides true!"
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Statues


ONE TODAY, by RICHARD BLANCO    Poem Text                 Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: One sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores
Last Line: Waiting for us to name it – together
Subject(s): Inaugural Poem; United States; America


OPEN WINDOW ON CHICAGO, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Midwinter night, %clark & halstead brushed with this week's snow
Last Line: In windy metropolis %waiting for a bomb
Subject(s): United States


ORAL PALLIATIVE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Even after the burned hat, the shattered broom
Last Line: Let your scar stories be your best batter
Subject(s): Jews - United States


OSHI, by JAMES L. WHITE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oshi has a very large buddha in him, one that can change the air into scented
Last Line: His eyelashes, lacquered his nails, and the people cried
Subject(s): Homosexuality; Popular Culture - United States


OTHER LEO BAECK, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am trying to locate a figure who can say something
Last Line: Or think about heroism as a concept. Which is something
Subject(s): Jews - United States


OUR AMERICA, by NELLIE H. EVANS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Today our peaceful land views with dismay
Last Line: To life and liberty of all mankind.
Subject(s): United States; America


OUR BUSINESS IS REJOICING, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Between channels, brief snarls of static: commercials for massacre
Last Line: The faint electric screech inside the house like tremolo violins
Subject(s): Jews - United States


OUR COLONEL, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Deep loving, well knowing
Last Line: "but always said, ""come, boys!"
Subject(s): New York City - Revolutionary Period; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


OUR COLORS, by LAURA ELIZABETH HOWE RICHARDS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Red! 'tis the hue of battle
Alternate Author Name(s): Richards, Laura E.
Subject(s): Flags - United States


OUR COUNTRY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: God grant that we shall never see
Last Line: God grant that we may keep it so.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): United States; America


OUR COUNTRY, by FREDERICK LUCIAN HOSMER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O beautiful, my country!'
Last Line: Be peace the crowning gem.
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


OUR COUNTRY, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On primal rocks she wrote her name
Last Line: The gift of faith, the crown of song!
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States - Colonial Period


OUR COUNTRY, by GEORGE LUNT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our country! Right or wrong,'
Last Line: Our country,—right or wrong!
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


OUR COUNTRY, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our country! Whose eagle exults as he flies
Last Line: As free as thy winds and as firm as thy hills!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Freedom; Patriotism; United States; Liberty; America


OUR COUNTRY, by ANNA LOUISE STRONG    Poem Text                    
First Line: To all who hope for freedom's gleam
Last Line: The gray world's golden dawn.
Alternate Author Name(s): Anise
Subject(s): Religion; United States; Theology; America


OUR COUNTRY, by HENRY DAVID THOREAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It is a noble country where we dwell
Last Line: A pause in the long westering caravan.
Subject(s): Americans; Patriotism; United States; America


OUR COUNTRY'S CALL, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lay down the axe; fling by the spade
Last Line: And glorious must their triumph be.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Military Service, Voluntary; Patriotism; United States - History


OUR COUNTRY'S DESTINY, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My country! Dare we do it? Dare we be
Last Line: And boldly equal to our destiny!
Subject(s): United States; World War I; America; First World War


OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG, by MARY SITZ PARKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Our country's flag; emblem we love
Last Line: True to our flag of liberty.
Subject(s): Flags; United States; America


OUR DEAD, OVERSEAS, by EDWARD ARCHIBALD MARKHAM    Poem Text                    
First Line: In italy, in belgium, in france
Last Line: Something that swings the spirit to a star.
Alternate Author Name(s): Markham, E. A.
Subject(s): Cemeteries; Death; World War I - United States; Graveyards; Dead, The


OUR FALLEN BRAVE, by CORNELIA J. M. JORDAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: They fell! In freedom's cause they fell
Last Line: Our fallen and our free.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Death; Freedom; Love; United States - History; Confederacy; Dead, The; Liberty


OUR FLAG, by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR    Poem Text                    
First Line: Of old it was our heritage, the red and white and blue
Last Line: Of old it was our heritage -- to-day it is our child.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


OUR FLAG, by FRANCES CROSBY HAMLET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Only a bit of color
Subject(s): Flags - United States


OUR FLAG, by MARGARET ELIZABETH SANGSTER (1894-1981)    Poem Source                    
First Line: Fling it from mast and steeple
Subject(s): Flags - United States


OUR FLAG, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Let the sun of morning kiss it, let the evening sunset glow
Last Line: You?
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


OUR FLAG IS FLOATING TODAY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The stories of battle and raid
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


OUR FLAG IS THERE, by JOSEPH WATSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Our flag is there! Our flag is there!
Last Line: Behold the glorious stripes and stars!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Navy - United States


OUR GOOD PRESIDENT, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our sun hath gone down at the noon-day
Last Line: With its great seal of blood!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


OUR GUIDE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We celebrate the memory of our first president
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


OUR HEROIC THEMES, SELS., by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


OUR IMPERIAL POLICY', by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Never is man a man
Last Line: What god enacts and ordains
Subject(s): United States – Foreign Relations


OUR LEFT', by FRANCIS ORRERY TICKNOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From dawn to dark they stood
Last Line: "your all upon ""our left."
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bull Run, Battles Of; United States - History; Manassas, Batlle Of


OUR LOST CAPTAIN, by WILLIAM DUDLEY FOULKE    Poem Source                    
First Line: A kingly soul is dumb within the
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


OUR MARTYRS, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I am sitting alone and weary
Last Line: May rise to the calm of thine.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Confederacy


OUR NOBLE WASHINGTON, by MARIE IRISH    Poem Source                    
First Line: There is a hero we love well
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


OUR OLD FEUILLAGE, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Always our old feuillage!
Last Line: Collect bouquets of the incomparable feuillage of these states?
Subject(s): United States; America


OUR ORDERS, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Weave no more silks, ye lyons looms
Last Line: And god, and truth, and freedom die!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Freedom; War; American Flag; Liberty


OUR PRESIDENT READS A BOOK -- NOT LOUIS L'AMOUR, by WILLIAM WITHERUP    Poem Source                    
First Line: Before all the world
Last Line: We have sought his love for a thousand days
Subject(s): Books; Poetry Readings; Presidents, United States; Reagan, Ronald Wilson (b. 1911); White House (washington, D.c.)


OUR PRESIDENTS, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: First stands the lofty washington
Last Line: "twenty-eighth, wilson holds the place, / a nation's problems has to face"
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;


OUR PRESIDENTS, by LAURA ELIZABETH HOWE RICHARDS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: First came general washington
Alternate Author Name(s): Richards, Laura E.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


OUR PRIVILEGE, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not ours, where battle-smoke upcurls
Last Line: With valor's clashing steel.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


OUR ROOSEVELT, by MARY DILLINGHAM FREAR    Poem Source                    
First Line: Grant us grace that we may greet him
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


OUR STARS COME FROM IRELAND, by WALLACE STEVENS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Out of him that I loved
Subject(s): Ireland; Poetry & Poets; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Irish


OUR TWENTY-SIX PRESIDENTS IN RHYME, by JOHN NELSON DAVIDSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: First is a name the world reveres
Last Line: To end our rhyme.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


OUR WASHINGTON, by ELIZA W. DURBIN    Poem Text                    
First Line: O son of virginia, thy mem'ry divine
Last Line: And the land that is hallowed by washington's grave.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


OUT AND FIGHT, by CHARLES GODFREY LELAND    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Out and fight! The clouds are breaking
Last Line: Be extinguished from the land.
Alternate Author Name(s): Breitmann, Hans
Subject(s): American Civil War; Soldiers; United States - History


OUT OF OUR HANDS, by CATHY SONG    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Out of a hat
Last Line: The poem about being chinese, %skin the glorious color of chicken fat
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


OUTER BANKS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Horizon of islands shifting
Last Line: On the edge of the moment that is now the center. %from the open sea
Subject(s): Americans; United States


OUTSIDE ROOM SIX, by LYNN EMANUEL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Down on my knees again, on the linoleum outside room six
Last Line: Black square, white square goes the linoleum
Subject(s): Hotels; Popular Culture - United States; Inns; Innskeepers; Motels; Boarding Houses


OUTSIDE ROOM SIX, by LYNN EMANUEL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Down on my knees again, on the linoleum outside room six
Last Line: Black square, white square goes the linoleum
Subject(s): Hotels; Popular Culture - United States


OVER DENVER AGAIN, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Grey clouds blot sunglare, mountains float west, plane
Last Line: & insects hop back and forth between metallic cities
Subject(s): United States


OVER LARAMIE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Western air boat bouncing
Subject(s): United States; America


OVER LARAMIE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Western air boat bouncing
Last Line: The red plateau %into the new world
Subject(s): United States


OVER THE LINE (1882), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Up hill we've slowly plodded %from the boisterous wintry horn
Last Line: We're sailing now so gaily %with canvas flowing free
Subject(s): Navy - United States


OYE MUNDO/ - SOMETIMES, by JESUS PAPOLETO MELENDEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sometimes ( %when the night air feels chevere
Last Line: & I forget about the junkies %on the stoop
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PAEAN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, joy and thanks forevermore!
Last Line: The signal-call that freedom makes!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


PAGE OF SHORT POEMS, SELS, by EUGENE J. MCCARTHY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ending: %I am tired of the moon, she said
Last Line: Let us go in and turn on the tv
Subject(s): United States


PAINTERS, by WILLIAM CORBETT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dekooning, jack 'the dripper'
Last Line: Painful grimace. We were all %in the future before we knew it
Subject(s): Paintings And Painters; United States


PALM BEACH, by MARY LEIGHTON    Poem Text                    
First Line: As, seeking broader lands to gain
Last Line: From coral reef to blossom grown.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


PANEGYRIC ON WASHINGTON, by ELIZA COOK    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He fought, but not with love of strife; he struck but to defend
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


PARADISE IS NOT A PLACE, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Bread in our mouths, %lightning in the belly of a whale
Last Line: With gulls flapping gently around our peak
Subject(s): Sex; Travel; United States


PARDON, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Pains the sharp sentence
Last Line: Greatest, forgive!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Assassination; Booth, John Wilkes (1838-1865); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; United States - History


PARISH, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The priests, the priests %in their loneliness imagined our lives
Last Line: The men you imagine yourselves to be
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


PARRICIDE; ABRAHAM LINCOLN - APRIL 14, 1865, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O'er the warrior gauntlet grim
Last Line: From his ashes makes us freemen still.
Subject(s): Assassination; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Parricide; Presidents, United States


PARTING HYMN; 'DUNDEE', by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Father of mercies, heavenly friend
Last Line: Rule thou our throneless land!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Prayer; United States - History


PASSAGES 32, by ROBERT DUNCAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: John adams, marginalia to court de gebelin's monde primitif
Subject(s): United States; America


PAST SILVER DURANGO OVER MEXIC SIERRA WRINKLES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Westward mother-mountains drift pacific, green sloped
Subject(s): United States; America


PAST SILVER DURANGO OVER MEXIC SIERRA WRINKLES, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Westward mother-mountains drift pacific, green sloped
Last Line: From sky in sunlight, rocking back & forth in polluted %fields of air
Subject(s): United States


PAT NIXON SPEAKS OF HER HUSBAND'S SNORING, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: For all I know his communiques %animate the gray pacific or ascend
Last Line: Cliffs of rock along the coast, and the ocean %with its everlasting in and out
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


PATRIA, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I would not even ask my heart to say
Last Line: Nor should I be at all, were I not thine.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


PATRIOTIC POEM, by DIANE WAKOSKI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: George washington, your name is on my lips
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


PATRIOTIC POEM, by DIANE WAKOSKI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: George washington, your name is on my lips
Last Line: When will I finally become the first president's wife?
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


PATRIOTICS, by DAVID BAKER    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yesterday a little girl got slapped to death by her daddy
Subject(s): United States; Patriotism; Death; America; Dead, The


PATRIOTISM, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I think my country needs my vote
Last Line: And liberty will never die.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


PATRIOTISM AND A PENSION, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ole fo'th ob july
Last Line: An' one jes' fo' comin' out alive.
Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben
Subject(s): African Americans; Army - United States; Fourth Of July; Patriotism; Negroes; American Blacks; Independence Day


PAUL JONES (1), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: A song unto liberty's brave buccaneer
Last Line: He gave freeman the spoils and long may they revere / the name of fair liberty's bold buccaneer
Subject(s): "jones, John Paul (1747-1792);navy - United States;" American Navy


PAUL JONES - A NEW SONG, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Of heroes and statesmen I'll just mention four
Last Line: "may they all fare alike, and the de'il pick the bones / of green, jemmy twitcher, lord north, and p
Subject(s): "american Revolution;jones, John Paul (1747-1792);montagu, John, 4th Earl Of Sandwich;navy - United States;north, Frederick, Lord (1732-1792);" "twitcher, Jemmy;american Navy;north, Frederick. 2d Earl Of Guilford;


PAUL JONES' VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: An american frigate, a frigate of fame
Last Line: The loss of her sons in the ocean so deep. %hurrah! Hurrah! Our country for ever, hurrah!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Bon Homme Richard (ship); Jones, John Paul (1747-1792); Navy - United States; Sea Battles


PAUL REVERE SPEAKS, by MYRA COHN LIVINGSTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Yes, %longfellow wrote about me
Last Line: Remembered by that only his hands can make
Subject(s): United States


PAY UP OR ELSE, by LUCI TAPAHONSO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Vincent watchman was shot
Last Line: The $3 worth of gas he paid for
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


PEACE, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O land, of every land the best
Last Line: They gained a better peace than ours.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Peace; United States - History


PEACE TO THE BRAVE, by OLIVER OPTIC    Poem Source                    
First Line: Peace to the brave, who nobly fell
Last Line: Forever sacred by their fame, %green their honored grave
Subject(s): Death; Navy - United States


PEACOCK STUNG BY THE HORNET, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When o'er the blue and trackless deep
Last Line: For every true columbian tar, %will hail him hero of the wa r
Subject(s): Hornet (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; War Of 1812


PEOPLE OF AMERICA, by DOROTHY QUICK    Poem Text                    
First Line: This age is epochal
Last Line: Half of your seeds.
Alternate Author Name(s): Mayer, John Adams, Mrs.
Subject(s): Future; Hands; Nations; Seeds; United States; America


PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT, by WILLIAM HENRY VENABLE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Reverberant music of rejoicing bells
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


PERFECT HEART, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am alone in the garden, separated
Last Line: I would have cut away the crescent moon
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


PERRY'S VICTORY, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: We sailed to and fro in erie's broad lake
Last Line: "so six sail (the whole fleet) was our fortune to take, / here's a health to brave perry, who govern
Subject(s): "lake Erie, Battle Of;navy - United States;perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819);war Of 1812;" American Navy


PERRY'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye tars of columvia, give ear to my story
Last Line: While britons drink cherry, columbians, perry, %we'll toast him about with full glass in hand
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


PERRY'S VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye tars of columbia, give ear to my story
Last Line: Tho' the lords of the seas, we'll be lords of the lakes
Subject(s): Lake Erie, Battle Of; Navy - United States; Perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819); War Of 1812


PERSEPHONE SETS THE RECOED STRAIGHT, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You are all the rage these days
Last Line: Who wouldn't exchange %one hell for another?
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


PERSONAL HISTORY OF HANDS, by LORI JAKIELA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Spatulate is the word glamour magazine uses
Last Line: And what we make for ourselves
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


PERTUSSIN, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Always ether comes
Subject(s): United States; America


PERTUSSIN, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Always ether comes
Last Line: Aftertaste, midnight nostalgia
Subject(s): United States


PETER PAN IN NORTH AMERICA, by ROBIN BECKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mary martin, leader of the lost boys
Last Line: And grown-up play separated the marys from the boys
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


PETER STUYVESANT'S NEW YEAR'S CALL, 1 JAN. 1661, by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where nowadays the battery lies
Last Line: To breakfast at his bouwery.
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year; New York City - Dutch Period; Patriotism; Stuyvesant, Peter (1610-1672); United States - Dutch Settlements


PHILOSOPHER NIXON AT FRISBEE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: It began as a game with his grandkids, an absurd pursuit
Last Line: His body not the aimless arrow %but the tightened bow
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


PICCIOLA, by ROBERT HENRY NEWELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It was a sergeant old and gray
Last Line: That trembles first when earth is shaken.
Alternate Author Name(s): Kerr, Orpheus
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History; War


PIGEONS, by DAVID HERNANDEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Pigeons are the spiks of birdland
Last Line: I tell you, %pigeons are the spiks of birdland
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PILGRIM'S GUIDE TO CHAOS IN THE HEARTLAND: 4. C7OUNTING BACKWARDS, by JESSICA GOODFELLOW    Poem Source                    
First Line: 05181261 %the tall08 grass p5rairie states
Last Line: 73548768095909 %1173929274 %1705
Subject(s): Counting; Mathematics; Numbers; United States


PINON NUTS, by DIXIE SALAZAR    Poem Source                    
First Line: We begged him to teach us spanish
Last Line: Like a sweet, round nut
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Prisons And Prisoners; U.s. - Race Relations; Women


PINTA, THE NINA AND THE SANTA MARIA: AND MANY OTHER ..., by JOHN TAGLIABUE    Poem Source                    
First Line: America %I
Last Line: Of %july
Subject(s): United States


PIONEERING AMERICA, by MYRA C. JOHNSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Where is the pioneer?
Last Line: The pioneer at his resurrection.
Subject(s): Pioneers; United States; America


PIONEERS, by LILLIAN M. FISHER    Poem Source                    
First Line: They settled their tent pegs here
Last Line: In the sands of the lonesome west
Subject(s): United States


PITY THIS POOR ANIMAL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: And walks on grass %and has no need for fire
Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States


PLACE PREPARED, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's such a sad world
Last Line: Stepping into that place %he's promised to prepare
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


PLAIN LANGUAGE FROM TRUTHFUL JAMES, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Which I wish to remark
Last Line: Which the same I am free to maintain.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Variant Title(s): The Heathen Chinee;plain Talk From Truthful James
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Chinese; Gambling; Chinese In The United States; Wagering; Betting


PLAINT OF THE DISGUSTED BRITON IN THE STATES, by GEORGE SANTAYANA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Don't try america; I've tried it
Last Line: To england I return to live.
Subject(s): Homesickness; United States; America


PLAZAS LAS AMERICAS, by BOB WANDS    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is a place of black-stretch-pants-bond
Last Line: All sales final - no returns
Subject(s): Capitalism; United States


PLEASANT AVENUE, by MARIE PONSOT    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Is in manhattan %as only those who live there know
Last Line: And of hurting children. And so here %I have nothing to fear
Subject(s): Americans; United States


PLEASANT HILL, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is the house you don't want to remember
Last Line: Of the child waiting to be hushed
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


PLEASE MASTER, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Please master can I touch your cheek
Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; United States; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; America


PLEASE MASTER, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Please master can I touch your cheek
Last Line: Over & over, bamming it in while I cry out your name I do love you %please master
Subject(s): Homosexuality; United States


PLEDGE, by LEE ANN BROWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I pledge allergy to the flail of the united states of amigo
Last Line: And to live by the gizmo scowl lawyer
Subject(s): United States


PLOWMAN ON HORSEBACK, by FLORA SHUFELT RIVOLA    Poem Text                    
First Line: The sun has sucked all fire from the blood
Last Line: The swirled dust does not say.
Subject(s): Animals; Horseback Riding; Horses; United States; America


PLUS SHIPPING, by BOB HICOK    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Certainly it was a premonition of a navajo warrior that men
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


POEM, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am trying to find a parking space
Last Line: And that's not nearly enough
Subject(s): Jews - United States


POEM ABOUT INTELLIGENCE FOR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A few years back and they told me black
Last Line: I do guess %that's genius for you
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


POEM ABOUT POLICE VIOLENCE, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell me something
Last Line: You think the accident rate would lower subsequently
Subject(s): United States - Race Relations; Racism; African Americans; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Negroes; American Blacks


POEM COMPOSED FOR .. THE VIGILANT COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA, by DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Rise, god of freedom! From thy throne of light
Last Line: "be free! Be free! Ye ransomed lands, be free!"
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs; America


POEM FOR THE YOUNG WHITE MAN WHO ASKED ME HOW I, AN INTELLIGENT ..., by LORNA DEE CERVANTES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In my land there are no distinctions
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


POEM FOR THE YOUNG WHITE MAN WHO ASKED ME HOW I, AN INTELLIGENT ..., by LORNA DEE CERVANTES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In my land there are no distinctions
Last Line: But in this country %there is war
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


POEM WHERE MY MOTHER AND FATHER ARE ABSENT, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: My sisters and I %on the winding path
Last Line: The empty porch swing %creaking in the wind
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


POEM, READ THE SOLDIERS' WELCOME, FRANKLIN, NEW YORK, AUG. 5, 1865, by B. H. BARNES    Poem Text                    
First Line: The heroes of a hundred fields
Last Line: For peace and liberty!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Homecoming; Life; Soldiers; United States - History; Dead, The


POEM, SPOKEN BEFORE THE PHI BETA KAPPA SOCIETY, AUGUST, 1934, by RALPH WALDO EMERSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Is not this house a harp whose living chords
Last Line: Shall greet with joy sublime the angel death.
Subject(s): United States; America


POET'S WIFE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: She curses the half moon hanging
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


POET: WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO LUTHER?, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He was strange weather, this luther, he read books, mainly poetry and
Last Line: Do, writing books, she also said that he smiles a lot and kinda got good teeth
Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


POINT OF THAT PYRAMID WHOSE SOLID BASE, by ? AIKIN    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


POLISH JOKES, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the deep freeze of the cold war
Last Line: For feigning detente while dreaming of exile
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


POLITICAL COMPASSION (A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS), by TIM DIVITO    Poem Source                    
First Line: On this divided earth, play time is over
Last Line: So we can preserve a strong america
Subject(s): Social Protest; United States


POMEGRANATE SEASON, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: First frost-the sugar-shocked leaves
Last Line: Darkness-god, I'd barter my soul for these
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


POPPIES, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the corner of a room
Last Line: But expecting %snow
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


PORNOGRAPHY, NEBRASKA, by SANDRA JEAN MCPHERSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Once, on that highway where a traveler works hard
Last Line: Away from their beds
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


PORTRAIT, by HARRY GRAHAM    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Alert as bird or early worm
Alternate Author Name(s): Streamer, Col. D.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


PORTRAIT OF ASSIMILATION, by UNKNOWN+183    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father sits quietly in his brown naugahyde chair watching
Last Line: Gets kinda cold nowadays for me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


POST EARLY FOR SPACE, by PETER J. HENNIKER-HEATON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Once we were wayfarers, then seafarers, then airfarers
Last Line: And will scribble a line to catch the post for space
Subject(s): United States


POSTCARDS TO COLUMBUS, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Beginning at the front door of the white house, travel west
Last Line: Of your television set? Can you hear the ghost of drums approasching?
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


POSTMODERN: A DEFINITION, by JOSEPH LIKE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Neither a lender nor a borrower be
Last Line: All the others behind
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


POSTMODERNISM, by DAVID BAKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The scene you loathe, the sheer fervor, the speed
Last Line: And now even your pity is worthless
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


POWERS OF CONGRESS, by ALICE FULTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How the lightstruck trees change sun
Subject(s): Modern Life; United States - Congress


POWWOW POLAROID, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We were fancydancing, you see
Last Line: My uncle held his great belly in his hands, walked amoung the fancy dancers / forgiveness
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


POWWOW POLAROID, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We were fancydancing, you see
Last Line: The fancydancers, said this: %forgiveness
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRACTISE CRUISE, by N. H. BARNES    Poem Source                    
First Line: Meet me tonight, comrades, gather around
Last Line: Cross the wide ocean to london we've been, %plymouth and fun
Subject(s): Navy - United States


PRAIRIE SCHOONER, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: That house at tenth & grant
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


PRAISE THE TORTILLA, PRAISE THE MENUDO, PRAISE THE CHORIZO, by RAY GONZALEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: I praise the tortilla in honor of el panzon
Last Line: Our chins and drips away
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRAYER, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: God bless the chick in alaska
Last Line: And bless the fat chick in alaska
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


PRAYER, by JOSEPH BRUCHAC    Poem Source                    
First Line: Let my words
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRAYER FOR AMERICA, by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O lord of justice and of right
Last Line: Oh, make us great!
Subject(s): Patriotism; Prayer; United States; America


PRAYER FOR THE MEDINA, by JACOB I. COHEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When we call on thee, o righteous god, answer us
Last Line: And may the redeemer come to zion, and let us say, amen
Subject(s): Holidays; Prayer; Thanksgiving Day; United States


PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lay thou, o god, thy quickening hand
Last Line: Bestow thy crowning praise. Amen.
Subject(s): Prayer; Presidents, United States


PRE-HOLIDAY PMS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I don't want to be thankful this year
Last Line: Your charge cards %and all your cash
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


PREPARATIONS FOR SEDER, by MICHAEL S. GLASER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Preparing schmaltz for matzoh balls
Last Line: And eat and praise the taste of, wanting more
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRESENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This woman vomiting her
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRESENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This woman vomiting her
Last Line: Making pilgimage to herself. Walking
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


PRESIDENT, by PHILIP DACEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: One day the president remembers the silence
Last Line: And the scent of the ground %touching him the whole length of his body
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


PRESIDENT, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hunter and soldier stalwart to the core
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S BURIAL HYMN, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When lilacs last in the door-yard bloom'd
Last Line: There in the fragrant pines and the cedars dusk and dim.
Variant Title(s): When Lilacs Last In The Dooryard Bloomed
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Flowers; Grief; Lilacs; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Loss; Mourning; Patriotism; Presidents, United States; United States - History; United States; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness; Bereavement; America


PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S GRAVE, by CAROLINE ATHERTON BRIGGS MASON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lay his dear ashes where ye will
Alternate Author Name(s): Caro
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It shall flash through coming ages
Last Line: Break the refulgent on the sight.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION, by LAURA CATHERINE REDDEN SEARING    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lift up the bowed, desponding head
Alternate Author Name(s): Glyndon, Howard
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


PRESIDENTIAL COTILLION, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Caste garden was splendid one night - though the wet
Last Line: And it rung to the music of liberty's march.
Subject(s): Lafayette, Marie Joseph, Marquis De; Presidents, United States


PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1789-1845, by JACKSON MACLOW    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: George washington never owned a camel
Last Line: Small enough to be %hidden in the palm of a hand
Alternate Author Name(s): Mac Low, Jackson
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: 1853, by JACKSON MACLOW    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Are all the presidents whose names begin with 'p' dark horses?
Last Line: As hawthorne did in a preface %for being a good friend
Alternate Author Name(s): Mac Low, Jackson
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


PRIVATE CITIZEN, by PETER JOHNSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He has this dream where he walks
Last Line: Him and his wife
Subject(s): Dreams; Presidents, United States


PRIVATEERING AND PIRATEERING, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come all ye noble warriors
Last Line: And not like foolish children, %try each other's heads to break
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Pirates; Privateers; War Of 1812


PROCLAMATION, by CHARLES GODFREY LELAND    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now who has done the greatest deed
Alternate Author Name(s): Breitmann, Hans
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


PRODUCT, by GEORGE OPPEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is no beauty in new england like the boats
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


PRODUCT, by GEORGE OPPEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is no beauty in new england like the boats
Last Line: Is all I've found: myself
Subject(s): Americans; United States


PROGRESSION; OR, THE SOUTH DEFENDED: SLAVERY, by MARY SOPHIE SHAW HOMES    Poem Text                    
First Line: The book of books we confidently quote
Last Line: Gainst wild fanaticism's fickle laws.
Alternate Author Name(s): Mayfield, Millie
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bible; Cruelty; Slavery; Southern States; United States - History; Serfs; South (u.s.)


PROGRESSIVE, by JULIA COOLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: The world is waiting, in a crucial pause
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


PROPHECY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O future bards %chant from skull to heart to ass
Last Line: Where rockets rise %to take me home
Subject(s): United States


PROSPECT, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: War will not always be
Last Line: "but that was long ago."
Subject(s): United States - History; War; World War I; First World War


PROSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS PLEASE NOTE, by ADRIENNE CECILE RICH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Either you will
Subject(s): Americans; Immigrants; United States; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; America


PROSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS PLEASE NOTE, by ADRIENNE CECILE RICH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Either you will
Last Line: Makes no promises %it is only a door
Subject(s): Americans; Immigrants; United States


PROUD RIDERS, by HAROLD LENOIR DAVIS            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We rode hard, and brought the cattle from brushy springs
Alternate Author Name(s): Davis, H. L.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


PROUD RIDERS, by HAROLD LENOIR DAVIS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We rode hard, and brought the cattle from brushy springs
Last Line: Down the flat frosty road we crowded the herd: %high stepped the horses for us, proud riders in autu
Alternate Author Name(s): Davis, H. L.
Subject(s): Americans; United States


PSALM, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: We're late. She pulls on hose, as if her skin
Last Line: Later, curtains drawn, when everyone is home and at rest
Subject(s): Jews - United States


PUBLIC SCHOOL NO. 18, PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Miss wilson's eyes, opaque %as blue glass, fix on me
Last Line: And my rage will blow %your house down
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; New Jersey; Refugees; Schools; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations


PUNK PANTOUM, by PAMELA STEWART    Poem Source                    
First Line: Tonight I'll walk the razor along your throat
Last Line: Tonight, dragging the white-hot razor across our throats %and back
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


PURE PRODUCTS OF AMERICA, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the middle of the southeast asian war
Last Line: But I wish he'd quit
Subject(s): Children; United States; War


PUT IT THROUGH, by EDWARD EVERETT HALE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come, freeman of the land
Last Line: Put it through!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


PUT OUT THE LIGHT!' AND SO IN DARK, by VILDA SAUVAGE OWENS    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


PYROGRAPHY, by JOHN ASHBERY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Out here on cottage grove it matters. The galloping
Subject(s): United States; America


QUEENS, 1963, by JULIA ALVAREZ    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Everyone seemed more american
Last Line: Before the first foreigners owned %any of this free country
Subject(s): Americans; Baby Boom Generation; Dominican Republic; Hispanic Americans; Travel; United States; Women


QUESTIONS FOR ECCLESIASTES, by MARK JARMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What if on a foggy night in a beachtown, a night when the pacific leans close
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


R.O.T.C, by EDWARD MERRILL ROOT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sons of the republic drill
Last Line: The new goose-step fraternity!
Alternate Author Name(s): Root, E. Merrill
Subject(s): Army - United States; Reserve Officers Training Course; Soldiers; War; R.o.t.c.


RADIO BLUES, by KENNETH FEARING    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Try 5 on the dial, try 10, 15;
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Radio


RAILROAD CARS ARE COMING, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The great pacific railway
Last Line: The railroad cars are coming, humming %through new mexico
Subject(s): United States


RAIN-WET ASPHALT HEAT, GARBAGE CURBED CANS OVERFLOWING, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hauled down lifeless mattresses to sidewalk refuse-piles
Subject(s): United States; America


RAIN-WET ASPHALT HEAT, GARBAGE CURBED CANS OVERFLOWING, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hauled down lifeless mattresses to sidewalk refuse-piles
Last Line: And sudden farewell to the bedbug-ridden mattresses piled soggy in dark rain
Subject(s): United States


RAMON, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Drunk and senseless in his place
Last Line: Dead as stone!
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): Mexico; Mines & Miners; Tragedy; United States; America


RAPED, by GARY W. LONDON    Poem Source                    
First Line: America the beautiful
Last Line: Dial 1-800 america %going, going, gone
Subject(s): United States


READING JAMES WRIGHT, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: If I go down all the way with you
Last Line: Lank and rambling? She never %threw herself into the sea
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States; Wright, James (1927-1980)


READING MY POEMS FROM WORLD WAR II, by WILLIAM MEREDITH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The ships in these verses course through a blue meadow
Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; World War Ii; Navy - United States; Aviation & Aviators; Sailors & Sailing; Second World War; American Navy; Airplanes; Air Pilots


READY, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Loaded with gallant soldiers
Last Line: Who was fitter to die than he!
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Sailing & Sailors; United States - History; Seamen; Sails


READY FOR TEDDY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hello, teddy! All th' west is watchin'
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


REAL INDIAN LEANS AGAINST, by UNKNOWN+183    Poem Source                    
First Line: The pink neon lit window full of plaster of paris & resin
Last Line: Somewhere %where nobody is sold
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


REBEL COLOR-BEARERS AT SHILOH, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The color-bearers facing death
Last Line: And think how grant met lee.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Shiloh, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


RECLASSIFIED, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ww ii took just about any man
Last Line: And where some folks called him %a 4-f son of a bitch
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


RECOGNIZED FUTURES, by LISA SUHAIR MAJAJ    Poem Source                    
First Line: Turning to you, my name
Last Line: All our tongues can sing
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


RECONCILIATION, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Word over all, beautiful as the sky
Last Line: Bend down and touch lightly with my lips the white face in the coffin.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


RECOVERY, by EMILIE ROSE MACAULAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: When this so bitter tide
Last Line: We shall cry and laugh, as sailors and children do.
Alternate Author Name(s): Macaulay, Rose
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Peace; War; American Navy


RED AND THE BLUE, by H. A. ROBY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, johnny bull! You know, john
Subject(s): Flags - United States


RED AND WHITE ROOFS, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Red and white roofs, and the sky
Last Line: Here's to you, our flag, here's to you!
Subject(s): Flags - United States


RED, THE WHITE, THE BLUE, by KATE BROWNLEE SHERWOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: O comrades, on each lonely grave we place one flower today
Subject(s): Flags - United States


REFLECTIONS IN SLEEPY EYE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: 3,489 friendly people
Last Line: White eye, door mouth
Subject(s): United States


REGIMENT SONG, by FRANK LEBBY STANTON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The old flag is a-doin' her very level best
Variant Title(s): We're Marchin' With The Countr
Subject(s): Flags - United States


REINFORCEMENTS, by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The vestibule to experience is not to
Last Line: The future of time is determined by the power of volition.
Subject(s): World War I - United States


RELIEVING GUARD, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Came the relief. 'what, sentry, ho!'
Last Line: "somewhere had just relieved a picket."
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


REMAINS, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I left the knife in the sink
Last Line: Dearest. All I left for you to find
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


REMEMBER AGAIN, by R. W. S.    Poem Text                    
First Line: Rain in the blackness. Stabs of flame in the blackness
Last Line: Remember again.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Army Life; Memory; Pain; Social Protest; Soldiers; Soldiers' Writings; Veterans Day; War; Drills & Minor Tactics; Suffering; Misery


REMINDER, by INDRAN AMIRTHANAYAGAM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You come from sri lanka, / said the toy-shop keeper at patti's
Subject(s): Sri Lanka; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Ceylon


REQUIEM FOR PRESIDENT TAYLOR, BOSTON, 1850, by GEORGE LUNT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Enshrined in glory, as the golden west
Last Line: And unborn nations love to speak his fame.
Subject(s): Honor; Presidents, United States; Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850)


RESERVATION, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: You seldom talked about the indian side
Last Line: Among spring beauties and curled adder's tongue
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


RESTROOM, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I push out of customs, stumble, almost fall, legs numb
Last Line: Turn on the faucet. Water flows and flows over my hands, %warm and full of light, like a blessing
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


RESURGIT THEODORE, by CLARENCE H. WILLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Our champion, great-heart, answered
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


RETURN, by WALTER TRUMBULL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The cyclone-cellar's open wide
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Old upright piano, she says, I am home
Last Line: Canada has returned. Stroke the quilted %nap of her feathers, and take good aim
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


RETURNED BATTLE FLAGS, by MOSES OWEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nothing but flags, but simple flags
Subject(s): American Civil War; Flags - United States; U.s. - History


RETURNED FROM THE WAR, by HENRY ABBEY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Shrouded by his country's flag
Last Line: He was all the world to her.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Grief; Marriage; United States - History; Sorrow; Sadness; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


RETURNING NORTH OF VORTEX, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Red guards battling country workers
Last Line: Returning down black superhighways to denver
Subject(s): United States


RETURNING TO EARTH, by JAMES HARRISON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She / pulls the sheet of this dance
Last Line: Let the predator love his prey.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim
Subject(s): Aging; Despair; Introspection; Magic; United States; America


REUBEN JAMES, by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Three ships of war had preble when he left the naples shore
Last Line: For god never ranks his sailors by the register of earth!
Subject(s): Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); James, Reuben; Navy - United States; Pirates; Sailing & Sailors; Tripoli; American Navy; Piracy; Buccaneers; Seamen; Sails


REVISING SYLVIA, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Eight-millimeter woman, phosphoric semaphore
Last Line: Who hovers, wavers %but refuses to descend
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


REVIVAL, by PETER GIZZI            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Corso, Gregory (1930-2001)


RIB SANDWICH, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I wanted a rib sandwich
Last Line: And didn't even %need a passport
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


RIDING THE EIGHTEEN, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Few words, I'd like to think it's because it's 6:30
Last Line: Trailing it like a memory of violence
Subject(s): Jews - United States


RIGHT IDEA, WRONG RIVER, by NED PASTOR    Poem Source                    
First Line: Washington crossed the delaware
Last Line: Across the hudson for that man?
Subject(s): Bridges; Memory; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


RIGHT ON: WHITE AMERICA, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This country might have
Last Line: Gun/shells on our blk/tomorrows.
Subject(s): Racism; United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; America


RIND DOWN LIFE'S MAMMOTH CURTAIN, by JOSEPH CORSON MILLER    Poem Source                    
Alternate Author Name(s): Miller, J. Corson
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


RISING OVER NIGHT-BLACKENED DETROIT STREETS, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Brilliant network-lights tentacle dim suburbs
Last Line: Sweating & weeping ignorant on your own plastic-pain maya planet
Subject(s): United States


ROBBED (LEAGUE OF NATIONS REPUDIATED BY U.S. SENATE), by ETHELEAN TYSON GAW    Poem Text                    
First Line: I rode at dawn a chevalier of god
Last Line: But—so much cannon fodder left to rot.
Subject(s): League Of Nations; United States - Congress - Senate; War


ROBERT E. LEE, by JULIA WARD HOWE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A gallant foeman in the fight
Last Line: We honor thee, virginia's son.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); United States - History


RODGERS & VICTORY: TIT FOR TAT, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: John bull, who has for ten years past
Last Line: And strike aloud the merry stave %of yankee doodle dandy
Subject(s): American Revolution; Little Belt (ship); Navy - United States; Rodgers, John (1773-1838); Sea Battles


RODNEY'S RIDE [JULY 3, 1776], by ELBRIDGE STREETER BROOKS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In that soft mid-land where the breezes bear
Last Line: The day of delegate rodney's ride.
Variant Title(s): Caesar Rodney's Ride
Subject(s): American Revolution; Rodney, Caesar (1728-1784); United States - Continental Congress; United States - Declaration Of Independence


ROGERS AND BINGHAM, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Once bingham took the little belt
Last Line: From insult to protect our flag, %and tell an honest story
Subject(s): American Revolution; Little Belt (ship); Navy - United States; Rodgers, John (1773-1838)


ROGERS AND VICTORY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: One night it was bout nine o'clock
Last Line: Dey get it hot, as dey could sup, %hotter as french brandy
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States; President (ship); Rodgers, John (1773-1838); Sea Battles


ROLL-CALL, by MARION VAN LANINGHAM    Poem Text                    
First Line: I have seen you, kansas, shifting out
Last Line: When the sagebush spreads the gaunt little seeds of tomorrow?
Subject(s): United States; America


ROLLS-ROYCE DREAMS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Using salal leaves for money
Last Line: Headlights missing, and gas gauge on empty
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


ROMAIOS, by WILLAM GAY BALLANTINE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Twas in the crowded avenue; o'erhead
Last Line: To shine resplendent in thy future's crown!
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Greek Language; New York City; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


ROMANCE, by PAUL ZIMMER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This frightened, horny boy
Last Line: So sure it lasts a lifetime
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


ROMANCERO: BOOK 1. HISTORIES: THE PRELUDE, by HEINRICH HEINE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This, then, is america!
Last Line: Of the flag of barbarossa.
Subject(s): United States; America


ROOSEVELT, by JOHN JAY CHAPMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: Life seems belittled when a great man
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT, by ROBERT H. DAVIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: He came out the void
Last Line: Asleep.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT, by PETER FANDEL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Columbia %if aught but loss of honor
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT, by HERMANN HAGEDORN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The breakers pound the rocks and the
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT, by T. E. THOMAS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Twas not in him to deal with cringing touch
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT DEAD, by ROBERT A. DONALDSON    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT IN WYOMING, by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Do you know yancey's? Where the
Alternate Author Name(s): Bridges, Robert+(2)
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT TO FRANCE', by SAM MORTLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: Send roosevelt %ower tae france
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT'S GUEST, by KATHARINE LEE BATES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a cry abroad that the president
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROOSEVELT, THE LEADER, by MARY SIEGRIST    Poem Source                    
First Line: From her red veins the mother fashioned him
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROUGH RIDER, by BLISS CARMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where lift the peaks of purple
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROUGH RIDERS, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Their horses are picketed leagues away
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROUGH RIDERS, by EDWIN L. SABIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From where the chaparrals uplift
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


ROUGH RIDING AT EL CANEY, by JOHN PAUL BOCOCK    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was on july the first
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


RUGGED FACES, by MARY R. HARTMAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: I love the hills and mountains
Last Line: A friend to all mankind.
Subject(s): Character; Faces; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


RUINED STATUES IN THE LOUVRE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Infant love left his palm print on this aphrodite's naked back
Last Line: Against each other in their tombs-for the hundredth time or so %that day, you let my hand go
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; Louvre, Paris; Statues; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


RULES OF THE ROAD, AT SEA, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Two close-hauled ships upon the sea
Last Line: In danger with no room to turn %ease her, stop her, go astern!
Subject(s): Maritime Law; Navy - United States


RUMPELSTILTSKIN CONVENTION, by CHARLES HARPER WEBB    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Circus circus swarms with us: floors strewn
Last Line: Thinking kevin, thinking jimmy, thinking bo
Subject(s): Conventions; Las Vegas, Nevada; Popular Culture - United States


RUNNING THE BATTERIES, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A moonless night - a friendly one
Last Line: So porter proves himself a brave man's son.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Navy - United States; Patriotism; United States - History; Vicksburg Campaign (1862-63); American Navy


RUSSIA - AMERICA, by JOHN GALSWORTHY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A wind in the world! The dark departs
Last Line: With brightened wings, and smiles and beckons home!
Alternate Author Name(s): Sinjohn, John
Subject(s): World War I - Russia; World War I - United States


S & M, by ELIAS MIGUEL MUNOZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: The masochist confesses that his pain
Last Line: Even if I have to be ... %what is that word they used? %even if I have to be ... A sadist.'
Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States; Latin America - History; Protest, Social; Puerto Ricans - New York City; Tyranny And Tyrants


SACRED AND THE PROFANE, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: We sit in a circle while our leader, a senior
Last Line: And make petitions, some of which he grants, raybans glittering
Subject(s): Jews - United States


SACRED REFUGE FOR FEDERALS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dear sir, you are wrong to tell lies in a song
Last Line: They sigh for lost posts, then knock for their hosts, %and take on their twentieth embargo
Subject(s): Embargo Act Of 1807; Navy - United States


SADDER THAN A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: With money %a good man
Last Line: Wouldn't want to preach %her a sermon or anything
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SAGAMORE, by COLETTA RYAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The birds fly low at oyster bay
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SAGEBRUSH, by CHRISTOPHER MERRILL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: These are the last days of its empire. No flags fly from its dead limbs, nor do
Last Line: These stiff limbs? Ants, grass, and wind. What is the price of wisdom here? Only the priest and pris
Subject(s): Army - United States; Military; Soldiers; Wisdom


SAILOR'S GRAVE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Night-winds are mournfully sweeping
Last Line: Till the last trumpet awaking, %sound thro' the depths of the tomb
Subject(s): Death; Navy - United States


SAILOR'S LIFE FOR ME, by UNKNOWN+234    Poem Source                    
First Line: A home on the rolling deep
Last Line: A life on the ocean wave - %a grave in the dark blue sea!
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SAILORS' AND SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL DAY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When flow-ry summer is at hand
Last Line: While the sweetest flowers we are bringing, %wreath'd in garlands of red, white and blue
Subject(s): Holidays; Memorial Day; Navy - United States


SAINT ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF HUNGARY, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nights, under the tasseled brocade of my canopy
Last Line: Feast. No man can live without it
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


SALT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lisa, leona, loretta? %she's sipping a milkshake
Last Line: In a wooden barrel
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr.
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SALUTE THE FLAG, by HENRY CUYLER BUNNER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Off with your hat as the flag goes by!
Variant Title(s): The Old Fla
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism


SAM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If he could have kept
Last Line: What did you do to my father?
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers & Daughters; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


SAM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If he could have kept
Last Line: What did you do to my father
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers And Daughters; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SAN JUAN, by GEORGE MACDONALD MOORE    Poem Source     Poem Explanation                
First Line: A health to you, teddy
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SAPPHIC SONNETS, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Why do I try to glid you in this form?
Last Line: While wishing someone would swing you, at last
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


SARGENT'S PORTRAIT OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by MARGARET RIDGELY PARTRIDGE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Art such as this has power to withstand
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Sargent, John Singer (1856-1925)


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 1, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by WILLIAM B. WHITING    Poem Source                    
First Line: Though far from home, o'er distant seas
Last Line: We'll fear no host %nor ill
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 2, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by JR. M. CR. PERRY    Poem Source                    
First Line: An another saturday night has come around
Last Line: Pass by without drinking to sweet-hearts and wives
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 3, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by HENRY ETTING    Poem Source                    
First Line: Though adverse winds, and currents strong
Last Line: Sure every man is not a poet, %pray then excuse the bard, sirs
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 4, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by J. C. RICH    Poem Source                    
First Line: On saturday night, when the red wine is flowing
Last Line: And folds to his bosom in transports ecstatic %those dear ones so loved, be they sweet-hearts or wiv
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 5, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by J. J. ALMY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Good songs have been written on sweet-hearts and wives
Last Line: Then here's to true friends, who by us will stand, %and we'll drink to warm friends at sea or on lan
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURDAY NIGHT SONG: 6, WRITTEN ON BOARD FRIGATE MACEDONIAN, by J. HUNTINGTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Old winter spreads his veil of snow
Last Line: And his soul he gazes on home once more, %home, and the dear ones there
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SATURNALIA, by LEVI BISHOP    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sweetest calm man e'er beheld
Last Line: The union ever one!
Subject(s): Peace; Planets; United States; War; America


SAVANNAH, by ALETHEA S. BURROUGHS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Thou hast not drooped thy stately head
Last Line: Savannah! O savannah!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Savannah, Georgia; United States - History


SAVING AMERICA, by JR. ORVAL A. LUND    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was twelve, we were at war %in korea. I did my part, climbing
Last Line: And in the birdsong dawn, flying away, my fear
Subject(s): Arms And Armor; Bombs; Korean War, 1950-1953; Soldiers; United States


SCENE FROM THE MOVIE GIANT, by TINO VILLANUEVA    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What I have from 1956 is one instant at the holiday
Subject(s): Motion Pictures; Politics & Government; Popular Culture - United States; Movies; Cinema


SCENE FROM THE MOVIE GIANT, by TINO VILLANUEVA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What I have from 1956 is one instant at the holiday
Last Line: Helpless light, local-looking, unthought of at fourteen
Subject(s): Motion Pictures; Politics; Popular Culture - United States


SCENE IN A COUNTRY HOSPITAL, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here, lonely, wounded and apart
Last Line: Thank heaven! This -- all -- ends with me soon.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Hospitals; United States - History


SCRABBLE, by DAVID STARKEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was summoned to the porter's lodge for an overseas call from
Last Line: Street I would linger there in his presence, studying grace until I froze
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SCREENING, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A society intent on living in the present tense
Last Line: Of moonlessness overlooking a sea?
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Suburbs; Television; Tv


SCUM O' THE EARTH', by ROBERT HAVEN SCHAUFFLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At the gate of the west I stand
Last Line: In the wealth of the richest bloods of earth.
Subject(s): Freedom; New York City; Patriotism; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Liberty; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


SEA RETURNS, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Mother, mother, I hear the sound at the door
Last Line: Daughta? Daughta? Daughta? Og gawd. She caan swim
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SEA! THE SEA!, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, the sea, the sea, hath a charm for me
Last Line: Is the happiest place for all to me, %then hurra for the sparkling wave
Subject(s): Navy - United States


SEA-BOY'S FAREWELL, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Wait, wait, ye winds! Till I repeat
Last Line: May harbor in the port of love, %and all be moored together
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sailors And Sailing


SECOND-CLASS CITIZEN, by JENNIFER LAGIER    Poem Source                    
First Line: We laughed %calling it'latent wop syndrome'
Last Line: Waiting official permission %to be let off the boat
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SECRET LOVE, by MILTON KESSLER    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father's back %heaves toward the sea
Last Line: They shook on it
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SEDER, by ENID DAME    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is a strange seder
Last Line: We keep on - we keep going on
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SEED, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am a child of the sun, balancing
Last Line: The husk and the heart %of the fruit
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SEGREGATION, by CARLOS GERMAN BELLI    Poem Source                    
First Line: My mother, my two bothers, myself
Last Line: We want only to disintegrate %into small pieces
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Prejudice; Social Problems


SELF PORTRAIT AS NANCY DREW, GIRL SLEUTH, by KRISTY NIELSEN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sure there are some differences. I'm no virgin
Last Line: I will find out. I will expose you
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SENORA X NO MORE, by PAT MORA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Straight as a nun I sit
Last Line: I carve my crooked name, and again at night %until my hand and arm are sore, %I carve my crooked nam
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SEPTEMBER ON JESSORE ROAD, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Millions of babies watching the skies
Subject(s): United States; America


SEPTEMBER ON JESSORE ROAD, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Millions of babies watching the skies
Last Line: Millions of children nowhere to go
Subject(s): United States


SERVICE FLAG, by WILLIAM HERSCHELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dear little flag in the window there
Subject(s): Flags - United States


SESQUICENTENNIAL ODE; FOR JULY 24, 1926, by CHARLES WHARTON STORK    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where is your promise
Last Line: In glory above!
Subject(s): Flags; Growth; United States; America


SEVENTH STREET, by JEAN TOOMER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Money burns the pocket, pocket hurts
Subject(s): African Americans; City & Town Life; Social Commentaries; United States - Prohibition (1919-1933); Negroes; American Blacks


SEX LIFE OF POLITICIANS, by PETER RABBIT    Poem Source                    
First Line: The days of devil-may-care sex
Last Line: Just before he comes
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Sex


SHADES OF ORIGIN, by SEBASTIAN SALAZAR BONDY    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was born in a flimsy nest
Last Line: Oppressed my childhood dreams with terror
Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Ethnic Groups - United States; Peru


SHE DANCED WITH WASHINGTON, by ELVIRA SNYDER MILLER    Poem Source                    
First Line: With powdered locks and brocade gown
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


SHERIDAN AT CEDAR CREEK, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Shoe the steed with silver
Last Line: Where the nameless followers sleep.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cedar Creek, Battle Of (1864); Sheridan, Philip Henry (1831-1888); United States - History


SHERIDAN'S RIDE [DECEMBER 19, 1864], by THOMAS BUCHANAN READ    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Up from the south, at break of day
Last Line: "from winchester, -- twenty miles away!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Animals; Cedar Creek, Battle Of (1864); Courage; Holidays; Memorial Day; Patriotism; Sheridan, Philip Henry (1831-1888); United States - History; War; Valor; Bravery; Declaration Day


SHERMAN'S IN SAVANNAH [DECEMBER 22, 1864], by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Like the tribes of israel
Last Line: As it crowns savannah!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Savannah, Georgia; Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA, by SAMUEL HAWKINS MARSHALL BYERS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Our camp-fires shone bright on the mountain
Last Line: When sherman marched down to the sea.
Variant Title(s): Song Of Sherman's March To The Sea
Subject(s): American Civil War; Georgia (state); Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


SHILOH; A REQUIEM, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Skimming lightly, wheeling still
Last Line: And all is hushed at shiloh.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; Shiloh, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


SHINE, PERISHING REPUBLIC, by ROBINSON JEFFERS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: While this america settles in the mould of its vulgarity
Last Line: God, when he walked on earth
Subject(s): United States; Social Commentary; Religion; United States; America; Theology; America


SHINE, PERISHING REPUBLIC, by ROBINSON JEFFERS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: While this america settles in the mould of its vulgarity
Last Line: There is the trap that catches noblest spirits, that caught - %they say - god, when he walked on ear
Subject(s): Religion; United States


SHOPLIFTERS, by MAURA STANTON    Poem Text                    
First Line: I'd smoke in the freezer
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SHOPLIFTERS, by MAURA STANTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'd smoke in the freezer
Last Line: Now he peers through the window, %watching me bag groceries %for hours until my hands sweat
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SHOPLIFTING, by BARON WORMSER    Poem Source                    
First Line: The store dick lays a hand on your shoulder
Last Line: You don't even own a camera
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SHOPPING FOR MIDNIGHT, by G. E. MURRAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: There you go, it's everywhere
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SHORT HISTORY OF THE SIXTIES, by HENRI COULETTE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Bang! Bang! Bang! %and always in the head
Last Line: The plane, the widow, the mass. %we drive with our lights on
Subject(s): Assassination; United States


SHORT-ORDER COOK, by JIM DANIELS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: An average joe comes in
Subject(s): Cooking & Cooks; Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants; Cookery; Cafes; Diners


SHORT-ORDER COOK, by JIM DANIELS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: An average joe comes in
Last Line: Pressure; responsibility, success, %thirty cheeseburgers, thirty fries
Subject(s): Cooking And Cooks; Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants


SHORTWAVE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: From moscow, london, and tripoli %shortwaves winged through the steel v
Last Line: Attending to concerts, quiz shows, propaganda, war
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


SHOULD, SHOULD NOT, by CHRISTOPHER MERRILL    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I should have pocketed the key left in the front door of the embassy and used
Last Line: I should have asked charon for permission to troll. %I should have thrown back what I caught.
Subject(s): Inaugural Poem; Politics; Presidents, United States; Waterloo


SHOW THE FLAG, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Show the flag and let it wave
Last Line: Show the flag and fall in line!
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


SHOWER SCENE IN PSYCHO, by DAVID TRINIDAD    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Shortly before midnight on friday, august 8, 1969, manson
Last Line: Then I read the headline as my eyes adjusted to the sun
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SHOYN FERGESSIN: 'I'VE FORGOTTEN' IN YIDDISH, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: But now it's the yiddish itself I'm forgetting
Subject(s): Forgetfulness; Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Yiddish


SHRINE OF THE LION, by WILLIAM E. BROOKS    Poem Source                    
First Line: When men, as pilgrims journeying
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SHYLOCK VISITS DACHAU: 1991, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Shylock emerges form brandenburg gate blinking
Last Line: Leah's pursed smile reemerging, the black %cloth finally removed
Subject(s): Jews - United States


SIAMESE TWINS IN LOVE, by SUSAN SWARTWOUT    Poem Source                    
First Line: A lifetime mirrored: chang and eng
Last Line: Your tongue down his identical throat
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SIEGE OF PLATTSBURG, SUNG IN CHARACTER OF A BLACK SAILOR, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Back side albany stan' lake champlain
Last Line: For gen'ral mccomb, and massa 'donough-home, %when he notion for anudder tea-party
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Plattsburg, Battle Of; War Of 1812


SIEGE OF TRIPOLI (AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1804), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Arise, arise, columbia's sons arise
Last Line: Columbia still, columbia sails the main
Subject(s): Decatur, Stephen (1779-1820); Navy - United States; Sea Battles


SILOS, by RITA DOVE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like martial swans in spring paraded against the city sky's
Last Line: Dreading math work
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


SILOS, by RITA DOVE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Like martial swans in spring paraded against the city sky's
Last Line: Were the ribs of the modern world
Subject(s): Americans; United States


SIMCHA, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: The men pogo into each other like wind-up toys
Last Line: Back into the music, the riot, the sea of hands
Subject(s): Jews - United States


SIOUX SONGS: HARVEST, by AGNES KENDRICK GRAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Only the seasons and the years invade
Last Line: The youth that bled beside these old stone walls.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; War; Gettysburg, Battle Of


SIOUX SONGS: ROCKS, by AGNES KENDRICK GRAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Among these jagged rocks, whose height commands
Last Line: At bay among these rocks, or charged this wood?
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; War; Gettysburg, Battle Of


SIOUX SONGS: THE BATTLE, by AGNES KENDRICK GRAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Three times the sun rose while the battle held
Last Line: There lay the shadow of that agony.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; War; Gettysburg, Battle Of


SIOUX SONGS: THE CEMETERY, by AGNES KENDRICK GRAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Here lincoln stood, in strong simplicity
Last Line: And gave himself, these graves, this land, to god.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; War; Gettysburg, Battle Of


SIREN ISLES, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Stranger %this is not your home
Last Line: I am a fish no desire %will allow you to reach
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SIRENS' DEFENSE, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: When we sing
Last Line: Steering them %into these rocks
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SISTER RITUAL, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Every morning I
Last Line: Call tana rae long distance. If she's busy I eat breakfast
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SIXTH PSALM, by ANNE SEXTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For america is a lady rocking on a porch in an unpainted house
Last Line: Activity. / for america only your dolls are cheerful
Subject(s): United States; Social Commentaries


SKYSCRAPER, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: By day the skyscraper looms in the smoke and sun and
Last Line: By night the skyscraper looms in the smoke and the stars and has a soul.
Subject(s): Skyscrapers; United States; America


SLED BURIAL, DREAM CEREMONY, by JAMES DICKEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: While the south rains, the north
Subject(s): American Civil War; Funerals; United States - History; Burials


SLEEPING WITH DAD, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was in the seventh grade
Last Line: That smell I'd never before liked, that touch %I'd always wanted
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SLEET STORM ON THE MERRITT PARKWAY, by ROBERT BLY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I look out at the white sleet covering the still streets
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


SLEET STORM ON THE MERRITT PARKWAY, by ROBERT BLY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I look out at the white sleet covering the still streets
Last Line: The slave systems of rome and greece, and no one agreed
Subject(s): Americans; United States


SMALL MEN AT GRAPPLE WITH A MIGHTY HOUR, by RICHARD THOMAS LE GALLIENNE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SMOKE ROLLING DOWN STREET, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Red scabies on the skin
Last Line: It's all over
Subject(s): United States


SMOKEY THE BEAR SUTRA, by GARY SYNDER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once in the jurassic about 150 million years ago
Subject(s): Buddhism; Pollution; Environment; Bears; United States; Buddha; Buddhists; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; America


SMOKING AND DRINKING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dad warns me
Last Line: They've tried to kill me. Look how they killed your mother
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SNARLERS, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When the mighty maccabean led the armies of the lord
Last Line: While the snarlers are forgotten,-or remembered, which is worse
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States


SO FAR, AND SO FAR, AND ON TOWARD THE END, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: And you, contemporary america
Subject(s): United States; Poetry & Poets; Modern Life


SO I LOST MY TEMPER, by ROSE ROMANO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Another one was coming toward me
Last Line: They lose their temper
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SO MEXICANS ARE TAKING JOBS FROM AMERICANS, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O yes? Do they come on horses
Last Line: And the children too
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


SO MEXICANS ARE TAKING JOBS FROM AMERICANS, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O yes? Do they come on horses
Last Line: What they really say is, let them die, %and the children too
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SOAP, by JANE CANDIA COLEMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The only time I ever watched dallas
Last Line: At us - idle women with nothing to do %but surrender
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SOLDIER SONG (1), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: You're in the army now
Last Line: You're in the amry now
Subject(s): Army - United States;soldiers


SOLDIER SONG (3), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "uncle sammy, he's got the infantry"
Last Line: "good-bye, kaiser bill"
Subject(s): Army - United States;world War I; First World War


SOLDIER SONG (4), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "the infantry, the infantry, with the dirt behind their ears"
Last Line: They couldn't lick the infantry in a hundred thousand years
Subject(s): Army - United States


SOLDIER, STATESMAN, PRESIDENT, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: We're here to pay all honor to
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


SOLILOQUY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: At first the infant
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SOME ADVENTURES OF JOHN KENNEDY, JR, by DENNIS COOPER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It's hot, and smoggy as mars outside
Last Line: Like a fastball, or a perfect pass
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SOME VERSES UPON THE BURNING OF OUR HOUSE JULY 10, 1666, by ANNE BRADSTREET    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In silent night when rest I took
Last Line: My hope and treasure lies above.
Variant Title(s): Upon The Burning Of Our House July 10th 1666;here Follows Some Verses Upon The Burning Of Our House July
Subject(s): Americans; Children; Fire; Home; Marriage; Puritans; Sickness; United States; Childhood; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Illness; America


SOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE, by M. LIZZIE STANLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: This wintry month of storm and cold
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


SOMETHING ABOUT BEING AN INDIAN, by ADRIAN C. LOUIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: There's something about being an indian
Last Line: A place we call the fire water world
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; San Francisco; U.s. - Race Relations


SOMETHING BETTER, by CLARA J. DENTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: I cannot be a washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


SOMETHING LIKE FLYING, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You point them out to me
Last Line: Another coming up to take the lead
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SOMETIMES A CLEANING LADY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Gets to feeling sorry for herself, her reflection these days
Last Line: Sweetheart, make yourself at home
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SONG, by JAMES CAMPBELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye sons of columbia, o hail the great day
Last Line: He is a man, and shall therefore be free
Subject(s): Lawrence, James (1781-1813); Navy - United States; War Of 1812


SONG, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm thinking of things we can't do
Last Line: Mary, he doesn't own you, stay
Subject(s): Jews - United States


SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When our banner went down
Subject(s): Flags - United States


SONG AT MIDNIGHT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Brothers,/this big woman
Last Line: If you do not?
Subject(s): Women; Beauty; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Spiritual Life; United States - Race Relations; Women & Religion


SONG FOR THE FLAG, by DENIS ALOYSIUS MCCARTHY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Here is my love to you, flag of the free, and flag of the
Subject(s): Flags - United States


SONG NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Cain't nobody tell me any different
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Literary Form; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SONG NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Cain't nobody tell me any different
Last Line: Looka here, a pretty little black girl lookin' just like me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Literary Form; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SONG OF LIBERTY, by LOUISE AYRES GARNETT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lead on, lead on, america
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism


SONG OF THE '41 DATE, by JOHN G. WHITTAKER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come gather round reefers
Last Line: And all standing by, %will meet in heaven at last together
Subject(s): Navy - United States; U.s. - Naval Academy


SONG OF THE ANSWERER, by HELENE MAGARET    Poem Source                    
First Line: I celebrate america
Subject(s): Poetry And Poets; United States; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891)


SONG OF THE BANNER AT DAY-BREAK, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O a new song, a free song
Last Line: Flapping up there in the wind.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


SONG OF THE EXILE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh! Here I am in the land of cotton
Last Line: Fight away, fight away, fight away for %dixie's land
Subject(s): American Civil War; Flags - United States; Independence; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


SONG OF THE EXPOSITION, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah little recks the laborer
Last Line: Our freedom all in thee! Our very lives in thee!
Subject(s): Freedom; United States; Liberty; America


SONG OF THE THIRD GENERATION, by JULIA LISELLA    Poem Source                    
First Line: I learned to read in the dark
Last Line: In the old way, which is any way that we can
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SONG ON CAPTAIN BARNEY'S VICTORY OVER SHIP GENERAL MONK, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O'er the waste of waters cruising
Last Line: Yields the sceptre of the main.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Barney, Joshua (1759-1818); General Monk (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; American Navy; Naval Warfare


SONG WRITTEN AT CORIENTES ON THE AMERICAN FLEET .. 1858, by FRED MOWBRAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: At corientes lies a fleet, from o'er the distant sea
Last Line: The hearts that man this gallant fleet are eager for the fray, %to avenge the insult offered us, by
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Paraguay


SONNET TO A NEGRO IN HARLEM, by HELENE JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You are disdainful and magnificent
Last Line: You are too splendid for this city street.
Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Americans; Harlem (new York City); United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America


SONNET: 23. WENDELL PHILLIPS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He stood upon the world's broad threshold; wide
Last Line: Through all the wide-spread veins of endless good.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Phillips, Wendell (1811-1884); Antislavery Movement - United States


SONNET: 26. TO J. R. GIDDINGS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Giddings, far rougher names than thine have grown
Last Line: With a base dread that clings to them forever.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Giddings, Joshua Reed (1795-1864); Antislavery Movement - United States


SONNET: ELLIOTT IN FORT SUMTER, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And high amongst these chiefs of iron grain
Last Line: Confer an antique immortality!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fort Sumter, South Carolina; United States - History


SONNET: ON THE CHIVALRY OF THE PRESENT TIME, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah! Foolish souls and false! Who loudly cried
Last Line: Who had not shunned earth's haughtiest chivalry.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chivalry; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Confederacy


SONNY'S PURPLE HEART, by ADRIAN C. LOUIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Man, if you're dead, why are you leading
Last Line: We filed you under dry desert dirt
Subject(s): Native Americans; Popular Culture - United States; San Francisco


SONORA DESERT-EDGE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Brown stonepeaks rockstumps %cloudless sunlight
Last Line: Bird radios - hopi rain
Subject(s): United States


SOT-WEED FACTOR, by EBENEZER COOK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Condemn'd by fate to way-ward curse
Last Line: May wrath divine then lay those regions wast %where no man's faithful, nor a woman chast
Subject(s): United States


SOUL MAKE A PATH THROUGH SHOUTING, by CYRUS CURTIS CASSELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thick at the schoolgate are the ones
Last Line: I'm just going to school.
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Civil Rights Movement; Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts;


SOUP, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw a famous man eating soup
Subject(s): United States; America


SOUP, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw a famous man eating soup
Last Line: He sat bending his head over a plate %putting soup in his mouth with a spoon
Subject(s): United States


SOURCES, by PHILIP LEVINE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fish scales, wet newspapers, unopened cans
Subject(s): Ellis Island, New York Harbor; Jews - United States


SOURCES, by PHILIP LEVINE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fish scales, wet newspapers, unopened cans
Last Line: But not least, beloved of god. Each other
Subject(s): Ellis Island, New York Harbor; Jews - United States


SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 1, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES    Poem Source                    
First Line: We live amidst hills of desolate
Last Line: To read on and on
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 2, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES    Poem Source                    
First Line: The I.R.T. Is hot and humid
Last Line: One of the victims too
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 3, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES    Poem Source                    
First Line: We were all insane,the eternal
Last Line: Or molested, the list %goes on
Subject(s): Bronx, New York City; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 4, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES    Poem Source                    
First Line: In our wagon, oysters are treasured, their
Last Line: We wear them in our hair, and %in our eyes
Variant Title(s): Amor Negr
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SOUTHERN CROSS', by ST. GEORGE TUCKER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh! Say can you see, through the gloom and the storm
Subject(s): Flags - United States


SOUTHERN SONG, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I want my body bathed again by southern suns, my soul
Last Line: Of the south, my body's song and me
Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1)
Subject(s): Americans; United States


SPACIOUS DAYS OF ROOSEVELT, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: These were the spacious days of roosevelt
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


SPAIN AND AMERICA, by RICARDO CARRASQUILLA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Her race, her language, laws and creed
Last Line: In her our needs are understood
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Freedom; Spain


SPEAKING THROUGH WHITE: FOR MY MOTHER: 1, by KYOKO MORI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Twenty years ago today, your death changed
Last Line: The world outside your window tilted
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SPEAKING THROUGH WHITE: FOR MY MOTHER: 2, by KYOKO MORI    Poem Source                    
First Line: After the morning of honeybell oranges
Last Line: Snow like our words through silence
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SPECIMEN DAYS: ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: August 12th. - I see the president almost every day, as I happen to live
Last Line: Of two or three centuries ago is needed
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Paintings And Painters; Portraits; Presidents, United States; White House (washington, D.c.)


SPECIMEN DAYS: THE REAL WAR WILL NEVER GET IN THE BOOKS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And so good-bye to the war. I know not how it may have been, or may
Last Line: Military, has already been - buried in the grave, in eternal darkness
Subject(s): Army - United States; Hospitals; Sickness; Soldiers; War Injuries


SPELL, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: A hag is riding my back
Last Line: But the moon turns to stone
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SPIDER ELECTRIC, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was advent. You wanted to be a shepherd
Last Line: The smoke, you are patient all right, twirling the skillet %for hours, till the stickiness %is right
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


SPIDERMAN VERSUS THE KACHINAS, by DAVE ALVIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The hopis in shungopovi have closed their annual
Last Line: Yes, he is. The hopi said, still not smiling
Subject(s): Americans; United States


SPIRIT WHOSE WORK IS DONE (WASHINGTON CITY, 1865), by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Spirit whose work is done -- spirit of dreadful hours!
Last Line: Let them identify you to the future in these songs.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


SPLITTING WOOD, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's best when you take off your shirt
Last Line: Winter, this will burn between us
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: JOHN WASSON, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh! The dew-wet grass of the meadow in north carolina
Last Line: Take it from mine!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; Soldiers; American Flag


SPOON RIVER GARLAND: 13. CARJACKING, by MICHAEL JOSEPH BUGEJA    Poem Source                    
First Line: It's americana with anti-lock brakes
Last Line: Reliving the american story
Subject(s): Automobiles; Crime And Criminals; United States


SPRING 61, by LENORE KANDEL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Country? Have lost our pride
Last Line: I must go home and lead my people
Subject(s): United States


SPRING [IN WAR-TIME], by HENRY TIMROD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Spring, with that nameless pathos in the air
Last Line: "behold me! I am may!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Nature; South Carolina; Spring; United States - History


SQUIRE BOWLING GREEN, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You missed it - case all over! Lincoln's gone
Last Line: Ten dollars, I believe, and went to springfield.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ST. MIHIEL, by WILLIAM A. PHELON    Poem Text                    
First Line: They said the yankees wouldn't fight--that there was no living chance
Last Line: That the yankees did come over—that the yanks are really there!
Subject(s): Germany; United States; War; World War I; Germans; America; First World War


ST. ROOSEVELTIUS, by C. D.    Poem Source                    
First Line: America! America! She maketh loud complaint
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


STAG, by JOSEPH CORSON MILLER    Poem Source                    
First Line: A stag-upon time's quivering heights
Alternate Author Name(s): Miller, J. Corson
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


STAND BY THE FLAG, by JOHN NICHOLS WILDER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Stand by the flag! On land and ocean billow
Last Line: Pales in its glories all the lights of time!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


STANDING THE GAFF, by WALT MASON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: If you have made some costly break, don't
Last Line: Station, and with it you will always hold the world's respect and admiration.
Subject(s): Admiration; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


STANZAS FOR THE TIMES, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Is this the land our fathers loved
Last Line: One voice shall thunder, we are free!
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


STAR OF SANGAMON, by LYMAN WHITNEY ALLEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not out of the east but the west
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


STAR SPANGLED BANNER - WITH VARIATIONS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, say, can you sing from the start to the end
Subject(s): National Song - United States; Patriotism; World War I


STARLIGHT HAVEN, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Susie wong was at the starlight haven
Last Line: In white who laugh, quack, quack
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


STARS AND STRIPES, by LORETTA G. NOBLE    Poem Source                    
First Line: The drums are beat, the trumpets blow
Subject(s): Flags - United States


STARS IN MY COUNTRY'S SKY - ARE YE ALL THERE?, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Are ye all there? Are ye all there
Subject(s): Flags - United States


STARTING FROM SAN FRANCISCO, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here I go again
Last Line: Myself I saw in the window reflected
Subject(s): Railroads; Travel; United States; Railways; Trains; Journeys; Trips; America


STARTING FROM SAN FRANCISCO, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here I go again
Last Line: Myself I saw in the window reflected
Subject(s): Railroads; Travel; United States


STATE OF AFFAIRS OF STATE, by DAVID BRESKIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lamp black, flesh tint, scarlet lake, cobalt
Last Line: The traction crackle of a fading painting
Subject(s): Government; United States


STATES CROWNING WASINGTON (EXERCISE), by KATE BROWNLEE SHERWOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Maine comes marching on as one
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


STATES!, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: States! / were you looking to be held together by lawyers?
Last Line: Of lovers tie you.
Subject(s): United States; America


STERRET'S SEA FIGHT (AUGUST 1, 1801), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Stand to your guns, my hearts of oak
Last Line: To columbia's flag she strikes
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Pirates; Sea Battles; Sterrett, Andrew


STILL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: And our points %sharpening good as anybody's
Subject(s): African Americans - History; Ethnic Groups - United States


STONE AND FLOWER, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here in america, / by the other ocean
Subject(s): England; Poetry & Poets; United States; War; English; America


STONE AND FLOWER, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here in america, %by the other ocean
Last Line: Sky to the black water %and turns it all to ice
Subject(s): England; Poetry And Poets; United States; War


STONEWALL JACKSON, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The fashions and the forms of men decay
Last Line: To know the long fruition of the just!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History


STONEWALL JACKSON'S WAY, by JOHN WILLIAMSON PALMER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Come, stack arms, men! Pile on the rails
Last Line: That gets in stonewall's way.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); Patriotism; United States - History


STONEWALL JACKSON; MORTALLY WOUNDED AT CHANCELLORSVILLE, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The man who fiercest charged in fight
Last Line: Because no wreath we owe.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History


STORY KEEPER, by WENDY ROSE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The stories %would be braided in my hair
Last Line: Like sun-dried greasy %gambling bones
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


STORY OF STONEWALL, by MAUREEN SEATON    Poem Source                    
First Line: A story of stonewall goes like this: on the night of judy garland's funeral
Last Line: A proud mustache of milk
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


STORY OFTEN TOLD IN BARS: THE READER'S DIGEST VERSION, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: First I was born and it was tough on mom
Last Line: The life that matter's not the one I've led
Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


STRIPPER, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: On the stage, mirrored many times
Last Line: Matching the wine in my veins
Subject(s): Family Life; History; Popular Culture - United States; Striptease Dancers


STROKE OF JUSTICE, by LYMAN WHITNEY ALLEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The hour was come, the nation's crucial hour
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


STUART, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A cup of your potent 'mountain dew'
Last Line: "ay, you and I shall be there."
Subject(s): American Civil War; Stuart, James Ewell (jeb) (1833-1864); United States - History


STUFF, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was thinking it was just me with my
Last Line: I'm a poet, that I'll write this stuff down?
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


SUBWAYS ARE PEOPLE, by LEE BENNETT HOPKINS    Poem Source                    
Last Line: People I will never know
Subject(s): United States


SUCH A BOAT OF LAND, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Against a backdrop of pennsylvania hills
Last Line: Ebbing and flowing on the beaches of time %in this american land
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SUMTER, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: So they will have it!
Last Line: On with the cannon!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fort Sumter, South Carolina; Patriotism; United States - History


SUMTER [APRIL 12, 1861], by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Came the morning of that day / when the god to whom we pray
Last Line: For the sin!
Variant Title(s): The Twelfth Of April
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fort Sumter, South Carolina; United States - History


SUN, MOON, STARS, AND WINDS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am the south wind
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


SUNSET ON THE WHARF, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: John crows fill the red sky. Coming in
Last Line: Grains disintegrating under the dying light of the sun
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


SUPERMAN IS DEAD, by RAFAEL CAMPO    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I used to think that immortality
Last Line: Back into bed, your body hard and warm
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SUPERMAN IS DEAD, by RAFAEL CAMPO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I used to think that immortality
Last Line: Back into bed, your body hard and warm
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SUPERMARKET IN CALIFORNIA, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What thoughts I have of you tonight, walt whitman, for I walked down
Last Line: Bank and stood watching the boat disappear on the black waters of lethe?
Subject(s): Humanity; Imagination; Markets; Poetry And Poets; Popular Culture - United States; Shopping; Vision; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891)


SUSANS: 1, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: First day of kingergarten I slice my four-years' thumb
Last Line: When the brown-eyed deer still came five feet close
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SUSANS: 2, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: In kindergarten class there is a second susan, a susan of blond hair
Last Line: Favored the blue-eyed girl who sang in tune
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SUSANS: 3, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My mother explains the second susan comes from a family
Last Line: After a susan in a favorite poem, a wild girl who roamed outside among rain and flowers
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SUSANS: 4, by SUSAN CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: A grown woman sunning in solitude on a high hill, freckling
Last Line: Patients lie dying in hospital rooms white as her skin
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SUZY WONG'S BEEN DEAD A LONG TIME, by KITTY TSUI    Poem Source                    
First Line: A friend calls, says
Last Line: And suzy wong's been dead a long time
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


SWEATERS, by LUCIA MARIA PERILLO    Poem Source                    
First Line: Used to be, fellows would ask if you were married
Last Line: Have long since fallen to the moths of bitter days. & what %will I inherit to soften this hard skin,
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


SWEDISH LESSON, by BARTON SUTTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Talk about the mother tongue
Last Line: Buried alive in this, their language
Subject(s): Immigrants; Language; Sweden; United States


SWIRLS OF BLACK DUST ON AVENUE D, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: White haze over manhattan's towers
Subject(s): United States; America


SWIRLS OF BLACK DUST ON AVENUE D, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: White haze over manhattan's towers
Last Line: The family car bumps over asphalt toward bright mexico
Subject(s): United States


SYMBOL OF OUR COUNTRY, by MAUD MCKINSEY BUTLER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Cabin stands in clearing, unkempt, deserted
Last Line: Songs of the fearless.
Subject(s): Frontier & Pioneer Life; Progress; United States - History


SYNECDOCHE, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Curious the mute relics you left me
Last Line: Without consuming for freezing the kingdom?
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


TABLOID NEWS, by BLYTHE NOBLEMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Earthquakes could be caused
Last Line: Clamor like a carillon
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF, by MARK WUNDERLICH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On the runway at the roxy, the drag queen
Subject(s): Bars & Bartenders; Gays & Lesbians; Popular Culture - United States; Pubs; Taverns; Saloons; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men


TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF, by MARK WUNDERLICH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On the runway at the roxy, the drag queen
Last Line: For what we still had to lose.
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Homosexuality; Popular Culture - United States


TAKING IT BACK, by DIXIE SALAZAR    Poem Source                    
First Line: Hand-tinted, creamy olive skin
Last Line: [what] still splits off in the wind
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Prisons And Prisoners; U.s. - Race Relations; Women


TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN: THE FIRST DAY: PAUL REVERE'S RIDE [APRIL 1775], by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Last Line: And the midnight message of paul revere.
Variant Title(s): The Landlord's Tale
Subject(s): American Revolution; Americans; Fourth Of July; Freedom; Massachusetts; Revere, Paul (1735-1818); United States; Independence Day; Liberty; America


TALISMAN, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You leave the house in its stillness
Last Line: The iridescent husk spill %from your hands
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States


TALK SHOW, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A woman heard angels. The paper says angels
Last Line: On earth as it is in heaven
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TANGLEHAIR'S DREAM, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Your voice, like rain %blowing across the fields
Last Line: Wolves bay in the distance. %the owl cries into the dawn
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States


TANGLEHAIR'S MOTHER, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You are the sound of scissors %that will not let me sleep
Last Line: I am the fox, the wolf, the hawk
Subject(s): Women Immigrants - United States


TAPS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They are embosomed in the sod
Last Line: With manifold fond measures.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John
Subject(s): Army - United States


TATTERED FLAG, by JAMES BUCKHAM    Poem Source                    
First Line: What a line of them, brave and bright, flags that toss in the summer breeze
Alternate Author Name(s): Pastnor, Paul
Subject(s): Flags - United States


TATTOO, by GREGG SHAPIRO    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father won't talk about the numbers
Last Line: I would scrub the numbers from his arm, %extinguish the fire and give him back his life
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TEA, by HENRY T. PRAED    Poem Text                    
First Line: Chinese maiden, tea cup in her hand
Last Line: In a cup of tea.
Subject(s): Asian Americans - Chinese; Food & Eating; Tea; Chinese In The United States


TEACHER TO A MAD STUDENT: 1, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Your face is like an angel's %I've kissed it
Last Line: Mundane as a supermarket, %it's my life too
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


TEACHER TO A MAD STUDENT: 6, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I wish you could have heard ginsberg
Last Line: But cover the fire, boy, %cover the fire
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


TEACHING POETRY AT VOTECH HIGH, SANTA FE, THE WEEK JOHN LENNON WAS SHO, by PAULA GUNN ALLEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Crepe paper christmas
Last Line: Later that day it rained
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TED'S BAR AND GRILL, by JIM DANIELS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Every night at this place
Last Line: And twisting my own sour mouth into a grin
Subject(s): Bars And Bartenders; Popular Culture - United States


TEE, by REUBEN M. JACKSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: A bic lighter %cranked to the max
Last Line: When the pusher comes
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TELL ME ABOUT COMPASSION, AMERICA, by BELINDA SUBRAMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: This child %misses school
Last Line: In an ordinary house %like she dreams of
Subject(s): Compassion; Schools; United States


TERRIFIC TORPEDOES; OR, SIR THOMAS HARDY'S SOLILOQUY, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Then traitor come! As black revenge excites
Last Line: Where you will have no beds to make, %nor I be doomed to lie awake
Subject(s): Hardy, Thomas (1840-1928); Navy - United States; Poetry And Poets; War Of 1812


THAN GOD FOR A MAN!, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thank god for a man! There was need
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THANKSGIVING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: If the almost perfectly fluted edge
Last Line: Your door to strangers, entertaining all possible angels
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


THANKSGIVING, by WILLIAM A. PHELON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Yes--we give thanks. Thanks that the fight is won
Last Line: Waves in the forefront of a better world!
Subject(s): Holidays; Thanksgiving; United States; World War I; America; First World War


THANKSGIVING DAY, by LYDIA MARIA CHILD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Over the river, and through the wood
Last Line: Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
Variant Title(s): A Boy's Thanksgiving;the New-england Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day
Subject(s): Americans; Holidays; Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving Day; United States; America


THAT GREAT WINGLESS BIRD, by ADRIAN C. LOUIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I was thrashing on the couch
Last Line: Yes, hoping for beauty, %that great wingless bird
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; San Francisco; U.s. - Race Relations


THE 'GOED VROW' AND THE DUTCH PILGRIM FATHERS, MAY 4, 1626, by EDWARD HOPPER    Poem Text                    
First Line: The old dutch pilgrims were a solid race
Last Line: For those strong words that bind our states together!
Subject(s): New York City - Dutch Period; United States - Dutch Settlements


THE 'VARUNA', by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who has not heard of the dauntless varuna
Last Line: Oh! For the dead let us all kneel to pray!
Subject(s): American Civil War; New Orleans, Battle Of (1862); United States - History; Varuna (ship)


THE ABSENT BOY, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They miss him in the orchard, where the fruit is sunning over
Last Line: For somewhere in the thick of strife they know their boy is there
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Absence; Army - United States; Unknown Soldier; War; Separation; Isolation


THE ADDED STARTER, by WILLIAM A. PHELON    Poem Text                    
First Line: They're lining up at the starting point, they're
Last Line: The yankee horse looks 'round and sees—the kaiser's mount fall dead.
Subject(s): Germany; United States; War; World War I; Germans; America; First World War


THE ADVANCE GUARD, by JOHN MILTON HAY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the dream of the northern poets
Last Line: And the battle of life be won.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE AFTERLIFE: LETTER TO STEPHEN DOBYNS: 1, by HAYDEN CARRUTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You live in a sinking nation, stephen, in a stinking
Last Line: Of all the beauty and comradeship I've lost.
Subject(s): Corruption In Politics; Dobyns, Stephen; Future Life; Letters; Social Protest; United States; Retribution; Eternity; After Life; America


THE ALABAMA, by MAURICE BELL    Poem Text                    
First Line: She has gone to the bottom! The wrath of the tide
Last Line: And the brave ship that bore him to glory!
Subject(s): Alabama (ship); American Civil War; Sea Battles; United States - History; Naval Warfare


THE AMERICAN BLACK (A STUDY IN RACE CONSCIOUSNESS), by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Night! Night! / and of the dawn no promise. Wrong is right
Last Line: And dream of freedom that is not a name.
Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Pain; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Suffering; Misery; Serfs


THE AMERICAN CENTURY, by KENNETH REXROTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blackbirds whistle over the young
Subject(s): Children; Daughters; Love; Parents; United States; Childhood; Parenthood; America


THE AMERICAN DREAM, by WANDA COLEMAN            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda
Subject(s): United States; Money; America


THE AMERICAN DREAM, by JOHN HAINES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It would have to be something dark,
Subject(s): Heroism; United States; Heroes; Heroines; America


THE AMERICAN ENSIGN, by GEORGE LUNT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: One morn, when orient beams were bright
Last Line: And only sink in freedom's grave!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Freedom; United States; American Flag; Liberty; America


THE AMERICAN FLAG, by JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When freedom, from her mountain height
Last Line: And freedom's banner streaming o'er us!
Alternate Author Name(s): Croaker
Variant Title(s): Flag Of The Free
Subject(s): American Revolution; Flags - United States; Freedom; Patriotism; American Flag; Liberty


THE AMERICAN FLAG, by LENA E. FAULDS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Lift it high, our glorious banner
Last Line: Be of happiness and peace!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE AMERICAN PARABLE, by DAVID IGNATOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Good boys are we to have retrieved
Last Line: Each time heavier with gold / and less wieldly
Subject(s): United States; Greed; Social Commentaries


THE AMERICAN SOLDIER, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Deep in a vale, a stranger now to arms
Last Line: She leaves her soldier -- famine and a name!
Subject(s): Army - United States


THE AMERICAN SWORD, by AMELIA B. WELBY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sword of our gallant fathers, defender of the brave
Last Line: And may god desert her standard when she surrenders thee
Alternate Author Name(s): Coppuck, Amelia B.
Subject(s): Patriotism; Swords; United States; America


THE AMERICAN TRAVELLER, by ROBERT HENRY NEWELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To lake aghmoogenegamook
Last Line: Moosehicmagunticook.
Alternate Author Name(s): Kerr, Orpheus
Subject(s): Travel; United States; Journeys; Trips; America


THE ANCESTRAL DWELLINGS, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear to my heart are the ancestral dwellings of america
Last Line: The glory and strength of america come from her ancestral dwellings.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Ancestry & Ancestors; Houses; United States; America


THE ANGELS OF BUENA VISTA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Speak and tell us, our ximena, looking northward far away
Last Line: And still thy white-winged angels hover dimly in our air!
Subject(s): Buena Vista, Battle Of (1847); Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850); United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


THE ANTI-SUFFRAGISTS, by CHARLOTTE PERKINS STETSON GILMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fashionable women in luxurious homes
Last Line: To great democracy and womanhood!
Alternate Author Name(s): Stetson, Charlotte Perkins
Subject(s): Americans; Elections; United States; Women; Women's Rights; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; America; Feminism


THE ARMSTRONG AT FAYAL, by WALLACE RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, the sun sets red, the moon shines white
Last Line: Of the yankee privateer.
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Azores; General Armstrong (ship); Mountains; Navy - United States; War Of 1812; Hills; Downs (great Britain); American Navy


THE ARMY OF REFORM, by SARA JANE CLARKE LIPPINCOTT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, ye are few, - and they were few
Last Line: The free tide of the mind.
Alternate Author Name(s): Greenwood, Grace
Subject(s): Freedom; Reform & Reformers; United States; Liberty; America


THE ARSENAL AT SPRINGFIELD, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is the arsenal. From floor to ceiling
Last Line: The holy melodies of love arise.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Peace; Springfield, Massachusetts; United States - History


THE ARTILLERYMAN'S VISION, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: While my wife at my side lies slumbering, and the wars are over long
Last Line: And bombs bursting in air, and at night the vari-color'd rockets.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; United States - History; Drills & Minor Tactics


THE AVENUE BEARING THE INITIAL OF CHRIST INTO THE NEW WORLD, by GALWAY KINNELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Pcheek pcheek pcheek pcheek pcheek
Subject(s): New York City; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


THE BALLAD OF CHICKAMAUGA [SEPTEMBER 19-20, 1863], by JAMES MAURICE THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: By chickamauga's crooked stream the martial trumpets blew
Last Line: As one old soldier's ballad borne on breath of battle-song.
Alternate Author Name(s): Thompson, Maurice
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chickamauga, Battle Of (1863); Thomas, George Henry (1816-1870); United States - History


THE BALLAD OF NEW ORLEANS, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Just as the hour was darkest
Last Line: Were resting the will and the power.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Farragut, David Glascow (1801-1870); New Orleans, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


THE BATTLE AUTUMN OF 1862, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The flags of war like storm-birds fly
Last Line: Ring peace and freedom in.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Autumn; Seasons; United States - History; Fall


THE BATTLE IN THE CLOUDS, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the dews and the rains of heaven have their
Last Line: Chanting solemn music for the souls that passed below.
Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lookout Mountain, Battle Of (1863); United States - History


THE BATTLE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Two hours, or more, beyond the prime of a blithe april day
Last Line: And thou in clear-eyed faith hast seen god's angels near the guns!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; Fort Sumter, South Carolina; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


THE BATTLE OF ERIE, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "avast, honest jack! Now, before you get mellow"
Last Line: "though they're lords of the sea, we'll be lords of the lakes"
Subject(s): "lake Erie, Battle Of;navy - United States;perry, Oliver Hazard (1785-1819);war Of 1812;" American Navy


THE BATTLE OF LA PRAIRIE, 1691, by WILLIAM DOUW LIGHTHALL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: That was a brave old epoch
Last Line: "I'm here to answer you!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Schuyler-lighthall, William Douw
Subject(s): French & Indian Wars; La Prairie, Battle Of (1691); United States - Colonial Period


THE BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN [NOVEMBER 24, 1863], by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Give me but two brigades,' said hooker, frowning at fortified lookout
Last Line: Standing, like demigods, in light and triumph upon their own lookout!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879); Lookout Mountain, Battle Of (1863); United States - History


THE BATTLE OF MANILA; A FRAGMENT, by RICHARD HOVEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By cavite on the bay
Last Line: Will keep and hold the sea!
Subject(s): Manila, Philippines; Navy - United States; Spanish-american War (1898); War; American Navy


THE BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO, by KINAHAN CORNWALLIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Ere murfreesboro's thunders rent the air
Last Line: Who fought so grandly, to their country true.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Murfreesboro, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


THE BATTLE OF THE KEGS, by FRANCIS HOPKINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Gallants, attend and hear a friend
Last Line: They'll make their boasts and brags, sir.
Variant Title(s): British Valor Displayed
Subject(s): American Revolution; Battleships; Great Britain - Civil War; Machinery & Machinists; Navy - United States; Patriotism; Soldiers; English Civil War; American Navy


THE BATTLE OF THE KING'S MILL [SEPTEMBER 8, 1847], by THOMAS DUNN ENGLISH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Said my landlord, white-headed gil gomez
Last Line: "to conquer the country by trade."
Subject(s): Mexico City, Battle Of (1847); United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


THE BATTLE OF VALPARAISO, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: From the laurel's fairest bough
Last Line: "crying, 'sweetly may they sleep / 'neath the wave'"
Subject(s): "navy - United States;porter, David (1780-1843);valparaiso, Battle Of;war Of 1812;" American Navy


THE BATTLE-CRY OF FREEDOM, by GEORGE FREDERICK ROOT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again
Last Line: Shouting the battle-cry of freedom.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Patriotism; Soldiers; United States - History; Vicksburg Campaign (1862-63); Liberty


THE BAY FIGHT, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Three days through sapphire seas we sailed
Last Line: The green were one wide grave.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Mobile Bay, Battle Of (1864); Patriotism; Tennessee (ship); United States - History


THE BEACON LIGHT, by MURRAY KETCHAM KIRK    Poem Text                    
First Line: In the gray dim light where time is not
Last Line: Protect this land that is your own.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THE BEAN EATERS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They eat beans mostly, this old yellow pair
Last Line: Tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes.
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Farm Life; Old Age; United States; Women; Agriculture; Farmers; America


THE BIGLOW PAPERS. 2D SERIES: 2. JONATHAN TO JOHN, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It don't seem hardly right, john
Last Line: "may larn, like you an' me!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Mason, James Murry (1798-1871); Patriotism; Slidell, John (1793-1871); United States - History; War


THE BIGLOW PAPERS. 2D SERIES: 4. A MESSAGE OF JEFF DAVIS ..., by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I sent you a messige, my friens, t' other day
Last Line: Consists in triumphantly gittin' away.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889); United States - History; Confederacy


THE BIGLOW PAPERS: 3. WHAT MR. ROBINSON THINKS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Guvener b. Is a sensible man
Last Line: Gee!
Subject(s): Elections; Politics & Government; United States; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; America


THE BIGLOW PAPERS: 5. THE DEBATE IN THE SENNIT, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here we stan' on the constitution, by thunder!
Last Line: Thet slavery's airth s grettest boon,' sez he.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; United States - Congress - Senate; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD, by THEODORE O'HARA    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
Last Line: That gilds your deathless tomb.
Subject(s): Buena Vista, Battle Of (1847); Holidays; Memorial Day; Patriotism; Peace; United States - Mexican War (1846-1848); Declaration Day


THE BLACK BACK-UPS, by KATE RUSHIN    Poem Text                 Recitation by Author    
First Line: This is dedicated to merry clayton, fontella bass, vonetta
Alternate Author Name(s): Rushin, Donna Kate
Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; African Americans - Women; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Popular Culture - United States; Singing & Singers; Women's Rights; Songs; Feminism


THE BLACK REGIMENT, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Dark as the clouds of even
Last Line: Scorn the black regiment!
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Patriotism; United States - History; War


THE BLACK SAMPSON, by JOSEPHINE DEPHINE HENDERSON HEARD    Poem Text                    
First Line: There's a sampson lying, sleeping in the land
Last Line: By his mighty arm his rights shall be obtained!
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs


THE BLUE AND THE GRAY, by FRANCIS MILES FINCH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: By the flow of the inland river
Last Line: Tears and love for the gray.
Variant Title(s): Decoration Day;memorial Day
Subject(s): American Civil War; Graves; Holidays; Memorial Day; Patriotism; Peace; Soldiers; United States - History; Tombs; Tombstones; Declaration Day


THE BONNIE BLUE FLAG, by ANNIE CHAMBERS KETCHUM    Poem Text                    
First Line: Come, brothers! Rally for the right!
Last Line: That bears the cross and star!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Flags - United States; Patriotism; United States - History; Confederacy; American Flag


THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE BILL, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The subcommittee submits:
Subject(s): United States - Congress; Minerals; Disease; Labor & Laborers; Legislation; Work; Workers


THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE BOOK OF THE DEAD, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: These roads will take you into your own country.
Subject(s): Home; Progress; United States; Death; America; Dead, The


THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: THE DISEASE: THE AFTER-EFFECTS, by MURIEL RUKEYSER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This is the life of a congressman.
Subject(s): United States - Congress; Minerals; Disease; Labor & Laborers; Work; Workers


THE BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, by THOMAS STEARNS ELIOT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The readers of the boston evening transcript
Last Line: "and I say, ""cousin harriet, here is the boston evening transcript."
Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, T. S.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE BRAVE, by ELIZA COOK    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: For whom are your gyves? For the cowardly one
Last Line: But never, in mercy, place chains on the brave!
Subject(s): Courage; Freedom; Presidents, United States; Wallace, Sir William (1270-1305); Washington, George (1732-1799); Valor; Bravery; Liberty


THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, by EDWARD FIELD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The baron has decided to mate the monster
Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE BRIDGE: PROEM. TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE, by HAROLD HART CRANE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How many dawns, chill from his rippling rest
Last Line: And of the curveship lend a myth to god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Crane, Hart
Subject(s): Americans; Bible; Bridges; Brooklyn Bridge; Freedom; Imagination; Religion; United States; Vision; Liberty; Fancy; Theology; America


THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Build me straight, o worthy master!
Last Line: Are all with thee,--are all with thee!
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Freedom; Sea; United States; Independence Day; Liberty; Ocean; America


THE CALL TO FREEMAN, by MOSES OWEN    Poem Text                    
First Line: But for three hundred thousand of freeman true and brave
Last Line: That freedom's fires shall brighter glow -- that men can yet be free.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; U.s. - History; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs


THE CALL TO THE COLORS, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Are you ready, o virginia
Last Line: With their daggers towards the foe!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; Spanish-american War (1898); American Flag


THE CAMPAIGN, by JOSEPHINE MILES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My packard bell was set up in the vacant lot near the stump
Subject(s): Americans; Politics & Government; United States; America


THE CENTENARIAN'S STORY, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Give me your hand, old revolutionary
Last Line: Stands forever the camp of that dead brigade.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Brooklyn, New York; Old Age; United States - History; Veterans


THE CENTENNIAL YEAR, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: A hundred years - and she had sat, a queen
Last Line: No pledge less true for her centennial year.
Subject(s): Bells; Freedom; Peace; Storms; United States - Centennial Celebrations; Liberty


THE CHANGING LIGHT, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: The changing light at san francisco
Last Line: Anchorless upon the ocean
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE CHARGE BY THE FORD, by THOMAS DUNN ENGLISH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Eighty and nine with their captain
Last Line: Give them the roll of the drum!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Calvary; United States - History


THE CHOICE, by RUDYARD KIPLING    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To the judge of right and wrong
Last Line: And not the living soul!
Subject(s): World War I - United States


THE CHURCHES' CUBA, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When north and south, with purpose strong
Last Line: Thus, and thus only, we'll unite.
Subject(s): Cuba; United States; America


THE CITIZEN DREAMING, by THOMAS MCGRATH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the blue hour
Last Line: And the lucky dead on all the roads that led from home to here!
Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Fascism & Fascists; Politics & Government; United States; America


THE COAT OF FADED GRAY, by GEORGE WASHINGTON HARRIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: A low hut rests in lookout's shade
Last Line: Her soldier's coat of faded gray.
Alternate Author Name(s): Harris, G. W.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE COLLEGE COLONEL, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He rides at their head
Last Line: Ah heaven! -- what truth to him!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Labor & Laborers; United States - History; War; Work; Workers


THE COLORED SOLDIERS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: If the muse were mine to tempt it
Last Line: Who fought for uncle sam!
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; United States - History


THE CONFLICT OF CONVICTIONS, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On starry heights / a bugle wails the long recall
Last Line: Wisdom is vain, and prophesy.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Dreams; Hope; Past; United States - History; Wisdom; Dead, The; Nightmares; Optimism


THE CONFLICT: 2. AMERICAN NEUTRALITY, by PERCY MACKAYE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How shall we keep an armed neutrality
Last Line: Our souls cannot keep neutral and keep true.
Alternate Author Name(s): Mackaye, Percy Wallace
Subject(s): Duty; England; Peace; United States; World War I; English; America; First World War


THE CONFLICT: 3. PEACE, by PERCY MACKAYE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Peace! - but there is no peace. To hug the thought
Last Line: Or would we crown with peace — caligula?
Alternate Author Name(s): Mackaye, Percy Wallace
Subject(s): Caligula (12 A.d.- 41 A.d.); England; Peace; United States; World War I; English; America; First World War


THE CONFLICT: 4. WILSON, by PERCY MACKAYE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Patience - but peace of heart we cannot choose
Last Line: The wolf of europe has not triumphed yet.
Alternate Author Name(s): Mackaye, Percy Wallace
Subject(s): Duty; Patience; United States; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924); World War I; America; First World War


THE CONFUSION OF AMERICA, by ROBERT BLY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The lace that lay about the bones of danish kings
Subject(s): United States; America


THE CONQUERED BANNER, by ABRAM JOSEPH RYAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Furl that banner, for 'tis weary
Last Line: For its people's hoped are fled!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Flags - United States; Patriotism; Peace; United States - History; Confederacy; American Flag


THE CONSTELLATION AND THE INSURGENTE (1), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "come all ye yankee sailors, with swords and pikes advance"
Last Line: And now 'the girl we love the most!' / my brave yankee boys
Variant Title(s): Truxton's Victory; Or Brave Yankee Boys
Subject(s): "constellation (ship);insurgente (ship);navy - United States;sea Battles;truxtun, Thomas (1755-1822);" "american Navy;naval Warfare;truxton, Thomas;


THE CONSTITUTION AND THE GUERRIERE (2), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Britannia's gallant streamers
Last Line: "while her cannon's fire is flashing fast, / and her yankee thunders roar"
Variant Title(s): Yankee Thunders
Subject(s): Constitution (ship);guerriere (ship);lumber & Lumbering;navy - United States;patriotism;war Of 1812; American Navy


THE CORRIDORS OF CONGRESS (REVISITED IN VACATION), by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tread soft, intruding step, this empty haunt
Last Line: The walls that guard the freedom of the land.
Subject(s): United States - Congress


THE COUNTERFEIT EARTH!, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It's 2157. Two adventuring spacemen rocketing home
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE COUNTERSIGNS, by MARK ANTHONY DE WOLFE HOWE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What said john paul jones on the brave bon homme
Last Line: For such was the navy of long, long ago!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War; American Navy


THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the old colony days, in plymouth the land of the pilgrims
Last Line: So through the plymouth woods passed onward the bridal procession.
Subject(s): Pilgrim Fathers; Standish, Miles (1584-1656); United States - Colonial Period


THE COVER OF MARS, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The lucille ball - desi arnaz hour concludes
Last Line: I give you back my heaven. You're all in my head.
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE CRIME OF THE AGES; 1861, by AUGUSTA COOPER BRISTOL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Poet, write! / not of a purpose dark and dire
Last Line: New life, new birth, or a nation's tomb?
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE CRISIS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Across the stony mountains, o'er the desert's drouth and sand
Last Line: And mountain unto mountain call, praise god, for we are free!
Subject(s): Slavery; United States - Mexican War (1846-1848); Serfs


THE CROSSING AT FREDERICKSBURG, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I lay in my tent at mid-day
Last Line: "and one more for michigan!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fredericksburg, Battle Of (1862); United States - History


THE CRUISE OF THE FAIR AMERICAN, by ARTHUR HALE    Poem Text                    
First Line: The twenty-second of august
Last Line: And our good privateer.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States; American Navy


THE CRUISE OF THE MONITOR [MARCH 9, 1862], by GEORGE M. BAKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Out of a northern city's bay
Last Line: Hurrah for the monitor's famous cruise!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Hampton Roads, Virginia; Monitor (ship); Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


THE CUMBERLAND, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Some names there are of telling sound
Last Line: Cumberland! Cumberland!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cumberland (ship); Hampton Roads, Virginia; Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


THE CUMBERLAND [MARCH 8, 1862], by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: At anchor in hampton roads we lay
Last Line: And without a seam!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cumberland (ship); Hampton Roads, Virginia; Patriotism; Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


THE DAY AFTER THE WAR, by JAMES MADISON BELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Twelve score of years were long to wait
Last Line: A part, and help in the distress?
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


THE DAY OF THE DEAD SOLDIERS; MARY 30, 1869, by EMMA LAZARUS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Welcome, thou gray and fragrant sabbath-day
Last Line: So rich a page of thrilling histories.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


THE DAY; NOVEMBER 11, 1918, by WITTER BYNNER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not as they planned it or will plan again
Last Line: Who still are blind awhile, facing the sun.
Alternate Author Name(s): Morgan, Emanuel
Subject(s): Freedom; Justice; Navy - United States; Veterans Day; War; Liberty; American Navy


THE DEAR PRESIDENT, by JOHN JAMES PIATT    Poem Text                    
First Line: Abraham lincoln, the dear president
Last Line: "abraham lincoln, the dear president."
Subject(s): Funerals; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Burials


THE DEATH OF GRANT, by AMBROSE BIERCE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Father! Whose hard and cruel law / is part of thy compassion's plan
Last Line: Thy servant's soul in paradise.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885); Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


THE DEATH OF LYON, by HENRY PETERSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Sing, bird, on green missouri's plain
Last Line: And grave thy name immortal.
Variant Title(s): Lyon
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lyon, Nathaniel (1818-1861); United States - History; Wilson's Creek, Missouri, Battle Of


THE DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE, by SHARON OLDS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The ambulance men touched her cold
Subject(s): Monroe, Marilyn (1926-1962); Popular Culture - United States


THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN, by NEAL" "NEFF [PSEUD.]    Poem Text                    
First Line: Of him who stood foremost in this mighty age
Last Line: "that the soil be not curs'd by the blood of the slave, / now the land of the free and the home of t
Alternate Author Name(s): "neff, Neal;
Subject(s): "american Civil War;assassination;lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865);nations;presidents, United States;u.s. - History;


THE DEATH OF SLAVERY, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O thou great wrong, that, through the slow-paced years
Last Line: Dwell thou, a warning to the coming times.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Declaration Day


THE DEBT UNPAYABLE, by FRANCIS WILLIAM BOURDILLON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What have I given
Last Line: (god grant!) all weeds in ours.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Death; Honor; Navy - United States; Sacrifices; Soldiers; War - Home Front; World War I - Casualties; Dead, The; American Navy


THE DECISION (APRIL 14, 1861), by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So there are five?
Last Line: Call the troops!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE DEFENSE OF LAWRENCE [SEPTEMBER 14, 1856], by RICHARD REALF    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: All night upon the guarded hill
Last Line: The pulses of the grass.
Variant Title(s): The Defence Of Lawrence
Subject(s): Courage; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Kansas; Slavery; Valor; Bravery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


THE DESTROYER OF DESTROYERS, by WALLACE RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From santiago, spurning the morrow
Last Line: Wainwright! The gloucester!
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Gloucester (ship); Navy - United States; Santiago, Cuba; Sea Battles; Spanish-american War (1898); Troy; Wainwright, Richard (1817-1862); American Navy; Naval Warfare


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEPSI AND COKE, by DAVID LEHMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Can't swim; uses credit cards and pills to combat
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE DRAFT RIOT, by CHARLES DE KAY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Is it the wind, the many-tongued, the weird
Last Line: And burns the town.
Subject(s): American Civil War; New York Draft Riots (1863); United States - History


THE DREAM LIFE OF A COFFIN FACTORY IN LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, by JOHN YAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Earlier in the century it was not unusual to spend an evening
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE DRUMMER-BOY'S BURIAL, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: All day long the storm of battle through the startled valley swept
Last Line: Laid the body of our drummer-boy to undisturbed repose
Subject(s): Tragedy;united States; America


THE DYING WORDS OF STONEWALL JACKSON, by SIDNEY LANIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The stars of night contain the glittering day
Last Line: Solace hast thou for pain!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History


THE EAGLE OF CORINTH, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Did you hear of the fight at corinth
Last Line: On the nation's loftiest dome.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Birds; Corinth, Mississippi, Battle Of (1862); Courage; Eagles; United States - History; Valor; Bravery


THE EAGLE OF THE BLUE, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Aloft he guards the starry folds
Last Line: The eagle of the blue.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Birds; Eagles; United States - History


THE EAGLE'S SONG, by RICHARD MANSFIELD    Poem Text                    
First Line: The lioness whelped, and the sturdy cub
Last Line: Now that the two are one again!
Subject(s): Patriotism; Peace; United States - History


THE ELEMENTS OF SAN JOAQUIN: FIELD, by GARY SOTO    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: The wind sprays pale dirt into my mouth
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Farm Life; Minorities - United States; San Joaquin Valley, California; United States - Race Relations; Agriculture; Farmers


THE EMANCIPATION GROUP, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Amidst thy sacred effigies
Last Line: And righteousness than wrong.
Subject(s): Boston; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE EMIGRANT IRISH, by EAVAN BOLAND    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Like oil lamps we put them out the back
Last Line: Program. She has published nine volumes of poetry
Variant Title(s): The Emigrant Man
Subject(s): United States - Immigration & Emigtration


THE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF WASHINGTON, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Well done! The statue, on its base of granite
Last Line: Still sit supremely, and survive the storm!
Subject(s): Honor; Presidents, United States; Statues; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE EYES OF LINCOLN, by WALT MASON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sad eyes, that were patient and tender
Last Line: From the luminous slopes of the stars.
Subject(s): Eyes; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE FADING OF THE MAYFLOWER, by THEODORE TILTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: But is it fading? Is it doomed to die?
Last Line: ^18^ so named from the town of worstead in england.
Subject(s): Mayflower (ship); Pilgrim Fathers; United States; America


THE FALL OF RICHMOND [APRIL, 1865], by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What mean these peals from every tower
Last Line: God's way adore.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Richmond Campaign (1864); United States - History


THE FIGHT OF THE ARMSTRONG PRIVATEER, by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell the story to your sons
Last Line: In the harbor of fayal the azore!
Subject(s): Azores; Courage; General Armstrong (ship); Mountains; Navy - United States; United States; War Of 1812; Valor; Bravery; Hills; Downs (great Britain); American Navy; America


THE FIGHT OVER THE BODY OF KEITT, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "sing, o goddess, the wrath, the ontamable dander of keitt"
Last Line: "like to heralds of old, stepped the sergeant-at-arms and the speaker"
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation;kansas;slavery;u.s. - Congress; Antislavery Movement - United States;serfs


THE FIGHT WITH THE SNAPPING TURTLE; OR, THE AMERICAN ST. GEORGE, by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Have you heard of philip slingsby
Last Line: All in pennsylvanian bonds!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Bon Gaultier (with Theodore Martin)
Subject(s): Clay, Henry (1777-1852); Fights; Turtles; Tyler, John (1790-1862); United States - Politics & Government; Webster, Daniel (1782-1852); Tortoises


THE FIREBOMBERS, by ANNE SEXTON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We are america
Subject(s): United States; Theology


THE FIRST AMERICAN CONGRESS, by JOEL BARLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Columbus looked; and still around them spread
Last Line: And independence thunder'd from his tongue.
Subject(s): United States - Congress


THE FLAG, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Spirits of patriots, hail in heaven again
Last Line: And make the issue sure!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE FLAG, by HENRY LYNDEN FLASH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Up with the banner of the free!
Last Line: Beneath its steadfast stars.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Spanish-american War (1898); American Flag


THE FLAG, by EDWARD A. HORTON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Why do I love our flag? Ask why
Last Line: God give it leadership, and might!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; World War I; American Flag; First World War


THE FLAG, by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let it idly droop, or sway
Last Line: In undreamed-of day!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE FLAG GOES BY, by HENRY HOLCOMB BENNETT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hats off! / along the street there comes
Last Line: The flag is passing by!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Marching & Marches; Patriotism; American Flag


THE FLAG ON THE FARM, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We've raised a flagpole on the farm
Last Line: "as if to say: ""I'll do my bit!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE FLAG TRIUMPHANT, by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Across my window blow the splendid folds
Last Line: Flag of my country!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


THE FLAG WE LOVE SO WELL (MARCHING SONG), by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: March along, march along, with a song
Last Line: Chorus: on, on, by dark or dawn, etc.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; World War I; American Flag; First World War


THE FLEET AT SANTIAGO, by CHARLES EDWARD RUSSELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The heart leaps with the pride of their story
Last Line: How we thrill with the joy of their fame!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Santiago, Battle Of (1898); Santiago, Cuba; Spanish-american War (1898); American Navy


THE FLOWER OF LIBERTY, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What flower is this that greets the morn
Last Line: The starry flower of liberty!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


THE FOE AT THE GATES, by JOHN DICKSON BRUNS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Ring round her! Children of her glorious skies
Last Line: The last grand holocaust of liberty.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; United States - History


THE FORGOTTEN CITY, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When with my mother I was coming down
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE FOURTH OF JULY, by JOHN PIERPONT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Day of glory! Welcome day!
Last Line: Till there's war no more!
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; United States - Declaration Of Independence; Independence Day


THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1776, by MAURICE HENRY HEWLETT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When england's king put english to the horn
Last Line: On england with more honour to her name.
Subject(s): World War I - Great Britain; World War I - United States


THE FREED ISLANDS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A few brief years have passed away
Last Line: "to new-world tyrants, old-world kings!"
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Great Britain - Commonwealth & Colonies; West Indies; Antislavery Movement - United States; British Empire; England - Empire; Caribbean Islands


THE FUNERAL DIRGE, by L. M. DAWN    Poem Text                    
First Line: All our land is draped in mourning
Last Line: Rest forever, rest in peace.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE GATHERING OF THE GRAND ARMY, by CHARLOTTE L. FORTEN GRIMKE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Through all the city's streets there poured a flood
Last Line: And love and peace prevail from shore to shore.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army - United States; United States - History


THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "come, all you sons of liberty, that to the seas belong"
Last Line: Then haul'd our wind and stood again for freedom's happy shore
Subject(s): General Armstrong (ship);navy - United States;war Of 1812; American Navy


THE GENERAL'S BRIEFING, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here is the infant formula plant
Last Line: No salt for tears no sea for sewage --
Subject(s): Apathy; Military-industrial Complex; Popular Culture - United States; War; War - Home Front


THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS, by ABRAHAM LINCOLN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fourscore and seven years ago
Last Line: Shall not perish from the earth.
Variant Title(s): At Gettysburg
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Religion; United States - History; United States; Gettysburg, Battle Of; Theology; America


THE GIFT, by LI-YOUNG LEE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To pull the metal splinter from my palm
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Men; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE GIFT OUTRIGHT, by ROBERT FROST    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The land was ours before we were the land's
Last Line: Such as she was, such as she would become
Subject(s): Inaugural Poem; United States; War; America


THE GRAVE OF LINCOLN, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now must the storied potomac
Last Line: Freedom's jerusalem thou!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Variant Title(s): Lincoln
Subject(s): American Civil War; Graves; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History; Tombs; Tombstones


THE GRAVEYARD AT WEST POINT, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: On this sweet sabbath morning, let us wander
Last Line: Until the end of all!
Subject(s): Cemeteries; Death; Soldiers; United States - Military Academy; Graveyards; Dead, The


THE GREAT AMERICAN HOME, by MRS. F. C. JAHNKE    Poem Text                    
First Line: America promised them freedom
Last Line: Is the great american home.
Subject(s): Home; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


THE GULF, by DEREK WALCOTT    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The airport coffee tastes less of america
Subject(s): Air Travel; Texas; United States; America


THE GUNS IN THE GRASS [MAY 8, 1846], by THOMAS FROST    Poem Text                    
First Line: As hang two mighty thunderclouds
Last Line: We battle -- and the field is won!
Subject(s): Palo Alto, Battle Of (1846); Taylor, Zachary (1784-1850); United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


THE HALLOWED STAR OF GOLD, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Twas a little gray house by an old country road
Last Line: "the voice of this star through my art."
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; Soldiers; American Flag


THE HAND OF LINCOLN, by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Look on this cast, and know the hand
Last Line: The thought that bade a race be free!
Subject(s): Hands; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Statues


THE HERO OF FORT WAGNER, by PHOEBE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fort wagner! That is a place for us
Last Line: "and you can scale the wall!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE HIGH TIDE AT GETTYSBURG [JULY 3, 1863], by WILL HENRY THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A cloud possessed the hollow field
Last Line: Lamenting all her fallen sons!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Holidays; Memorial Day; Patriotism; United States - History; War; Liberty; Gettysburg, Battle Of; Declaration Day


THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A linear projection: a route. It crosses
Last Line: Wonder you fear this bleeding pulse, no wonder
Subject(s): History; United States; Historians; America


THE HOMING, by JOHN JEROME ROONEY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Admiral, admiral, sailing home
Last Line: Our men, as of old, are men in truth!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; American Navy


THE HONEST LITTLE BOY, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Once there was a little boy
Last Line: Because he never tells a lie
Variant Title(s): The Boy Who Never Told A Lie
Subject(s): "honesty;presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE, by AUGUSTINE JOSEPH HICKEY DUGANNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: From mossy woods and cypress bolls
Last Line: O god! Break not mine oath for me!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; United States - History; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


THE HOUSE ON MOSCOW STREET, by MARILYN NELSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It's the ragged source of memory
Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Family Life; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Relatives


THE HULA SKIRT, 1959, by KIMIKO HAHN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Before my fourth birthday my father
Last Line: That much I remember
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE HUSBAND'S RETURN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The proud, majestic southern sun
Last Line: And lit with joy his way.
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE INCOGNITO LOUNGE, by DENIS JOHNSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The manager lady of this
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE INDIAN BURYING GROUND, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In spite of all the learned have said
Last Line: To shadows and delusions here.
Subject(s): Americans; Cemeteries; Native Americans; United States; Graveyards; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; America


THE INDIAN'S WELCOME TO THE PILGRIM FATHERS, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Above them spread a strange sky
Last Line: Say, who shall welcome thee?
Subject(s): Americans; Native Americans; Pilgrim Fathers; United States; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; America


THE JACKET OF GREY, by CAROLINE AUGUSTA BALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: Fold it up carefully, lay it aside
Last Line: The jacket of grey our loved soldier boy wore!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Confederacy


THE JEW IN AMERICA, by FELIX NAPOLEON GERSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Wing thee, my song, and in majestic flight
Last Line: We shall emerge, unchanged, to face our god.
Subject(s): Jews; Jews - United States; Pilgrimages & Pilgrims; Right To Asylum; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Judaism


THE JUBILEE SINGERS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Voice of a people suffering long
Last Line: And slavery's every wrong undone!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE KANSAS EMIGRANTS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We cross the prairie as of old
Last Line: The homestead of the free!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Homesteaders; Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


THE KNIGHTS OF THE NEW CHIVALRY, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What does our soldier take to war?
Last Line: Could knightly soldier take to war?
Subject(s): Army - United States


THE LADY IN THE PINK MUSTANG, by LOUISE ERDRICH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sun goes down for hours, taking more of her along
Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Popular Culture - United States; Estrangement; Outcasts


THE LADY OF THE WHITE HOUSE, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: She bears no crown upon her brow
Last Line: Nature and freedom taught her.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Marriage; Presidents, United States; White House (washington, D.c.); Weddings; Husbands; Wives


THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS IN NEW ENGLAND [NOVEMBER 19, 1620], by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The breaking waves dashed high / on a stern and rock-bound coast
Last Line: Freedom to worship god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea
Variant Title(s): The Landing Of The Pilgrim Fathers;the Pilgrim Fathers
Subject(s): Freedom; Holidays; Patriotism; Pilgrim Fathers; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Thanksgiving Day; United States; Women; Liberty; America


THE LAST APPENDIX TO YANKEE DOODLE, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Yankee doodle sent to town
Last Line: As having been completely licked / by glorious yankee doodle
Subject(s): United States; America


THE LAST CHARGE, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, men of the north! Will you join in the strife
Last Line: His sceptre once broken, the world is our own!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE LAST REVIEW, by EMILY J. BUGBEE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Twenty-one miles of boys in blue
Last Line: His spirit would thrill at a scene like this.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Religion; United States - History; Theology


THE LAST WOLF, by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The last wolf hurried toward me
Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE LEADER, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Down the hollow, up the hill
Last Line: Where the flag goes—there go I!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Freedom; Patriotism; Summer; American Flag; Liberty


THE LEGEND OF BOASTFUL BILL, by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR.    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At a roundup on the gily
Last Line: "huh! Are you the great grandchildren of the west!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Clark, Badger
Subject(s): Americans; Cowboys; Ranch Life; United States; West (u.s.); America; Southwest; Pacific States


THE LETTER ON THE BRINK OF WAR, by EDWARD FIELD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dears, / you're already painting the porch? You ladies are up early
Last Line: And dare we talk about the future? / love, eddie
Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce
Subject(s): Letters; Social Commentaries; Politics & Government; United States


THE LIBERTY SONG (WITH MUSIC), by JOHN DICKINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come join hand in hand, brave americans all
Last Line: Not as slaves, but as freemen our money we'll give.
Alternate Author Name(s): Penman Of The Revolution
Subject(s): Freedom; United States - Colonial Period; Liberty


THE LINCOLN CABIN, by KALFUS KURTZ GUSLING    Poem Text                    
First Line: Behold! The timbers rough, the lintel low
Last Line: He, from this dark beginning, found the way.
Subject(s): Houses; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE LINCOLN HOME, by ZELLA ACKERMAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: One sunday, on july the twelfth
Last Line: We know his creed lives -- others can, who will.
Subject(s): Heroism; History; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Parks; Presidents, United States; Heroes; Heroines; Historians


THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, by ALMA ADAMS WILEY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Man of the rugged frame and calm, worn face
Last Line: How pure the soul that healed a nation's woe.
Subject(s): Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.c.; Presidents, United States


THE LINCOLN-CHILD, by JAMES OPPENHEIM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Clearing in the forest
Last Line: Work wrought through love!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE LITTLE CLOUD, by JOHN HOWARD BRYANT    Poem Text                    
First Line: As when, on carmel's sterile steep
Last Line: The blessed liberty of god.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Missouri Compromise; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


THE LITTLE FLAGS, by JOHN CLAIR MINOT    Poem Text                    
First Line: Oh, when you see them flying
Last Line: "not sometime, by and by!"
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE LITTLE WHITE GLOVE, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The early springtime faintly flushed the earth
Last Line: "but, god of heaven! I dreamed that stain was blood!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE LONESOME DREAM, by LISEL MUELLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the america of the dream
Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel
Subject(s): Dreams; United States; Race Awareness; Nightmares; America


THE LONG SHADOW OF LINCOLN, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Be sad, be cool, be kind
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE LOST WAR-SLOOP, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O the pride of portsmouth water
Last Line: Still a rover of the seas and glory's own!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Navy - United States; New Hampshire; War Of 1812; Wasp (ship); American Navy


THE MAIL HAS COME, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now the bitter pangs of hope deferred
Last Line: Each kind letter thence is thrice welcome to me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine
Subject(s): American Civil War; Postal Service; United States - History; Postmen; Post Office; Mail; Mailmen


THE MAN FROM SANGAMON, AT GETTYSBURG, by ELEANOR G. R. YOUNG    Poem Text                    
First Line: I am a man who knew abe lincoln well
Last Line: That was abe lincoln, friend of all the world.
Subject(s): Gettysburg Address (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE MAN IN CHRYSANTHEMUM LAND, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: There's a brave little berry-brown man
Last Line: Who fight for chrysanthemum land.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake
Subject(s): Courage; Fights; Japan; United States; Valor; Bravery; Japanese; America


THE MAN OF PEACE, by BLISS CARMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What winter holiday is this?
Last Line: To paradise, -- to peace.
Subject(s): Holidays; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE MAN WHO LOVES, by ZUELLA STERLING    Poem Text                    
First Line: George washington wore buckle and rosette
Last Line: "the man who loves his mother loves his wife."
Subject(s): Mothers; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE MANTLE OF WASHINGTON, by ROYALL TYLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hark! Heard ye not the cannons roar
Last Line: For washingtons mantle is peace and free trade.
Alternate Author Name(s): Old Simon; S.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE MARCH INTO VIRGINIA, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Did all the lets and bars appear
Last Line: Thy after shock, manassas, share.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bull Run, Battles Of; United States - History; Manassas, Batlle Of


THE MARINE, by THOMAS AUGUSTINE DALY    Poem Text                    
First Line: In assorted shades of green
Last Line: "will be there!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A.
Subject(s): Freedom; Marines - United States; Liberty


THE MARTYR; INDICATIVE OF PASSION OF PEOPLES APRIL 15, 1865, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Good friday was the day
Last Line: When they bare the iron hand.
Subject(s): Assassination; Freedom; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Liberty


THE MARYLAND BATTALION [AUGUST 27, 1776], by JOHN WILLIAMSON PALMER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Spruce macaronis, and pretty to see
Last Line: And fair freedom is singing sweet home in the west.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Brooklyn Heights, Battle Of (1776); Patriotism; United States - Continental Army


THE MASTER, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A flying word from here and there
Last Line: And have one titan at a time.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States


THE MATCHLESS FLAG, by JOSEPH FULFORD FOLSOM    Poem Text                    
First Line: The flag that ripples on the breeze
Last Line: To publish liberty afar.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


THE MAUL, by MARY E. NEALY    Poem Text                    
First Line: I saw a boy in a black-jack wood
Last Line: Write half of its toil and glory.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS, by JOHN JEROME ROONEY    Poem Text                    
First Line: A cheer and salute for the admiral, and here's to the captain bold
Last Line: Men behind the guns!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Patriotism; Spanish-american War (1898); American Navy


THE MEN: 1, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Today I saw black men
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE MEN: 2, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our streets filled
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE MEN: 3, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When the world
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE MEN: 4, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Black men
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE MEN: 5, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The young men
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


THE MESSAGE, by JOHN BANISTER TABB    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let every south american beware, for lo! The strenuous
Last Line: Has learned as thoroughly as we know.
Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THE MINKS, by TOI DERRICOTTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the backyard of our house on norwood,
Last Line: Character and beauty
Variant Title(s): Captivity: The Minks
Subject(s): Kent State University - Riot, 1970; Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


THE MORAL WARFARE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When freedom, on her natal day
Last Line: The light, and truth, and love of heaven.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Long hast thou slept unnoted. Nature stole
Last Line: Led by your teachings, and your prayers to god.
Subject(s): Mothers; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE MOTHERS OF THE WEST, by WILLIAM DAVIS GALLAGHER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The mothers of our forest-land!
Last Line: "the dark and bloody ground."
Subject(s): Middle West; Pioneers; United States; Women; Midwest; Old Northwest; Central States; North Central States; America


THE MOTORCYCLISTS, by JAMES TATE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My cuticles are a mess. Oh honey, by the way
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE MOUTH OF THE HUDSON, by ROBERT LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: A single man stands like a bird-watcher
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE MUSTER; SUGGESTED BY TWO DAYS' REVIEW AT WASHINGTON, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The abrahamic river - / patriarch of floods
Last Line: By rills from kansas lone.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army - United States; U.s. - History


THE NAME OF OLD GLORY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Old glory! Say, who
Last Line: . . . So I came by the name of old glory.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


THE NAME OF WASHINGTON, by GEORGE PARSONS LATHROP    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sons of the youth and the truth of a nation
Last Line: The name of washington!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE NATION'S COURAGE (WRITTEN IN THE WORLD WAR), by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As thou hast kept our nation, lord
Last Line: Lead thou the armies of the right!
Subject(s): Prayer; United States; World War I; America; First World War


THE NATION'S PRAYER, by CRAMMOND KENNEDY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Before thy throne we bow
Last Line: The jubilee!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; United States - History


THE NEW ALLY, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Their great gray ships go plunging forth
Last Line: Their pact with freedom while we slept!
Subject(s): World War I - United States


THE NEW ANTHEM, by NORMAN BOLKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Hammered steel strips laid out
Last Line: With joy and peace on every face.
Subject(s): Poverty; Racism; Religious Discrimination; Social Protest; United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Religious Conflict; America


THE NEW APARTMENT: MINNEAPOLIS, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The floorboards creak
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Memory; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians


THE NEW COLOSSUS, by EMMA LAZARUS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not like the brazen giant of greek fame
Last Line: "I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Subject(s): Americans; Art & Artists; Freedom; Immigrants; Religion; Statue Of Liberty; United States; Liberty; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; Theology; America


THE NEW CRUSADE, by KATHARINE LEE BATES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Life is a trifle
Last Line: Who war against war.
Subject(s): Patriotism; World War I - United States


THE NEW WORLD; TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, by LAURENCE BINYON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now is the time of the splendour of youth
Last Line: Hail to the sunrise! Hail to the pioneers!
Subject(s): World War I - United States


THE NEW YEAR; ADDRESSED TO PATRONS OF PENNSYLAVNIA FREEMAN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The wave is breaking on the shore
Last Line: A new and happy year.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Holidays; New Year; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE NIGHT ORCHARD, by DONALD REVELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They have given me a room near the power station
Subject(s): United States; America


THE NINETEENTH OF APRIL, 1861, by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This year, till late in april, the snow fell thick and light
Last Line: Our blood may seal the victory, but god will shield the right!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


THE NORTHERN SOLDIER (2), by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In vain you talk of fruits and flowers
Last Line: Our free-born limbs to bind.
Subject(s): American Revolution; Army - United States


THE OLD COVE, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As vonce I valked by a dismal swamp
Last Line: "all that I axed vos, let me alone."
Variant Title(s): Let Us Alone;all We Ask Is To Be Let Alone
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889); State Rights; United States - History; Confederacy; Secession


THE OLD THIRTEEN, by CHARLES TIMOTHY BROOKS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The curtain rises on a hundred years
Last Line: She on her anchor, hope, leans, and will ever lean.
Alternate Author Name(s): Brooks, C. T.
Subject(s): United States - Colonial Period


THE PACIFIC RAILWAY, by C. R. BALLARD    Poem Text                    
First Line: Tis done - the wondrous thorough-fare
Last Line: And nations shall learn war no more.
Subject(s): Railroads; United States - History; Railways; Trains


THE PALLOR OF SURVIVAL, by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I'm lucky: autumn is flawless today
Last Line: Turns, an open gate.
Subject(s): Christianity; Converts, Catholic; Evans, Bill (1929-1980); Holocaust, Jewish - Aftermath; Jews; Loss; Moving & Movers; Nuns; Refugees; Survival; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Violence; Judaism


THE PANORAMA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Through the long hall the shuttered windows shed
Last Line: And shame his poor word with your nobler deed.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs


THE PASSING OF WOODROW WILSON, PROPHET OF PEACE, by VINCENT GODFREY BURNS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once more a grieving nation bows its head
Last Line: When war forever shall give place to peace!
Subject(s): Death; Honor; Peace; Presidents, United States; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924); Dead, The


THE PASTORAL LETTER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So, this is all, - the utmost reach
Last Line: Shall deeper joy be felt in heaven!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE PATRIOT'S LAMENT, by JOSEPH CEPHAS HOLLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, weep for columbia! Oh, weep for the time!
Last Line: And forever the glorious, and happy to reign.
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


THE PEOPLE'S PRAYER, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: God bless our dear united states
Last Line: And ever guard her liberty.
Subject(s): Prayer; United States; America


THE PICKET-GUARD [NOVEMBER, 1861], by ETHEL LYNN BEERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All quiet along the potomac,' they say
Last Line: The picket's off duty forever.
Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, Ethelinda; Lynn, Ethel
Variant Title(s): All Quiet Along The Potomac
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; Potomac River; Rivers; United States - History


THE PINE TREE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lift again the stately emblem on the bay state's rusted shield
Last Line: And to plant again the pine-tree in her banner's tattered field!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Massachusetts; Pine Trees; Trees; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE POET, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You would procure the oil of forgiveness from the angel
Last Line: With great humility, bathed in tears and barefoot.
Subject(s): Americanization; Cities; Decay; Modern Man; United States; Urban Life; Rot; Decadence; America


THE POLITICAL BALANCE; OR THE FATES OF BRITAIN & AMERICA ..., by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Deciding fates, in homer's stile, I shew
Last Line: "a curse to mankind -- and a blot on the ball."
Subject(s): Great Britain; United States; America


THE PORTENT, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hanging from the beam
Last Line: The meteor of the war.
Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Social Protest; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Serfs


THE PRAIRIE-GRASS DIVIDING, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The prairie-grass dividing, its special odor breathing
Last Line: Those of inland america.
Subject(s): Prairies; United States; Plains; America


THE PRESENT CRISIS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When a deed is done for freedom, through the broad earth's aching breast
Last Line: Blood-rusted key.
Subject(s): Freedom; Justice; Religion; United States; Liberty; Theology; America


THE PRESIDENT (THE PANAMA TOLLS), by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He plead for honor and the country's good
Last Line: But left to history the ungrudging sort.
Subject(s): Panama Canal; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Canal Zone


THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown'
Last Line: The head confined within a stovepipe hat!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Taft, William Howard (1957-1930)


THE PRESIDENT WHO DOES IT ALL, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
Last Line: The president who does it all
Subject(s): Presidents, United States


THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON, by FREDERICK WILLIAM HENRY MYERS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Behold he reared a race and ruled them not
Last Line: The kingdom of the lord.
Alternate Author Name(s): Myers, Frederic
Subject(s): Edward Vii, King Of England (1841-1910); Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE PRIZE OF THE MARGARETTA, by WILLIAM MCKENDREE CARLETON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Four young men, of a monday morn
Last Line: That men may follow and boys may lead.
Alternate Author Name(s): Carleton, Will
Subject(s): American Revolution; Margaretta (ship); Navy - United States; Sea Battles; American Navy; Naval Warfare


THE PROCLAMATION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Saint patrick, slave to milcho of the herds
Last Line: And heal with freedom what your slavery cursed.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patrick, Saint (5th Century); Presidents, United States; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE PROPHET, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Text                    
First Line: America has nourished wiser sons
Last Line: Stout heart, high mind, great-souled american.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THE PURE PRODUCTS OF AMERICA, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In the middle of the southeast asian war
Last Line: But I wish he'd quit
Subject(s): Children; United States; War; Childhood; America


THE QUAKERS ARE OUT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Not vainly we waited and counted the hours
Last Line: For lincoln goes in, when the quakers are out!
Subject(s): Elections; Friends, Religious Society Of; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; Quakers


THE RAISING OF THE FLAG, by CONDE BENOIST PALLEN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lift up the banner of our love
Last Line: The whole earth shining on!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE REBEL, by INNES RANDOLPH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, I'm a good old rebel, that's what I am
Last Line: I won't be reconstructed and I don't give a damn.
Variant Title(s): Unreconstructed
Subject(s): American Civil War; Hate; United States - History


THE REED, by GEORGE EDWARD WOODBERRY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As when the poet, muttering low
Last Line: "come,"" said she, ""sing thy reed-song through the world."
Subject(s): Civilization; Criticism & Critics; Justice; Music & Musicians; Nations; Poetry & Poets; United States; America


THE REGENT'S EXAMINATION, by JESSIE WALLACE HUGHAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Muffled sounds of the city climbing to me at the window
Last Line: Neuter and safe shall it be? Or a flame to burst us asunder?
Subject(s): Examinations; Immigrants; Racism; United States - Race Relations; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


THE RELIC, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Token of friendship, true and tried
Last Line: And turn the spoiler from his prey.
Subject(s): Arson; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE REST, by EZRA POUND    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O helpless few in my country
Last Line: I have beaten out my exile.
Subject(s): Exiles; United States; America


THE RETURN OF THE BIRDS, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hear, from many a little throat
Last Line: "and freedom to the slave!"
Subject(s): American Civil War; Birds; Holidays; Trees; United States - History


THE REVEALER, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The palms of mammon have ordained
Last Line: Just where the boundary begins.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THE REVEILLE, by FRANCIS BRET HARTE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hark! I hear the tramp of thousands
Last Line: "lord, we come!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Harte, Bret
Variant Title(s): What The Drums Say
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; United States - History


THE RISING GLORY OF AMERICA, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now shall the adventurous muse attempt a theme
Last Line: And future years of bliss alone remain.
Subject(s): America - Exploration; Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Native Americans; Science; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Scientists; America


THE RIVER FIGHT; APRIL 18, 1862, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Do you know of the dreary land
Last Line: And the traitor flags come down.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Farragut, David Glascow (1801-1870); Navy - United States; New Orleans, Battle Of (1862); Patriotism; Slavery; United States - History; American Navy; Serfs


THE RUNAWAY, by EDITH MEDBERY FITCH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Ya, I'm a runaway wife. God's truth, which I don't deny
Last Line: I'll see you in hell before I'll go back—my girl is american born.
Subject(s): Escapes; Peasantry; Police; Russia; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Fugitives; Soviet Union; Russians


THE SEA GULL, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I seek not the grove where the wood-robins whistle
Last Line: And a white wing flap o'er his early grave.
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Porter, David (1780-1843); Ships & Shipping; American Navy


THE SECOND COMING, by THOMAS AUGUSTINE DALY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Clutching their bosomed wealth, they made their cry
Last Line: Grew dark with sneers.
Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A.
Subject(s): Judgments; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THE SELF-BETRAYAL WHICH IS NOTHING NEW, by DELMORE SCHWARTZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Look now, miraculous, mirabillis, and true!
Subject(s): Fame; United States; Reputation; America


THE SETTLER: AMERICA IN THE MAKING, by ALFRED BILLINGS STREET    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: His echoing ax the settler swung
Last Line: A nation's freedom won.
Subject(s): Pioneers; United States; America


THE SEVENTH VIAL, by WILLARD WATTLES    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: These are the days when men draw pens for swords
Last Line: Tho this is war, there is another war!
Subject(s): Democracy; United States; War; America


THE SILENT MARTYR, by BERTHA V. WALKER    Poem Text                    
First Line: We've honored martha washington
Last Line: Of serving just one man.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE SINKING OF THE MERRIMAC [MAY 10, 1862], by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Gone down in the flood, and gone out in the flame!
Last Line: Then sink them together, -- the ship and the name!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Sea Battles; United States - History; Virginia (ship); Naval Warfare; Merrimac (ship)


THE SLAVE MOTHER, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Heard you that shriek? It rose
Last Line: Oh, father! Must they part?
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Americans; Slavery; United States; Serfs; America


THE SLAVE-MONGERS' CONVENTION: CANTO 2, SELECTION, by J. P. RANDOLPH    Poem Text                    
First Line: My brethren, most beloved and dear
Last Line: Your whips --
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bible; Clergy; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; U.s. - History; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


THE SOCIAL SWIM, by RAY CLARKE ROSE    Poem Text                    
First Line: The social swim! You know the rules
Last Line: The social swim.
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Social Classes; Social Protest; Caste


THE SOLDIER BOY'S DREAM, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A soldier boy lay dreaming
Last Line: Of liberty, new found.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine
Subject(s): American Civil War; Dreams; Freedom; Soldiers; United States - History; Nightmares; Liberty


THE SOLDIER'S FIRESIDE, AFTER A BATTLE, by M. T. C.    Poem Text                    
First Line: They sat by the dying embers
Last Line: And hope for their country too.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Anxiety; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); United States - History


THE SONG OF SHERMAN'S ARMY, by CHARLES GRAHAM HALPINE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A pillar of fire by night
Last Line: For sherman and grant, hurrah!
Alternate Author Name(s): O'reilly, Miles
Subject(s): American Civil War; Georgia (state); Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


THE SONG OF THE FOREIGN-BORN, by ROBERT EMMET CARROLL    Poem Text                    
First Line: We came, and you bade us welcome
Last Line: The stars and stripes unfurled.
Subject(s): Freedom; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Liberty


THE SOUTH CAROLINA, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: My dear brother ned
Last Line: "she will us attend, / for the south carolina we've lost"
Subject(s): American Revolution;navy - United States;sea Battles;south Carolina (ship); American Navy;naval Warfare


THE SPARROW HARK IN THE RAIN (ALEXANDER STEPHENS HEARS NEWS), by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: That's done! And well, I'd rather not have gone
Last Line: And I arose and left.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Stephens, Alexander Hamilton (1812-1883); United States - History


THE SPIRIT VOICE; OR, LIBERTY CALL TO THE DISENFRANCHISED, by CHARLES L. REASON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Come! Rouse ye brothers, rouse! A peal now breaks
Last Line: From partial bondage to a life indeed.
Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803); Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


THE SPOILS OF WAR, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What does our soldier bring from war?
Last Line: Could knightly soldier bring from war?
Subject(s): Army - United States; World War I; First World War


THE STAR, by MARION COUTHOUY SMITH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Great soul, to all brave souls akin
Last Line: Shall lead them, as a star!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THE STAR OF LIBERTY, by LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: There shone a gem on england's crown
Last Line: On thy calm breast, america!
Subject(s): Freedom; United States; Liberty; America


THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER, by DENISE DUHAMEL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I was sure then, as I sang along
Last Line: Ricky's accent so much like how she remembers yours
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER, by FRANCIS SCOTT KEY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light
Last Line: Brave.
Variant Title(s): Final Curtain;defence Of Fort Mchenry
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Fort Mchenry, Battle Of (1814); Fourth Of July; Freedom; Napoleon I (1769-1821); National Song - United States; Patriotism; United States; War Of 1812; American Flag; Independence Day; Liberty; American National Anthem; America


THE STARS AND STRIPES, by JAMES THOMAS FIELDS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Rally round the flag, boys
Last Line: And god will bless the right.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


THE STATUE, by ELLA (RHOADS) HIGGINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: That I might chisel a statue, line on line
Last Line: Enough, enough! We know thy statue's name!'
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Statues


THE STRIPES AND THE STARS; APRIL, 1861, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O star-spangled banner! The flag of our pride!
Last Line: One country — one banner — the stripes and the stars!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): American Civil War; Flags - United States; Freedom; Patriotism; U.s. - History; American Flag; Liberty


THE STUDENT, by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In america everybody must have a degree,' the french man
Subject(s): Schools; Education; France; United States; Students; America


THE SUBSTITUTE, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How say'st thou? Die to-morrow?
Last Line: Knelt by the corse -- alone.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Capital Punishment; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Confederacy


THE SUCCESSION, by FRANCES LAUGHTON MACE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As one by one the singers of our land
Last Line: For his soul's peace his life to song has given.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; United States; America


THE SURRENDER AT APPOMATTOX [APRIL 9, 1865], by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As billows upon billows roll
Last Line: Lee.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Appomattox, Virginia; Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885); Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); United States - History


THE SURVIVAL OF THE UNFIT, by HEINRICH LEHR    Poem Text                    
First Line: A trillion trillion years ago
Last Line: And grow into the sons of god.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Military; Soldiers; Survival; World War I; First World War


THE SWAMP ANGEL, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a coal-black angel
Last Line: Christ, the forgiver, convert his mind.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Charleston, South Carolina; Guns; United States - History


THE SWEET LITTLE MAN; DEDICATED TO THE STAY-AT-HOME RANGERS, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, while our soldiers are fighting our battles
Last Line: Take your white-feather plume, sweet little man!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


THE TALK SHOW, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A woman heard angels. The paper says angels
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


THE TEARS OF A MUSE IN AMERICA, by FRANK TEMPLETON PRINCE    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Call out, celebrate the beam
Last Line: Stand silent as a tree, this verse no longer weeps.
Alternate Author Name(s): Prince, F. T.
Subject(s): United States; America


THE TEMERAIRE, by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The gloomy hulls, in armor grim
Last Line: O, the temeraire no more!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Art & Artists; Paintings & Painters; Sea Battles; Turner, Joseph Mallord W. (1775-1851); United States - History; Naval Warfare


THE TEMPERANCE ARMY, by JULIA A. MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Come all ye friends, and citizens
Last Line: Will do you all no harm.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sweet Singer Of Michigan
Subject(s): Army - United States


THE THREE GIVERS, by WILLIAM WATSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: England gave me sun and storm
Last Line: That gave the richest gift to me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William
Subject(s): Ancestry & Ancestors; England; Ireland; United States; English; Irish; America


THE TIDES AT PANAMA, by JOHN BANISTER TABB    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As effort gigantic
Last Line: "to prevent trust-promotion."
Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb
Subject(s): Panama Canal; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Canal Zone


THE TOPOGRAPHY OF HISTORY, by THOMAS MCGRATH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All cities are open in the hot season
Last Line: "calling out ""o love, love,"" but finding none"
Subject(s): Death; Hate; History; Maps; United States; Dead, The; Historians; America


THE TRAGIC CONDITION OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, by BERNADETTE MAYER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Give me your tired, your poor
Subject(s): Statue Of Liberty; Social Commentaries; Popular Culture - United States


THE TRIP TO CAMBRIDGE, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: When congress sent great washington
Last Line: "so off they marched, with patriot zeal, / and took a patriot dinner"
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


THE TROOPERS (1778), by CLINTON SCOLLARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We clattered into the village street, and up to the rose and crown
Last Line: "but death to a thing like a tyrant king, and his vassal, my great lord howe!"
Subject(s): American Revolution; Great Britain - Rulers; Howe, Richard. Earl Howe (1726-1799); Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE TRUTH IS, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In my left pocket a chickasaw hand
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Women; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians;


THE TWENTY-SECOND OF FEBRUARY, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Pale is the february sky
Last Line: Increase of honors to his name.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE TWILIGHT HOUR, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As I sat one evening in sweet meditation
Last Line: The captive from bondage, will shortly release.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE TWO BRAVE SOLDIERS, by JULIA A. MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My friends, I pray you listen,
Last Line: And caused them both to fall.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sweet Singer Of Michigan
Subject(s): Army - United States


THE UNDEFEATED FLAG, by WILLIAM A. PHELON    Poem Text                    
First Line: Aye, set that banner in the sky--let every towering crag
Last Line: Show out old glory in the sun—the undefeated flag!
Subject(s): Flags - United States; World War I; American Flag; First World War


THE UNFINISHED WORK, by JOSEPH FULFORD FOLSOM    Poem Text                    
First Line: The crowd was gone, and to the side
Last Line: And sank beside him on the bench.
Subject(s): Freedom; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Statues; Liberty


THE UNIFORM, by MARVIN BELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Of the sleeves, I remember their weight, like wet wool
Last Line: A wounded eardrum wasn't much in the scheme.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Clothing & Dress; Military


THE UNITED STATES, by JOHN KEBLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tyre of the farther west! Be thou too warned
Last Line: Her towers, and lone sands heap her crowned merchants' graves.
Subject(s): United States; America


THE UNITED STATES, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Seven years long was the bow / of battle bent, and the heightening
Last Line: Shout for the joy of her face.
Subject(s): United States; America


THE UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN (1), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: How glows each yankee patriot bosom that boasts yankee heart
Last Line: "who 'fore they'd strike, will nobly sink / our yankee boys"
Subject(s): Macedonian (ship);sea Battles;united States (ship);war Of 1812; Naval Warfare


THE UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN (2), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: The banner of freedom high floated unfurled
Last Line: "shall ne'er be known to yield - be known to yield or fly, / her motto is 'glory! We can conquer or
Subject(s): Macedonian (ship);sea Battles;united States (ship);war Of 1812; Naval Warfare


THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE    Poem Text                    
First Line: They stand like sentries at a country's gates
Last Line: While men have no appeal except to him.
Subject(s): Judges; Justice; Law & Lawyers; Trials; United States - Supreme Court; Attorneys


THE UNITED STATES TO OLD WORLD CRITICS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here first the duties of to-day, the lessons of the concrete
Last Line: The solid-planted spires tall shooting to the stars.
Subject(s): United States; America


THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT SERVICE FLAG - 1517 STARS, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It surely does you good
Last Line: Will guard your honor still.
Subject(s): Education; Flags - United States; Schools; Universities & Colleges; Vermont; American Flag; Students


THE UNSUNG HEROES, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: A song for the unsung heroes who rose in the country's need
Last Line: Who fought their way from night to day and struggled up to god.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Liberty


THE VICTOR AT ANTIETAM [SEPTEMBER 17, 1862], by HERMAN MELVILLE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When tempest winnowed grain from bran
Last Line: And great antietam's cheers renew.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Antietam, Battle Of (1862); Mcclellan, George Brinton (1826-1885); United States - History


THE VICTORIES OF PEACE, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Gone is the tempest that clouded
Last Line: Hope for the days that have brightened.
Subject(s): Peace; United States; America


THE VIRGINIANS OF THE VALLEY, by FRANCIS ORRERY TICKNOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The knightliest of the knightly race
Last Line: But not a knight asleep.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; United States - History; Virginia (state)


THE VISION OF GETTYSBURG (1863-1913), by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What if, that day, when on those tawny slopes
Last Line: The squandered blood of gettysburgs to come.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Gettysburg Campaign (1863); United States - History; Gettysburg, Battle Of


THE VOICE OF WEBSTER, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Silence was envious of the only voice
Last Line: Long shall its echoes rouse the patriot's heart.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Democracy; United States - Congress - Senate; United States - History; United States - Reconstruction (1865-1877); Webster, Daniel (1782-1852)


THE VOLUNTEERS, by WILLIAM HAINES LYTLE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The volunteers! The volunteers / I dream, as in the by-gone years
Last Line: Shall spring the volunteers once more.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Heroism; U.s. - Mexican War (1846-1848); Heroes; Heroines


THE VOW OF WASHINGTON, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sword was sheathed: in april's sun
Last Line: Repeat with us the pledge a century old!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE WAR SHIP OF PEACE, by SAMUEL LOVER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sweet land of song, thy harp doth hang
Last Line: Columbia's glorious name.
Subject(s): Ireland - Famine; Jamestown (ship); Navy - United States; American Navy


THE WASHERS OF THE SHROUD; OCTOBER, 1861, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Along a river-side, I know not where
Last Line: While waking I recalled my wandering brain.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Potomac River; Rivers; United States - History


THE WASHINGTON BICENTENNIAL, by CLARA BECK    Poem Text                    
First Line: Dreams are visions of the night
Last Line: And nations join to hail him chief.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, D.c.; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THE WASP AND THE HORNET, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The two proud sisters of the sea
Last Line: The paths they swept of old!
Subject(s): Hornet (ship); Navy - United States; Wasp (ship); American Navy


THE WAY THINGS ARE IN FRANKLIN, by JANE KENYON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Even the undertaker is going out
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THE WHITE HOUSE, by FAIRFAX DOWNEY    Poem Text                    
First Line: Marines mount guard at the white house palace
Last Line: Says alice.
Subject(s): Marines - United States; White House (washington, D.c.)


THE WHITE WITCH, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O, brothers mine, take care! Take care!
Last Line: And in her smile there is a blight.
Subject(s): Miscegenation; United States - Race Relations


THE WILLIAM P. FRYE [FEBRUARY 28, 1915], by JEANNE ROBERT FOSTER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw her first abreast the boston light
Last Line: To make the harbor glad because she's come.
Subject(s): Submarines; William P. Frye (ship); World War I - United States; Submarine Warfare; U-boats


THE WOMAN HANGING FROM THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR WINDOW, by JOY HARJO    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She is the woman hanging from the 13th floor
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Gays & Lesbians; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men


THE WORLD'S CONVENTION OF FRIENDS OF EMANCIPATION IN LONDON, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, let them gather! Summon forth
Last Line: The fire shall fall from heaven!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


THE WOUND-DRESSER, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: An old man bending I come among new faces
Last Line: Many a soldier's kiss dwells on these bearded lips.)
Variant Title(s): The Dresser
Subject(s): American Civil War; Nurses; Travel; United States - History; War; Journeys; Trips


THE YANKEE MAN-OF-WAR (2), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Tis of a gallant yankee ship that flew the stripes and stars
Last Line: Down the north channel paul jones did steer just at the break of day
Subject(s): "american Revolution;jones, John Paul (1747-1792);navy - United States;ranger (ship);" American Navy


THE YANKEE PRIVATEER, by ARTHUR HALE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Come listen and I'll tell you
Last Line: For the yankee privateer!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Navy - United States; Patriotism; Privateers; Providence (ship); Whipple, Abraham (1733-1819); American Navy


THE YANKEE VOLUNTEERS, by WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye yankee volunteers!
Last Line: Poor yankee doodle!
Subject(s): United States; America


THE YANKEE'S RETURN FROM CAMP [JUNE, 1775], by EDWARD BANGS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Father and I went down to camp
Last Line: Locked up in mother's chamber.
Variant Title(s): Yankee Doodle
Subject(s): American Revolution; United States - Continental Army


THE YEAR OF JUBILEE, by HENRY CLAY WORK    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Say, darkeys, hab you seen de massa
Last Line: An' de yar ob jubilo.
Variant Title(s): Year Of Jubilo;kingdom Coming
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Richmond Campaign (1864); United States - History


THE ZEBRA GOES WILD WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, by HENRY DUMAS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Neon stripes tighten my wal
Subject(s): United States; Racism; Fathers; America; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by MORRIS ABEL BEER    Poem Text                    
First Line: A boy of old manhattan
Last Line: Became a nation's tower!
Variant Title(s): Boy Of Old Manhattan
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE    Poem Text                    
First Line: Iron is in his blood. He lives to fight
Last Line: The record of his battles for the good.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR.    Poem Text                    
First Line: Now with the dust that bore him he is one
Last Line: He stands anointed at jehovah's throne.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by WILLIAM W. PEAVYHOUSE    Poem Text                    
First Line: His name, when uttered, thrills the world
Last Line: As the world joins in his praise.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by LEONARD WOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: He was a many-sided man, but four-square
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S LETTERS TO HIS CHILDREN, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What happy, kindly memories fill
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THEODORE ROOSEVELT; DIED AT DAYBREAK, JANUARY 6, 1919, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Knell nor deep minute gun gave the world warning
Last Line: Liberty's champion, cid of the west!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Variant Title(s): Cid Of The West
Subject(s): Death; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); Dead, The


THEODORE ROOSEVELT; WRITTEN WHILE HE WAS PRESIDENT, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sturdy mountain sides have dowered him
Last Line: Pour the serenity of hills and trees.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THERE ARE MANY FLAGS IN MANY LANDS, by MARY HOWSLISTER    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THERE IS POWER IN A UNION, by JOE HILL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Would you have freedom from wage-slavery?
Last Line: One industrial union grand
Alternate Author Name(s): Hillstrom, Joesph; Hagglund, Joel
Subject(s): United States


THERE'S NO LAND LIKE OUR LAND, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
Last Line: Loyal service all life through
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States


THESE STATES, INTO L.A., by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Organs and war news / radio static from saigon
Subject(s): United States; America


THESE STATES, INTO L.A., by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Organs and war news %radio static from saigon
Last Line: Turquoise brilliance shining on sidestreets
Subject(s): United States


THESE UNITED STATES, by BENJAMIN ROBBINS CURTIS LOW    Poem Text                    
First Line: New, for the most part: very, very new
Last Line: But make her worthy, for we love her, lord!
Subject(s): United States; America


THESE YET TO BE UNITED STATES, by MAYA ANGELOU    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tremors of your network
Last Line: Which fill your children's throats
Subject(s): United States; America


THESE YET TO BE UNITED STATES, by MAYA ANGELOU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tremors of your network
Last Line: And cannot hear the curses %which fill your children's throats
Subject(s): United States


THEY DIDN'T GET ME, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Last Line: All on its own %and I'm amazed
Variant Title(s): They Didn't Get M
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


THIRTEEN COLONIES, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: One little colony in a land so new
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


THIRTY AND FIVE BOOKS, by MYUNG MI KIM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Never having been here when the sun rose
Last Line: All harmonics sound
Subject(s): Aliens; Ethnic Groups - United States; Korea; Labor And Laborers; Navigation; Travel; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration


THIS IS A FATHERLAND TO ME, by JOSEPH CEPHAS HOLLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh! Tell me not of fatherland
Last Line: We may abide if anywhere.
Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America


THIS POEM, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Some minor family crisis last night
Last Line: Or the way my legs are crossed, my toes turning blue
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


THOMAS AND NANCY LINCOLN, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fit us for humblest service,' prayed
Last Line: Will hallow their repose.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Freedom; Indiana; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Lincoln, Nancy Hanks (1784-1818); Lincoln, Thomas (1778-1851); Parents; Presidents, United States; Liberty; Parenthood


THOMPSON'S LUNCH ROOM: GRAND CENTRAL STATION: STUDY IN WHITES, by AMY LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wax white - / floor, ceiling, walls
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


THOMPSON'S LUNCH ROOM: GRAND CENTRAL STATION: STUDY IN WHITES, by AMY LOWELL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wax white - %floor, ceiling, walls
Last Line: Sharp, invisible zigzags %of silver
Subject(s): Americans; United States


THOREAU, by TIMOTHY LIU    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My father and I have no place to go
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Loss; Marginality, Social; Moving & Movers; Refugees; Thoreau, Henry David (1817-1862); United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Estrangement; Outcasts


THOSE REBEL FLAGS, by JOHN H. JEWETT    Poem Text                    
First Line: Shall we send back the johnnies their bunting
Last Line: Is america's watchword to-day.
Subject(s): Flags - Confederate States Of America; Flags - United States; United States; American Flag; America


THOU SHOULDST BE LIVING AT THIS HOUR!, by KENYON WEST    Poem Source                    
First Line: Lincoln! 'thou shouldst be living at this hour!'
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THOUGH OTHERS SLEPT, HE PACED, by WILLIAM B. GILBERT    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


THOUGHT (2), by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Of obedience, faith, adhesiveness
Last Line: The lead of those who do not believe in men.
Subject(s): United States; America


THOUGHTS ON THE LATE WAR, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I was for union - you, ag'in it
Last Line: Durin' the army.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Peace; War


THRASH, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Fifteen minutes of the backstreet downbeat syncopated terrorism coming off
Last Line: Through the air like a gun
Subject(s): Jews - United States


THREE GYPSIES, by SHALIN HAI-JEW    Poem Source                    
First Line: Blancing on oriental spike heels
Last Line: He turns to watch this parade of gypsies
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MORE, by ROBERT MORRIS    Poem Text                 Recitation    
First Line: We are coming, father abraham, three hundred thousand more
Last Line: We are coming, father abraham, three hundred thousand more!
Alternate Author Name(s): Gibbons, James Sloane
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Patriotism; Presidents, United States; United States - History


THREE: 1) NOT POETRY, by ALEXANDRA THURMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: And you've lowered the basket of salt
Last Line: For nothing. You'll never go home again
Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Poverty; United States


THREE: 2) EXILE, by ALEXANDRA THURMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Gold, books, money, dust, home
Last Line: Shriveled. No one thought to water them
Subject(s): Exiles; United States


TIGER, by CLAUDE MCKAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The white man is a tiger at my throat
Last Line: The tiger in his strength his thirst must slake!
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): Racism; United States; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; America


TIME AND MONEY, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Monday. March 10th. Exactly
Last Line: The sooner it all falls out the better %same with my teeth
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


TIME FOR A NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM (FOR GEORGE BUSH), by DAVID R. TILLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, say, can you flee by the dawn's early light
Last Line: Strangled banger yet wave o'er the land of tv %and the home of the knave?
Subject(s): Bush, George; United States


TIPPERARY: 1. BY OUR OWN JAMES OPPENHEIM, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Far, far, / the lineally-measured distance from east
Last Line: But my sky-soaring soul, my myriad-hearted heart is there.
Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A.
Subject(s): Geography; Oppenheim, James (1882-1932); Tipperary, Ireland; Travel; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Journeys; Trips


TIS NOT ALONE IN FLANDERS FIELDS, by FLORENCE MCLANDBURGH    Poem Source                    
Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Mclandburgh
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO A CERTAIN CIVILIAN, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Did you ask dulcet rhymes from me?
Last Line: For I lull nobody, and you will never understand me.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


TO A FRENCH GIRL IN AMERICA, by MABEL KINGSLEY RICHARDSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: I cannot tell just where the difference lies
Last Line: —mabel kingsley richardson
Subject(s): Freedom; History; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; United States; Liberty; Historians; America


TO A FRIEND IN THE NAVY, SICK AT HOME, by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The wave, the wave, the yankee wave
Last Line: You love the yankee wave.
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Patriotism; American Navy


TO A LADY ON HER REMARKABLE PRESERVATION IN AN HURRICANE, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Though thou did'st hear the tempest from afar
Last Line: And what the blessings of maternal care!
Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis
Subject(s): Americans; Hurricanes; Love - Loss Of; Mortality; United States; America


TO A MOTHER, by A. I. AMBLER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Oh mother, when with thy sorrow alone
Last Line: Thou wilt call the lost once more thine own.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Grief; Love; Mothers; United States - History; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness


TO A PATRIOT, by HARRY T. BAKER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Not his the craven's role, nor any share
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO A PORTRAIT OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by EDITH COLBY BANFIELD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Thy rugged features more heroic are
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


TO A PRESIDENT, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All you are doing and saying is to america dangled mirages
Last Line: Off from these states.
Subject(s): Buchanan, James. President (1791-1868); Presidents, United States; United States; America


TO A RELATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by HENRY HARRISON    Poem Text                    
First Line: You snicker that you do not care for him
Last Line: It's you who live, but never can survive!
Subject(s): Ignorance; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Racism; Shame; Dullness; Stupdity; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Within the temple of our heart
Last Line: Beats in one mighty tide—for you!
Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by JOHN JAMES PIATT    Poem Text                    
First Line: Stern be the pilot in the dreadful hour
Last Line: Made by god's providence the anointed one.
Variant Title(s): Sonnet In 1862
Subject(s): American Civil War; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; U.s. - History


TO AMERICA, by LUCILE CHANDLER    Poem Text                    
First Line: For centuries, america, you lay
Last Line: And find a friend, america, in you.
Subject(s): United States; America


TO AMERICA, by H. LEYVIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: For forty-one years I have lived in your borders, america
Last Line: Embracing the glare of intimacy and farewell, america
Subject(s): Jews - United States; United States


TO AMERICA, by CHARLES LANGBRIDGE MORGAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: When the fire sinks in the grate
Last Line: The fruits of hope, and love shall be awake.
Alternate Author Name(s): Morgan, Charles
Subject(s): World War I - United States


TO AMERICA, by MORLEY ROBERTS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Whatever penman wrote or orator
Last Line: And hear your armies thundering prophecy.
Subject(s): World War I - United States


TO AMERICA AFTER READING SOME UNGENEROUS CRITICISMS, by RICHARD GARNETT (1835-1906)    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What though thy muse the singer's art
Last Line: A homer or a shakespeare worthy thee.
Subject(s): United States; America


TO AMERICA IN WAR TIME, by OSCAR W. FIRKINS    Poem Text                    
First Line: Grave hour and solemn choice - bare is the sword
Last Line: Love that we dreamt not, dared not—soar to thee!
Subject(s): World War I - United States


TO AMERICA'S UNKNOWN SOLDIER, by KARL E. MUNDT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When from your silent sleep in france you came
Last Line: —the classmate
Subject(s): Death; Graves; Soldiers; United States; Unknown Soldier; War; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones; America


TO AMERICA, CONCERNING ENGLAND, by WILLIAM WATSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Art thou her child, born in the proud midday
Last Line: Without the crown divine thou might'st have worn.
Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William
Subject(s): England; United States; English; America


TO AMERICAN FLYERS IN MOROCCO, by WITTER BYNNER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I have wished you wounded, I have wished you dead
Last Line: That he may live to cringe at his own name.
Alternate Author Name(s): Morgan, Emanuel
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Morocco


TO ARMS, by PARK BENJAMIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Awake! Arise, ye men of might!
Last Line: Are sure to win the day!
Subject(s): United States - Mexican War (1846-1848)


TO BE SUNG ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, by WYATT PRUNTY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We come to this country
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; United States; Songs; Independence Day; America


TO BECOME AN ISLANDER, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Steal a sloop from the harbor
Last Line: Burn your face brown before sunset
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


TO CANAAN; A PURITAN WAR-SONG, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where are you going, soldiers
Last Line: A whirlwind from the north!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


TO DELAWARE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thrice welcome to thy sisters of the east
Last Line: Glory and praise to god! Another state is free!
Subject(s): Delaware; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


TO ELSIE, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: The pure products of america
Subject(s): United States; Social Commentaries; America


TO FANEUIL HALL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Men! If manhood still ye claim
Last Line: Up, to faneuil hall!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Faneuil Hall, Boston; Antislavery Movement - United States


TO FOREIGN LANDS, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I heard that you ask'd for something to prove this puzzle the new world
Last Line: Therefore I send you my poems that you behold in them what you wanted.
Subject(s): United States; America


TO FRASER'S DEATH-MASK OF ROOSEVELT, by L. UPTON WILKINSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Can this be your face, this whose calm
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO H. N., by DAVID MURA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It is always easy to sentimentalize old lovers. They are distant
Last Line: You're probably indifferent. Which is just as well
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TO HAVE DONE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF GOD, SELS., by ANTONIN ARTAUD    Poem Source                    
First Line: I learned yesterday
Last Line: Which he has tempered in a cut of his blood
Subject(s): United States


TO HELL AND BACK, WITH CAKE, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was spring, saturday
Last Line: But holding my breath
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TO JESUS VILLANUEVA, WITH LOVE, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My first vivid memory of you
Last Line: Enough.
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


TO LINCOLN'S BUST IN BRONZE, by RICHARD WATSON GILDER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This bronze doth keep the very form and mold
Last Line: Of armed strength: his pure and mighty heart.
Variant Title(s): On The Life-mask Of Lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Sculpture & Sculptors


TO MASSACHUSETTS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What though around thee blazes
Last Line: Was sleeping, but not dead!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Massachusetts; Antislavery Movement - United States


TO MY BROTHER, by CORINNE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I loved you for you loving ways
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO MY COUNTRY, by EDWARD FIELD    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I've never praised you in my poems
Last Line: And blame the poor for being poor
Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce
Subject(s): United States; Poetry & Poets; Social Commentaries


TO ONE 'INVESTIGATED' BY THE LAST SENATE COMMITTEE, OR THE NEXT, by JOHN CIARDI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And though the walls have ears
Last Line: To make a craven safety / count for honor's part
Subject(s): Mccarthyism; United States - Congress - Senate


TO ONE WHO PASSED: WOODROW WILSON, by LOUISE BURTON LAIDLAW    Poem Text                    
First Line: Great men have passed
Last Line: Thy vision still shall lead.
Alternate Author Name(s): Backus, L., Mrs.
Subject(s): Death; Honor; Presidents, United States; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924); Dead, The


TO PENNSYLVANIA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O state prayer-founded! Never hung
Last Line: And thy triumphal song.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Pennsylvania; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


TO PERSCEUTED FOREIGNERS, by PENINA MOISE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fly from the soil whose desolating creed
Last Line: Come to the homes and bosoms of the free.
Subject(s): Anti-semitism; Freedom; Immigrants; United States; Liberty; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; America


TO POE: OVER THE PLANET, AIR ALBANY-BALTIMORE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Albany throned in snow
Last Line: In the deathly gutter of 19th century
Subject(s): United States


TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Robert louis stevenson! / blue the lift and braw the dawn
Last Line: Robert louis stevenson.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894); Strangers; United States; Writing & Writers; America


TO ROOSEVELT, by FELIX RUBEN GARCIA SARMIENTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis only with the bible or with walt whitman's verse
Alternate Author Name(s): Dario, Ruben
Subject(s): Imperialism; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919); United States


TO ROOSEVELT, by FELIX RUBEN GARCIA SARMIENTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The voice that would reach you, hunter, must speak
Last Line: And though you have everything, you are lacking one thing: god!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dario, Ruben
Subject(s): America - Exploration; Imperialism; United States


TO SEDNA, THE INUIT SEA GODDESS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: In the storm when your father flung
Last Line: Has brought your father, and all his work, down
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


TO THE CLOSE FRIEND MOST UNLIKE ME, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sunday I thought of you--
Last Line: The little boy under the wheel of that car, for instance--alive
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


TO THE FEDERAL CONVENTION, by TIMOTHY DWIGHT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Be then your counsels, as your subject, great
Last Line: And grant new scions from each friendly sky.
Subject(s): Federal Constitutional Convention; United States - History


TO THE FIRST OF AUGUST, by ANN PLATO    Poem Text                    
First Line: Britannia's isles proclaim
Last Line: That they may not depart.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Great Britain - Commonwealth & Colonies; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; British Empire; England - Empire; Serfs


TO THE FLAG OF STARS, by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Yours was a wondrous story
Subject(s): Flags - United States


TO THE INVINCIBLE REPUBLIC, by WILLIAM WATSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: America! I have never breathed thy air
Last Line: Of some vast advent that makes all things new.
Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William
Subject(s): England; Kisses; Life; Soul; United States; English; America


TO THE LAKE SQUADRONS, by PHILIP FRENEAU    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The brilliant task to you assign'd
Last Line: Till, foundering in ontario's lake, %you swamp them all!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS DAVIS, by JOHN FISHER MURRAY    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                
First Line: When on the field where freedom bled
Last Line: For slaves and cowards living on.
Subject(s): Davis, Thomas Osborne (1814-1845); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs


TO THE RETURNING DEAD; OCTOBER 29, 1983, by JOCELYN HOLLIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: There are no tears. How can there be a tear
Last Line: And cruelly shining (like a rifle), bier
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3)


TO THE RIGHT HON! WILLIAM EARL OF DARTMOUTH, by PHILLIS WHEATLEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hail! Happy day! When smiling like the morn
Last Line: Where, like the prophet, thou shalt find thy god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Peters, Phillis
Subject(s): Americans; Freedom; Legge, William. 2d Earl Of Dartmouth; Love - Loss Of; Mortality; United States; Liberty; America


TO THE SHADE OF WASHINGTON, by RICHARD ALSOP    Poem Source                    
First Line: Exalted chief, in thy superior mind
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


TO THE SOLDIERS BRAVE (ON THE DEPARTURE FROM BEIRUT), by JOCELYN HOLLIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: As to the soldiers brave I lend my courage
Last Line: And fly away, and never look back
Subject(s): Beirut - United States Troops (1982-3)


TO THE SPIRIT OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by RICHARD WATSON GILDER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Shade of our greatest, o look down today!
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


TO THE STATES. TO IDENTIFY THE 16TH, 17TH, OR 18TH PRESIDENTIAD, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Why reclining, interrogating? Why myself and all drowsing
Last Line: South, north, east, west, inland and seaboard, we will surely awake.)
Subject(s): Men; Politics & Government; Presidents, United States; United States; America


TO THE TENTH LEGION, NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS, 1862, by RUTH NATALIE CROMWELL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Marching along!-marching to the war
Last Line: "for god and their country, they were marching along."
Subject(s): American Civil War; Marching & Marches; Military Service, Voluntary; New York City - 19th Century; Patriotism; United States - History


TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY, by KENNETH KOCH    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: It felt unusual
Subject(s): Army - United States


TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Brothers in blood! They who this wrong began
Last Line: Freedom and honor and sweet loving-kindness.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bridges, Robert+(2)
Subject(s): Patriotism; World War I - United States


TO THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, by THOMAS CAMPBELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: United states, your banner wears
Last Line: They mean your negroes' scars.
Subject(s): Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Serfs


TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And must the senator from illinois
Last Line: Of the popular term armageddon in present day politics.]
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): United States - Congress - Senate


TO THE WESTERN WORLD, by LOUIS SIMPSON    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: A siren sang, and europe turned away
Subject(s): United States; America


TO THE WHITE PEOPLE OF AMERICA, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O'er this wide, extended country
Last Line: The judgment day will come by and by.
Subject(s): Slavery; United States; Serfs; America


TO THEE, MY COUNTRY, by LOUISE BURTON LAIDLAW    Poem Text                    
First Line: America, unbend that troubled brow!
Last Line: Shall false and foolish fears hold thee in thrall?
Alternate Author Name(s): Backus, L., Mrs.
Subject(s): League Of Nations; Nations; Peace; United States; War; America


TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by JOHN MILTON HAY    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Son of a sire whose heart beat ever true
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by WILLIAM WATSON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I hear a mighty people asking now
Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by OWEN WISTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Today your threescore years have
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO THOSE WHO SING AMERICA, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Well, gentlemen, %your flag wavers
Last Line: The other verses %anyway
Subject(s): Patriotism; Racism; United States


TO VICE-PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, by FREDERIC ALMY    Poem Source                    
First Line: If '80's scribe had to express
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TO WARSAW, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Your kino moscow gleams like a pink dish
Last Line: I have few words, but will tell of it
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


TO WILLIAM E. CHANNING, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The pages of thy book I read
Last Line: This dread apocalypse!
Subject(s): Channing, William Ellery (1780-1842); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


TO WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Champion of those who groan beneath
Last Line: And god alone be lord!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879); Antislavery Movement - United States


TODAY I AM A HOMICIDE IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY, by WANDA COLEMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On this bus to oblivion I bleed in the seat
Last Line: I know my killer is out there
Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


TODAY I AM A HOMICIDE IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY, by WANDA COLEMAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On this bus to oblivion I bleed in the seat
Last Line: I know my killer is out there
Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda
Subject(s): Americans; United States


TODAY WAS A BAD DAY LIKE TB, by UNKNOWN+183    Poem Source                    
First Line: Saw whites clap during a sacred dance
Last Line: All that comes %is blood & spit
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TODAY WE WILL NOT BE INVISIBLE NOR SILENT, by VICTORIA LENA MANYARROWS    Poem Source                    
Last Line: And in all the earth and rivers of the americas
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TOLL THE BELLS, by GRACE D. VANAMEE    Poem Source                    
First Line: The knell it has sounded
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TOLLING, by LUCY LARCOM    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


TOM BOWLING ['S EPITAPH], by CHARLES DIBDIN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Here, a sheer hulk, lies poor tom bowling, / the darling of our crew
Last Line: His soul has gone aloft.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dibdin, Charles Isaac Mungo; Dibdin, Charles, Jr.
Variant Title(s): Poor Tom;a Perfect Sailor
Subject(s): Mourning; Navy - United States; Sailing & Sailors; Sea; Bereavement; American Navy; Seamen; Sails; Ocean


TOMORROW, by DONALD HALL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Although the car radio warned that / 'war threatened' as 'europe mobilized'
Subject(s): Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; America


TOMORROW, by DONALD HALL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Although the car radio warned that %'war threatened' as 'europe mobilized'
Last Line: At the red lights of intersections
Subject(s): Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States


TOPOGRAPHY, by SHARON OLDS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: After we flew across the country we
Subject(s): United States; Togetherness; America


TOWARD THE GULF; DEDICATED TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From the cordilleran highlands
Last Line: Till east and west shall be one in the west of heaven and earth!
Subject(s): United States; America


TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 2. ON AN ATLANTIC STEAMSHIP, by EDWARD CARPENTER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mid-ocean, night
Last Line: Light sways slowly.
Subject(s): Sea; Ships & Shipping; Steamboats; Tourists; Travel; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Ocean; Journeys; Trips


TOYS, by CARL PHILLIPS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Seeing them like this
Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Popular Culture - United States; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men


TOYS, by CARL PHILLIPS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Seeing them like this
Last Line: That it also comes this way, in parts
Subject(s): Homosexuality; Popular Culture - United States


TRACT, by JOSEPHINE MILES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Old tract, the houses of wood siding
Last Line: More callas, more houses
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


TRACT, by JOSEPHINE MILES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Old tract, the houses of wood siding
Last Line: For some, beyond the outskirts of the houses, %more callas, more houses
Subject(s): Americans; United States


TRADITION AND CHANGE, by NORA NARANJO-MORSE    Poem Source                    
First Line: My mission was to sell pottery from booth 109
Last Line: On this hot, full day
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TRAGEDY OF THE MERMAID, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: Is not that she must leave her home
Last Line: She must not feel an ocean %falling from her eyes
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


TRAIL BREAKERS, SELS, by JAMES DAUGHERTY    Poem Source                    
First Line: Pack train, stage coach, pony express, climb over the
Last Line: The terror and the splendor of the %atomic age
Subject(s): United States


TRANSCONTINENT, by DONALD HALL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the cities end, the
Last Line: They’re nearly there
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


TRANSCONTINENT, by DONALD HALL    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Where the cities end, the
Last Line: See cars and shacks, they know %they're nearly there
Subject(s): Americans; United States


TRANSIENT HOTEL SKY AT THE HOUR OF SLEEP, by MARTIN ESPADA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: On the late shift, front desk
Last Line: By the desk, then leered %at the jabbering smokers
Subject(s): Hispanic Americans; Hotels; Popular Culture - United States


TRANSLATED FROM THE AMERICAN, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: After all the drive-in theaters have closed
Last Line: I'll give them exa t directions
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations


TRANSLATED FROM THE AMERICAN, by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: After all the drive-in theaters have closed
Last Line: I'll give them exact directions
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 1. EAST TEXAS, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When I left the alabama-coushatta people
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 1. EAST TEXAS, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When I left the alabama-coushatta people
Last Line: It would be the morning, the sun
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 2. THE CREEK NATION EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Once, in a story, I wrote that indians are everywhere
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 2. THE CREEK NATION EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Once, in a story, I wrote that indians are everywhere
Last Line: No stopping except in case of emergency %and hugged a tree
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 3. CROSSING THE GEORGIA BORDER INTO FLORIDA, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I worried about my hair, kept my car locked
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 3. CROSSING THE GEORGIA BORDER INTO FLORIDA, by SIMON J. ORTIZ    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I worried about my hair, kept my car locked
Last Line: And I didn't blame them
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TREASON'S LAST DEVICE, by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sons of new engaland in the fray
Last Line: But you -- do you hear it, yankee boys?
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


TRIBUTE TO AMERICA, by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a people mighty in its youth
Last Line: Nay, start not at the name -- america!
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


TRUE PATRIOTISM, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER    Poem Text                    
First Line: Not in the belching cannon's roar
Last Line: Confound the misanthrope.
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


TRUE STORY OF SNOW WHITE, by BRUCE BENNETT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Almost before the princess had grown cold
Last Line: Which not a prince on earth has power to break
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TRUE YANKEE SAILOR, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When a boy, harry bluff left his friends and his home
Last Line: And columbia's colors he nailed to the mast, %and died like a true yankee sailor
Subject(s): Navy - United States


TRUTH IS, by LINDA HOGAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In my left pocket a chickasaw hand
Last Line: The left shoe %and the right one with its white foot
Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations; Women


TRUXTON'S VICTORY (1), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Brave truxton on the briny waves
Last Line: Maintain the honour of your flag, %and fight for freedom's laws
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sea Battles; Truxtun, Thomas (1755-1822)


TRUXTON'S VICTORY (2), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "when freedom, fair freedom, her banner display'd"
Last Line: "resolved, firm, and steady / to fight, and to conquer, to conquer or die"
Subject(s): "navy - United States;sea Battles;truxtun, Thomas (1755-1822);" "american Navy;naval Warfare;truxton, Thomas;


TUREEN, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Through the lid-hole cut for a ladle %I smell onions and broccoli %breathing
Last Line: I hold you with a loose grip, one-handed, %to keep from slipping
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


TURN O LIBERTAD, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Turn o libertad, for the war is over
Last Line: Is swiftly, surely preparing for you.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Liberty


TURN THEM LOOSE!, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Now turn loose teddy roosevelt
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


TV, by RODNEY JONES    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All the preachers claimed it was satan
Last Line: Then everyone disappearing into the houses
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TV IN BLACK AND WHITE, by GARY SOTO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the mid-sixties
Last Line: We miss you ozzie
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


TWO GRANDMAS, by STANLEY H. BARKAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: One grandma %I knew
Last Line: Cooking, singing: %'alein, alein - %alles far miene kinder
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


TWO SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF BLONDEL, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Twere no hard task, perchance, to win
Last Line: And blondel were royal himself, if he knew it!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Blondel De Nesle; United States - History


TWO SLIDES: 1. THE ASPARA ADDRESSES THE FISHERMAN, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: There is no boat
Last Line: This catch will be the one %to harvest your soul
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


TWO SLIDES: 2. THE FISHERMAN RESPONDS, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You are the silver light
Last Line: I am the water %filling your gills
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


TWO: 3, by EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Next to of course god america I
Alternate Author Name(s): Cummings, E. E.
Subject(s): Americans; Freedom; Hypocrisy; Patriotism; Politics & Government; United States; World War I; Liberty; America; First World War


TWO: 3, by EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Next to of course god america I
Last Line: He spoke. And drank rapidly a glass of water
Alternate Author Name(s): Cummings, E. E.
Subject(s): Americans; Freedom; Hypocrisy; Patriotism; Politics; United States; World War I


TYRONE (4), by LUCILLE CLIFTON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We made it through the swamps
Last Line: Tyrone %is
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


U.S. AIR FORCE; OFFICIAL SONG OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, by ROBERT MACARTHUR CRAWFORD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Off we go into the wild blue yonder
Last Line: Nothing'll stop the army air corps!
Subject(s): Air Force - United States


U.S.A., SELS, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So we march into the present
Last Line: Will be rather ancient history in 2033
Subject(s): United States


ULTIMA THULE: BAYARD TAYLOR, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dead he lay among his books
Last Line: The peace of god in all thy looks!
Subject(s): Taylor, Bayard (1825-1878); United States - History


UN-AMERICAN INVESTIGATORS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The committee's fat
Last Line: With delight in %its manure
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Subject(s): African Americans; United States


UNAFRAID, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Only the lion kings the land
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


UNCOVER TO THE FLAG, by E. C. CHEVERTON    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Flags - United States


UNDER THE OLD ELM; READ AT CAMBRIDGE ON 100TH ANNIVERSAY ..., by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Words pass as the wind, but where great deeds were done
Last Line: Virginia, fitly named from england's manly queen!
Subject(s): American Revolution; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


UNDER THE SHADE OF THE TREES [MAY 10, 1863], by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What are the thoughts that are stirring his breast?
Last Line: Under the shade of the trees!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History; War


UNDER THE STARS, by WALLACE RICE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell me what sail the seas
Last Line: Under the stars.
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Holidays; Memorial Day; American Flag; Declaration Day


UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES, by MADISON JULIUS CAWEIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: High on the world did our fathers of old
Subject(s): Flags - United States


UNDRESSING AUNT FRIEDA, by RICHARD MICHELSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Undressing aunt frieda, I think of how
Last Line: I lift her gently, hoping she'll sleep %the hour drive home
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


UNFURLING OF THE FLAG, by CLARA ENDICOTT SEARS    Poem Source                    
First Line: There's a streak across the sky line
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; World War I


UNGUARDED GATES, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wide open and unguarded stand our gates
Last Line: The lean wolf unmolested made her lair.
Subject(s): United States - Immigration & Emigtration


UNION AND LIBERTY, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Flag of the heroes who left us their glory
Last Line: Union and liberty! One evermore!
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


UNITED STATES, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He shall be great who serves his country well
Last Line: Who loves his land too much to stoop to shame.
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): United States; America


UNITED STATES, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: United -- for what? To extort and oppress?
Last Line: Our brotherly united states.
Subject(s): United States; America


UNMOORING, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: All hands on deck!' the bos'n cries
Last Line: And I'll think of my love when I'm far, far at sea
Subject(s): Navy - United States


UNTITLED BLUES, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I catch myself trying
Last Line: Where your skin %is your passport
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr.
Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


UP, by BILL KUSHNER    Poem Source                    
First Line: This? It's my lounge lizard look, very
Last Line: Love & thank you for the best performance by a male
Subject(s): Homosexuality; Popular Culture - United States


UPKEEP, by MIRIAM GOODMAN    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father died of a heart attack
Last Line: Same as the day before
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


UPON THE HILL BEFORE CENTREVILLE, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I'll tell you what I heard that day
Last Line: Strike for the crown of victory!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Bull Run, Battles Of; United States - History; Manassas, Batlle Of


UPSIDE DOWN BASKET, by ALAN CHONG LAU    Poem Source                    
First Line: My grandmother %rakes up chicken shit
Last Line: We drink gallons %of lemonade
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH, by CORINNE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Valiant-for-truth has gone - alas, that he has left us
Last Line: Rode to the final goal, where all is well.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


VANNA WHITE'S BREAD PUDDING, by MICHAEL PETTIT    Poem Source                    
First Line: If not famous ourselves, oh let us
Last Line: Into my heretofore but no more anonymous lap
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants


VAPOR TRAILS, by GARY SNYDER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Twin streaks twice higher than cumulus
Last Line: —spotting that design.
Subject(s): Air Force - United States; Antinuclear Movement; Nuclear War; Nuclear Freeze; Atomic Bomb; Hydrogen Bomb


VARIATIONS ON JONAH: 3, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: When they threw me over
Last Line: Nothing to do-I let every muscle go slack
Subject(s): Jews - United States


VEGAS, by CHARLES BUKOWSKI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: There was a frozen tree that I wanted to paint
Last Line: I kept my mouth / shut
Subject(s): Americans; Doolittle, Hilda (1886-1961); Las Vegas, Nevada; United States; America


VEGAS, by CHARLES BUKOWSKI    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There was a frozen tree that I wanted to paint
Last Line: I kept my mouth %shut
Subject(s): Americans; Doolittle, Hilda (1886-1961); Las Vegas, Nevada; United States


VERMILION FLYCATCHER FLEW TOO FAR NORTH, by JAMES HARRISON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: But don't mind it. I rise again the third day
Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim
Subject(s): Death; Nature; United States


VERMONT CHEESEMAKING, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When white grass makes the pasture white
Last Line: Your man is 'mazing fond of cheese.
Subject(s): Cheese; Milk; United States; Vermont; Milkmen; Milkmaids; America


VERY IDEA OF 2 LEGS, by MARY MOLINARY    Poem Source                    
First Line: The lower %part of the body, an idea pressed thin
Last Line: Singular and blue-dyed: a desire. An excretion of worms. %glimmering
Subject(s): Beauty; Factories; Labor And Laborers; Legs; Women Immigrants - United States


VICKSBURG, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For sixty days and upwards
Last Line: To the music in their hearts.
Variant Title(s): The Bombardment Of Vicksburg
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Vicksburg Campaign (1862-63); Declaration Day


VICTOR GALBRAITH, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Under the walls of monterey
Last Line: "of victor galbraith!"
Subject(s): Capital Punishment; Galbraith, Victor; Military Justice; Monterey, Mexico; United States - Mexican War (1846-1848); Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Courts Martial


VIDEO RAIN, by JANE MILLER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I am flown to your good side now
Last Line: Sunsets outside quiet silent towns.
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Discontent; Materialism; Popular Culture - United States; Television; Estrangement; Outcasts; Dissatisfaction; Tv


VIENNA MARCH, by ADAM SOL    Poem Source                    
First Line: Boys in uniform call from a bridge above
Last Line: Remember how their knees were thin as wrists?
Subject(s): Jews - United States


VIET KONG, by WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Each one showed me his gold medal
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


VIETNAM, by CLARENCE MAJOR    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He was just back
Subject(s): United States; War; America


VIETNAM, by CLARENCE MAJOR    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He was just back
Last Line: & everybody %is just killing %& killing %like crazy
Subject(s): United States; War


VIEW ON THE HUDSON, by BARTHOLOMEW SIMMONS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sound to the sun thy solemn joy for ever
Last Line: To spread her worship o'er a second world.
Subject(s): Hudson River; United States; America


VIOLENCE, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Mexcity drugstore table, giant %sexfiend in black spats
Last Line: Hustle after midnight to cut my throat from its beard
Subject(s): United States


VIOLENCE, by JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Shots ring out!
Last Line: Riots. Los angeles. %rodney king
Subject(s): Racism; United States; Violence


VIRGINIA - THE WEST, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The noble sire fallen on evil days
Last Line: For you provided me washington -- and now these also.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Virginia (state); Confederacy


VIRGINIA'S DEAD, by CORNELIA J. M. JORDAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Proud mother of a race that reared
Last Line: There sleep virginia's dead.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Virginia (state); Confederacy


VISION, by CORINNE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Friend of the people, purposeful and
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


VISION (2), by SHERMAN ALEXIE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No money for lunch so I rode an elevator to the top of the onb
Last Line: Voice or his song. %extras, we're all extras
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


VISION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by WENDELL PHILLIPS GARRISON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Dreaming, he woke, our martyr president
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


VISITING MOUNT VERNON AND PLAYING HOMAGE ..., by K'ANG YU-WEI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Swiftly flows the emerald potomac river
Last Line: Democracy for myriad ages will celebrate these three sacred %mounds
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


VOICE OF AMERICA 1961, by JAMES LIDDY    Poem Source                    
First Line: My hour switched on the cameras take
Last Line: Let me steer close to touch. Your big whiskers
Subject(s): Americans; Presidents, United States


VOICE OF DESTINY, by LYMAN WHITNEY ALLEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The hour was come, and in that hour he stood
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


VOW, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I will haunt these states
Last Line: Over puerto rican agony lawyers' screams in slums
Subject(s): United States; War


VOYAGE OF THE GOOD SHIP UNION, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis midnight: through my troubled dream
Last Line: One nation, evermore!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Classmates; United States - History; Schoolmates


VULAR, THE COMIC, AND THE WRETCHED SUBSCRIBE TO THE SAME MAGAZINES, by GREG KUZMA    Poem Source                    
First Line: Who lived all as one in a pretty how town
Last Line: Plastic credit and microwave %roll us rock us the night away
Subject(s): Life; United States


WAITRESS, by JASON SHINDER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a table in the back where she opens
Last Line: Not to keep it, but holdit long enough to change
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants; Cafes; Diners


WAITRESS, by JASON SHINDER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: There is a table in the back where she opens
Last Line: Not to keep it, but to hold it long enough to change
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Restaurants


WAKE, MASSACHUSETTS, by MARION PERHAM GALE    Poem Text                    
First Line: This place has known a sturdy growth of men
Last Line: Set the glance backward! To our grandsires, hail!
Subject(s): Army - United States; Freedom; Gratitude; Statesmen; Liberty


WALKING BACK UP DEPOT STREET, by MINNIE BRUCE PRATT    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In hollywood, california (she'd been told), women travel
Last Line: Without, send money, call home long distance about the heat
Subject(s): Americans; United States


WALKING BY THE CLIFFSIDE DYEWORKS, by ROBERT CARNEVALE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Even the dark end of belmont avenue
Last Line: To tell them it's ten after two
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WALT WHITMAN IN THE CIVIL WAR HOSPITALS, by DAVID IGNATOW    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Prescient, my hands soothing
Last Line: To death which I have praised
Subject(s): American Civil War; Hospitals; Poetry & Poets; United States - History; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891)


WALT WHITMAN'S CAUTION, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To the states, or any one of them, or any city of the states
Last Line: Ever afterward resumes its liberty.
Subject(s): Slavery; United States; Serfs; America


WAR, by EDITH MEDBERY FITCH    Poem Text                    
First Line: Relentless mars, indulging insane wrath
Last Line: Unleashed the lusts of men, and called it—war!
Subject(s): Child Molesting; Cruelty; Death; Insanity; War; Women Immigrants - United States; Child Abuse; Dead, The; Madness; Mental Illness


WAR IS KIND: 1, by STEPHEN CRANE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind
Last Line: War is kind.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Men; Social Protest; United States - History; United States; America


WAR PROFIT LITANY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: These are the names of the companies that have made money from this war
Last Line: 1967 furthers this poem of these states
Subject(s): United States; America


WAR PROFIT LITANY, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: These are the names of the companies that have made money from this war
Last Line: And the first form of this litany begun first day december 1967 furthers this poem of these states
Subject(s): United States


WARNING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: My sister tells me that people see it
Last Line: That waist, that butt %and those eyes
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


WARNING, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: I am the shoal you cannot cross
Last Line: To which your mother warned you %not to listen
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WARREN'S ADDRESS [TO THE AMERICANS] [AT BUNKER HILL] [JUNE 17, 1775], by JOHN PIERPONT    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Stand! The ground's your own, my braves!
Last Line: Of his deeds to tell?
Variant Title(s): Warren's Address To The American Soldiers
Subject(s): American Revolution; Bunker Hill, Battle Of; Fourth Of July; Freedom; History; Patriotism; United States - History; War; Warren, Joseph (1741-1775); Independence Day; Liberty; Historians


WASHINGTON, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: We all will honor washington
Last Line: While battle and freedom lead us on / we all will honor washington
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;washington, George (1732-1799);


WASHINGTON, by JOHN PAUL BOCOCK    Poem Source                    
First Line: Those glorious wars are long since sped
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by D. H. BOLLES    Poem Source                    
First Line: Transcendent man! His mortal part
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Arise - 'tis the day of our washington's glory
Last Line: Whose honor was gained by his service to man!
Variant Title(s): Crown Our Washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Privations grim were his to bear
Last Line: Men's right to freedom might have been %a century more delayed
Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by WILLIAM HERBERT (1778-1847)    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A better prize / there is for man, a glory for this world
Last Line: Sway'd once by vicious caesars.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by JOSEPH HOPKINSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sound, sound the trump of fame
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by HARRIET MONROE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, hero of our younger race!
Last Line: The strong who, having wrought, can never, never die.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by JAMES JEFFREY ROCHE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: God wills no man a slave. The man most meek
Last Line: While time endures, first citizen of earth.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by EFFIE WALLER SMITH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Great and loved and rev'renced patriot
Last Line: And fame shall evermore be thine.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by NANCY BYRD TURNER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He played by the river when he was young
Last Line: He loved america all his life!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Washington, washington, we would ask that we
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Washington, the brave, the wise, the good
Last Line: And in the hope of religion, immortality
Subject(s): United States


WASHINGTON, by BERTYE YOUNG WILLIAMS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Long are the years since he fell asleep
Last Line: "first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, B. Y.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by MARY WINGATE    Poem Text                    
First Line: O noble brow, so wise in thought!
Last Line: Shall turn to thee, o washington.
Variant Title(s): When Shall We See Thy Like Again?
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON, by ANNETTE WYNNE    Poem Text                    
First Line: First of our great, we bring
Last Line: Our debt for your great worthiness.
Subject(s): February; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON ACROSTIC (FROM BYRON'S ODE TO NAPOLEON), by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Where may the wearied eye repose
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON AT HOME, by JENNIE TRIPLETT    Poem Text                    
First Line: Today I fain would walk or ride
Last Line: Here I would toil and cast my lot.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON AT TRENTON, by RICHARD WATSON GILDER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Since ancient time began
Last Line: Or can against the heroic heart of man prevail.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE, by R. G. SUTHERLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: With his lean, ragged levies, undismayed
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON HYMN, by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Praise to thee, o god of freedom
Last Line: Than another washington.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON IN WALL STREET, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sublime, where traffic's billows beat
Last Line: Their father blesses them.
Subject(s): Love; New York City - Revolutionary Period; Presidents, United States; Wall Street, New York City; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON PLAYLET, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: George washington was born
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON! FEB. 22, 1732, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bright natal morn! What face appears
Last Line: Where'er thou rulest, -- washington!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, by CHARLES S. DAVIS    Poem Text                    
First Line: All hail, thou glorious morn
Last Line: Columbia's son.
Subject(s): Birthdays; Holidays; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: No rockets flamed in sudden fire
Last Line: The grandest name that stars the state.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Babies; Birthdays; Mothers; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799); Infants


WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, by MARGARET ELIZABETH SANGSTER (1894-1981)    Poem Text                    
First Line: Tis splendid to live so grandly
Last Line: Keep the thought of your natal day.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY (FIRST CELEBRATION IN THE NEW CENTURY), by ARTHUR W. UPSON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Earth, that hast countless aeons of swift days
Last Line: But was foreplanned with elemental things.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S CHERRY TREE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is the trunk so black and straight
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S CHRISTMAS PARTY, by ADA SIMPSON SHERWOOD    Poem Source                    
First Line: Come, all who love a merry tale
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S COLORS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I bring, today, three emblems
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S FLAG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Flags flying in the air
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S LIFE IN SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: First there was the little boy
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S MUSIC, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: The violin speaks
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S NAME IN THE HALL OF FAME, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Republics are ungrateful, but ours, its best-loved son
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S RUSE, by JOHN BANISTER TABB    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When georgie would not go to bed
Last Line: "you know I cannot lie."
Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S STATUE, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes! Rear thy guardian hero's form
Last Line: Of brothers o'er the deep!
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S STATUE, by HENRY THEODORE TUCKERMAN    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The quarry whence thy form majestic sprung
Last Line: Renew the patriot's vow!
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON'S VOW, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How felt the land in every part
Subject(s): Holidays; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON-MONTH, by WILLIAM MCKENDREE CARLETON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: February, february %how your moods and actions vary
Alternate Author Name(s): Carleton, Will
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON; BRIGHTEST NAME ON HISTORY'S PAGE, by ELIZA COOK    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Land of the west! Though passing brief the record of thine age
Last Line: But bear me from my own fair land to that of washington!
Variant Title(s): Washington;tribute To Washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WASHINGTON; INSCRIPTION AT MOUNT VERNON, by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "washington, the brave, the wise, the good"
Last Line: "and in the hope of religion, immortality"
Subject(s): "presidents, United States;religion;washington, George (1732-1799);" Theology


WASHINTON'S TOMB, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tomb of the mighty dead!
Last Line: Washington!
Subject(s): Graves; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799); Tombs; Tombstones


WATCH THE LIGHTS FADE, by ROBINSON JEFFERS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: Gray steel, cloud-shadow-stained
Last Line: Sea-wind salts your head white
Subject(s): Future; United States; America


WATCHING MY FATHER PRAY, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: We are no longer in europe, in his father's provincial town
Last Line: All the hours on our knees, praying for the wrong thing
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


WAY PAST DANCING, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: It doesn't bother him that he can't get it up anymore
Last Line: How he's fixed them good as new with crazy glue
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


WAY THINGS ARE IN FRANKLIN, by JANE KENYON    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Even the undertaker is going out
Last Line: We sometimes feel when others fail
Subject(s): Americans; United States


WCW ON MARSDEN HARTLEY, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: He's a querulous bit of baggage
Last Line: And you would have made %the most charming whore %in new york
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


WE, by RICHARD WILBUR    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We ought to drop the bomb at once before
Subject(s): Cold War; United States; Social Classes; Social Commentaries; America; Caste


WE ARE AMERICANS NOW, WE LIVE IN THE TUNDRA, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN                        Poet's Biography
First Line: Today in hazy san francisco, I face seaward
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts


WE ARE AMERICANS NOW, WE LIVE IN THE TUNDRA, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Today in hazy san francisco, I face seaward
Last Line: Hide your daughters, lock your doors
Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WE CANNOT THINK OF HIM AS OF THE DEAD, by JOHN JEROME ROONEY    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WE COVERED A FONDER TIME, by F. JOHN HERBERT    Poem Source                    
Last Line: A spy is rebuked for a change %and a well-wrought peal and aprayer. %god save the queen
Subject(s): Marching And Marches; Military; United States


WE ENCOUNTER NAT KING COLE AS WE INVENT THE FUTURE, by JOY HARJO    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Camme and I listened to nat king cole and she sweetly lay her head
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WE ENCOUNTER NAT KING COLE AS WE INVENT THE FUTURE, by JOY HARJO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Camme and I listened to nat king cole and she sweetly lay her head
Last Line: Became love %suddenly
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WE EXIST, by HELEN BAROLINI    Poem Source                    
First Line: Indians must be the loneliest people on earth
Last Line: Which say we exist
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WE HEARD HEALTH CARE, by CLAUDIA RANKINE            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: We heard health care and we thought public option
Subject(s): Health Care & Insurance; United States - Politics & Government; Social Classes; Racism; Caste; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


WE MISS HIM SO! IN CLASH OF MEN AND THINGS, by WILLIAM P. F. FERGUSON    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WE NEED NO MARBLE SHAFT, by HIRAM MOE GREENE    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WE NEVER STOPPED CROSSING BORDERS, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: We never stopped crossing borders. The rio grande (or rio
Last Line: The refrain 'this is not your country' echoed for a lifetime
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WE REAL COOL; THE POOL PLAYERS. SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
First Line: We real cool. We / left school. We
Last Line: Die soon.
Variant Title(s): We Real Cool
Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Americans; Death; Labor & Laborers; Men; United States; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Work; Workers; America


WE SHALL OVERCOME, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Last Line: We'll walk hand in hand some day
Subject(s): United States


WE TALKED OF LINCOLN, by EDWARD WILLIAM THOMSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: We talked of abraham lincoln in the night
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


WE'RE ALL IN THE TELEPHONE BOOK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: That's america's telephone book
Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston
Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; United States


WEDDING SONG, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: I do what I can for hanka, daughter
Last Line: The pale eagle of poland sweeping off its crest, %our stamping and whirring heard %as far as the sil
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


WEEK'S END, by WALT MASON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How sweet to rest serenely in the gloaming
Last Line: Heaps of mon.
Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Pride; Wages; Working Class - United States; Work; Workers; Self-esteem; Self-respect; Salaries


WELCOME, by DAVID HERNANDEZ    Poem Source                    
First Line: When I was little and brown
Last Line: Chicago wind %slapped my face
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WELCOME TO THE NATIONS, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Bright on the banners of lily and rose
Last Line: Thrones of the continents! Isles of the sea!
Subject(s): Fourth Of July; United States - Centennial Celebrations; Independence Day


WELCOME; DEDICATED TO THE SAENGERBUND OF THE NORTHWEST, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Welcome, o brothers, joy and cheer!
Last Line: Forward, with god, for fatherland!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Northwest, Pacific; Patriotism; United States; America


WELLFLEET: THE HOUSE, by RICHARD WILBUR    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Roof overwoven by a soft tussle of leaves
Last Line: Can time have any foreignness or fears
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


WELLFLEET: THE HOUSE, by RICHARD WILBUR    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Roof overwoven by a soft tussle of leaves
Last Line: Can time have any foreignness or fears
Subject(s): Americans; United States


WENDELL PHILLIPS, by AMOS BRONSON ALCOTT    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: People's attorney, servant of the right
Last Line: Impartial history dare not leave thee out.
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Phillips, Wendell (1811-1884); Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty


WENDELL PHILLIPS, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What shall we mourn? For the prostrate tree that sheltered the
Last Line: Union was traitor to right!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Phillips, Wendell (1811-1884); Antislavery Movement - United States


WEST POINT REMEMBERED, by HENRI COLE            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Such is the way with monumental things
Last Line: Cut loose the very detritus of our lives
Subject(s): United States - Military Academy


WESTERN WAGONS, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They went with axe and rifle, when the trail was still to blaze
Last Line: But we're going west, tomorrow, with our fortune in our hands
Subject(s): Pioneers; United States; West (u.s.); America; Southwest; Pacific States


WESTERN WAGONS, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They went with axe and rifle, when the trail was still to blaze
Last Line: But we're going west tomorrow, with our fortune in our hands
Subject(s): Pioneers; United States; West (u.s.)


WHAT DID WASHINGTON DO, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: If we are going to choose today
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WHAT DO WE SPELL, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Great was the hero whose name we shall spell
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AMERICAN?, by ROSELLE MERCIER MONTGOMERY    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What does it mean? I look across the years
Last Line: A worthy daughter, or a noble son. ...
Subject(s): United States; America


WHAT I SAVED, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You %drinking milo
Last Line: Your tongue unable to form an r as you called my name
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT I'M TELLING YOU, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: My father played music. He played a guitar and sang. My father
Last Line: Four or five as a recoed somewhere in a studio in jamaica started to spin
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A BLACK GIRL, by PATRICIA M. SMITH    Poem Source                    
First Line: First of all, it's being nine years old and
Last Line: Were teaching me what it meant to be a black girl
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHAT LIES BENEATH, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: The woman inside turns flour to dumplings
Last Line: Kept at bay by a few pieces of wood
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT MY FATHER TAUGHT ME ABOUT SEX, by KAREN KOVACIK    Poem Source                    
First Line: That my mother and he never 'had relations'
Last Line: Of the piano, for he had always wanted to play
Subject(s): Nixon, Richard (1913-1996); Presidents, United States


WHAT MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: When god closes a door, there are no windows
Last Line: Even careful chickens get caught by the hawk
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT OF THE DAY?, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A sound of tumult troubles all the air
Last Line: Flailed by the thunder, heaped with chaffless grain!
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Antislavery Movement - United States


WHAT ROOSEVELT ONCE SAID AT HARVARD, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Said mr. Roosevelt: 'those are sticks
Last Line: But downright roosevelt common sense!
Subject(s): Politics & Government; Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHAT SHALL WE DO FOR THE STRIKING SEAMEN?, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Help them win their battle!
Subject(s): United States


WHAT THE BIRDS SAID, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The birds against the april wind
Last Line: And in the evening there was light.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Birds; United States - History


WHAT THE CLEANING LADY KNOWS, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Cleanliness is not and never has been next to godliness
Last Line: Cash is better than checks
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


WHAT THE FLAGS SAID, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The great gay flag that ran on the jubilant breeze
Last Line: "lo, I am the nation's prayer!"
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


WHAT THE GYPSY SAID TO HER CHILDREN, by JUDITH ORTIZ COFER    Poem Source                    
First Line: We are like the dead, %invisible to those
Last Line: Out of the granite of their hatred, %with our own brown hands
Variant Title(s): The Birthplace: What The Gypsy Said To Her Childre
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHAT THE JANITOR HEARD IN THE ELEVATOR, by BARBARA KINGSOLVER    Poem Source         Poet Analysis            
First Line: The woman in gold bracelets tells her friend
Last Line: The woman in gold agrees %that is a plus
Subject(s): Americans; United States


WHAT THE ORACLE SAID, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You will leave your home
Last Line: The sea will never take you back
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT THE STORIES TEACH, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: The man playing the flute
Last Line: Beneath the caramel glaze
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Seashore; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT WE FORGET, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: He died the same month
Last Line: The tingling of her skin bein healed
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHAT WE WANT FROM MR. TAFT, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear mr. Taft, so smiling sweet
Last Line: A grand-stand play.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Taft, William Howard (1957-1930)


WHAT WERE YOU PATCHING?, by RUTH LISA SCHECHTER    Poem Source                    
First Line: Needling %threading nighttime sewing machine
Last Line: Ma/ma what were you patching
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHAT WOULD I DO WHITE?, by JUNE JORDAN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: I would do nothing. %that would be enough
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHEN DEY 'LISTED COLORED SOLDIERS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dey was talkin' in de cabin, dey was talkin' in de hall
Last Line: W'en dey 'listed colo'ed sojers an' my 'lias went to wah.
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; United States - History


WHEN HE DIED, by ETHEL BROOKS STILLWELL    Poem Source                    
First Line: I would not sing his greatness
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHEN I FIRST SAW SNOW, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bing crosby was singing 'white christmas'
Last Line: I was falling deeply into america
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHEN I THINK ABOUT AMERICA SOMETIMES (I THINK OF RALPH KRAMDEN), by DOROTHY BARRESI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Raising the truncheon of an arm
Last Line: The dust may never settle
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WHEN I THINK OF YOU, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: You are still diving into the sea
Last Line: A stream of darkness in your wake
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
First Line: I know now that once I longed to be white
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME, by PATRICK SARSFIELD GILMORE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When johnny comes marching home again hurrah!
Last Line: When johnny comes marching home.
Alternate Author Name(s): Lambert, Louis
Subject(s): American Civil War; Patriotism; Peace; United States - History; United States; America


WHEN LINCOLN CAME TO SPRINGFIELD, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


WHEN LINCOLN DIED, by EDWARD WILLIAM THOMSON    Poem Source                    
First Line: Already appomattox day
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER SAID 'PUSSY', by CAROLE BERNSTEIN    Poem Source                    
First Line: It was when we were living
Last Line: Against all that was trying, and would try, %to claim my attention and consume me
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHEN SHALL WE LOOK UPON HIS LIKE AGAIN?, by MAY L. RESTARICK    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHEN TEDDY HITS THE WEST, by THADDEUS C. HISTED    Poem Source                    
First Line: He can have my old revolver
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHEN THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY WAS A LITTLE BOY LIKE ME, by ALICE CRAIG EDGERTON    Poem Source                    
First Line: I do not picture washington
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WHEN THE GREAT GRAY SHIPS COME IN [AUGUST 20, 1898], by GUY WETMORE CARRYL    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To eastward ringing, to westward winging, o'er mapless miles of sea
Last Line: Gray ships come in!
Subject(s): Navy - United States; New York Harbor; Spanish-american War (1898); American Navy


WHEN YOU GET HOME, REMEMBER ME, by HENRY CLAY WORK    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Starving beside the frozen lena!
Last Line: Still in our ears its words are ringing, %'when you get home, remember me!'
Subject(s): Jeannette Artic Exploration; Navy - United States


WHERE DID LOVE GO?, by STEPHEN SARTARELLI    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: One notable casualty of the
Subject(s): Diplomacy & Diplomats: Iraq War (2003); United States; France; America


WHERE IS MY COUNTRY?, by NELLIE WONG    Poem Source                    
Last Line: Where is my country? %where does it lie
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHERE ROOSEVELT SLEEPS, by HARRY VARLEY    Poem Source                    
First Line: This is america! Within this tiny space
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHERE THE TREE FALLETH', by VILDA SAUVAGE OWENS    Poem Source                    
First Line: That great american and patriot
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHERE TYRANTS PERISH, by JOHN LANCASTER SPALDING    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sail on, columbus! Sail right onward still
Last Line: Where tyrants perish and all men are free.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Sailing & Sailors; Tyranny & Tyrants; United States; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; America


WHERE'ER YOU ARE, by HENRY CHAPPELL    Poem Text                    
First Line: When the pale stars glimmer o'er the battlefield
Last Line: And bring you safely home.
Subject(s): Farewell; Love; Navy - United States; War; Parting; American Navy


WHIPPOORWILL CALLS, by BEVERLY MCLOUGHLAND    Poem Source                    
First Line: No one hears her %coming
Last Line: And only the slaves know %it is harriet
Subject(s): United States


WHITE FRIEND, by CHRIS FLEET    Poem Source                    
First Line: Last november I drove a white friend
Last Line: The white soiled locks of george washington %disappearing into the corn
Subject(s): Friendship; Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


WHITMAN, by LARRY LEVIS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On long island, they moved my clapboard house
Subject(s): Jazz; Music & Musicians; Parker, Charlie ('bird') (1920-1955); Poetry & Poets; Popular Culture - United States; United States; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); America


WHITMAN, by LARRY LEVIS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On long island, they moved my clapboard house
Last Line: To find me now will cost you everything
Subject(s): Jazz; Music And Musicians; Parker, Charlie ("bird") (1920-1955); Poetry And Poets; Popular Culture - United States; United States; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891)


WHO BLEW UP AMERICA, by AMIRI BARAKA            Poet Analysis         Recitation by Author     Poet's Biography
Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi
Subject(s): United States; World Trade Center Tragedy (9/11/2001; America


WHO FOLLOW THE FLAG; PHI BETA KAPPA ODE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, by HENRY VAN DYKE    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: All day long in the city's canyon-street
Last Line: And draw a countless human host to follow after thee!
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Harvard University; American Flag


WHO GOES THERE?, by GRACE DUFFIE BOYLAN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Who goes there? An american!
Last Line: Honor and faith for roosevelt.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHO RUNS AMERICA?, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oil brown smog over denver
Subject(s): United States; America


WHOSE SPIRIT IS SPED', by DEAN COLLINS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Nay, we would not choose us a funeral
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WHY DON'T I?, by O. F. DIAZ-DUQUE    Poem Source                    
First Line: It came one day like a thunderbolt
Last Line: Tell me %why?
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WHY I DON'T SPEAK ITALIAN, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS    Poem Source                    
First Line: God knows, teaching the renaissance I could use it
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WHY THAT'S BOB HOPE, by WILLIAM HATHAWAY    Poem Source                    
First Line: The comedian, holding a chunk of flaming shale
Last Line: Where he'll bust our boys' guts on tour in el salvador
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WHY WE ARE TRULY A NATION, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Because we rage inside
Last Line: Who die on their knees in pairs
Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter
Subject(s): Americans; United States


WHY WE BOMBED HAIPHONG, by JONATHAN HOLDEN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I bought bubble gum
Last Line: Like a girl. Then the rest %of us pitched in and hit
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975


WIDE-AWAKE CLUB'S SONG, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Oh, hear you not the wild huzzas
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


WILD GIRLS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Wild girls are all around us %and the memory of snow
Last Line: Wild girls are dancing %bears groan in the forest
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In a small chamber, friendless and unseen
Last Line: Ye earn the crown, and wear it not in vain.
Variant Title(s): To William Lloyd Garrison
Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Garrison, William Lloyd (1805-1879); Politics & Government; Antislavery Movement - United States


WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming & Swimmers; United States - Race Relations


WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her
Last Line: Under the company symbol, a white foot %sprouting two small wings
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming; U.s. - Race Relations


WINGS LIFTED OVER THE BLACK PIT, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: City flats, coal yards and brown rivers
Last Line: "watercourses running with oil
Subject(s): United States; America


WINGS LIFTED OVER THE BLACK PIT, by ALLEN GINSBERG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: City flats, coal yards and brown rivers
Last Line: Watercourses running with oil %fish fellows dead
Subject(s): United States


WINNINGS, by GARRETT KAORU HONGO    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: It's gardena, late saturday afternoon
Last Line: In a brief symphony of candied light
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WINTER SOLSTICE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: Our new pup backs into her plastic den
Last Line: As she leapt straight for him into the sun
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


WIRED IN, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE    Poem Source                    
First Line: My entire life %has been spent
Last Line: The nature of %captivity %or madness
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WITH A WICKED LITTLE JAB, by GINGER ANDREWS    Poem Source                    
First Line: I stop/eject the golden oldies cassette
Last Line: He wants to die at home %and he wants us there when it happens
Subject(s): Working Class - United States


WITH ALL THY GIFTS AMERICA, by WALT WHITMAN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: The mothers fit for thee?
Subject(s): United States; Women


WITH CORSE AT ALLATOONA, by SAMUEL HAWKINS MARSHALL BYERS    Poem Text                    
First Line: It was less than two thousand we numbered
Last Line: "this morning up there on the hill."
Subject(s): Allatoona Pass, Georgia; American Civil War; Atlanta Campaign (1864); Corse, John Murray (1835-1893); United States - History


WITH THE TIDE (TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT), by EDITH WHARTON    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Somewhere I read, in an old book
Last Line: Out with the ebb tide, on some farther quest.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WITHIN THE TORRENT'S ONWARD WHIRL, by MABEL KINNEY HALL    Poem Source                    
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WOMAN HANGING FROM THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR WINDOW, by JOY HARJO    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She is the woman hanging from the 13th floor
Last Line: Window on the east side of chicago, or as she %climbs back up to claim herself again
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Homosexuality; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WOMAN SPEAKS TO THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S SISTER, by CORINNE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I never clasped his hand
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)


WOMEN, by CYRUS CURTIS CASSELLS    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My cotton shirts float on the line
Last Line: A childhood of breezes by the yard
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


WOMEN AND MEN: A RETROSPECTIVE, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: I know they exist, I saw them --
Last Line: Bearing burdens on their backs, %walking uphill, fully clothed
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


WOODROW WILSON, by EMMA VORIES MEYER    Poem Text                    
First Line: That all the world might smile again, I gave
Last Line: "and hear their clear glad voices: ""peace on earth!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Meyer, Emma Voorhees
Subject(s): Death; Pacifism; Peace; Presidents, United States; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924); Dead, The; Peace Movements


WOODROW WILSON - 1856-1924, by MARGUERITE MOOERS MARSHALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: The chill of no man's land had touched his lips
Last Line: "one conqueror's work""—said harden—""wilson's thought."
Subject(s): Pacifism; Peace; Praise; Presidents, United States; War; Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924); Peace Movements


WOODSTOCK, by JAN MITCHELL SHERRILL    Poem Source                    
First Line: That summer I went to woodstock
Last Line: Him and touching him in middle-aged sunlight
Subject(s): Popular Culture - United States


WOOLWORTHS, by LAURA TOHE    Poem Source                    
First Line: Went to woolworths
Last Line: We ducked out of there %and fled on the first bus back to the indian school
Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States; Native Americans - Children; Racism


WORDS ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS, by WITTER BYNNER    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Continents twisted in the grip of war
Last Line: Was that a whisper in the evening trees?
Alternate Author Name(s): Morgan, Emanuel
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Unknown Soldier


WORK GANGS, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Box cars run a mile long
Subject(s): Americans; Justice; Labor & Laborers; United States; Work; Workers; America


WORK GANGS, by CARL SANDBURG    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Box cars run a mile long
Last Line: There is no song mouth; these are my people
Subject(s): Americans; Justice; Labor And Laborers; United States


WORKING CLASS, by SUSAN GUBERNAT    Poem Source                    
First Line: How often in my presence someone's used
Last Line: And he was. And they were. And we have been
Subject(s): Catholics - United States; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Working Class - United States


WORKING CLASS HAIKU, by WILLIAM WITHERUP    Poem Source                    
First Line: Scorpion shadow %of the backhoe falls
Last Line: Hurry it up, man!'
Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Working Class - United States


WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF OUR BELOVED GENERAL STONEWALL JACKSON, by CAROLINE AUGUSTA BALL    Poem Text                    
First Line: There's a wail of woe on the summer breeze
Last Line: His last victory gained, his rest has won.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Heroism; Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History; Dead, The; Heroes; Heroines


WRITTEN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1864, by ALICE CARY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Once more, despite the noise of war
Last Line: For only such can save us now.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Fourth Of July; United States - History; Independence Day


WYOMING, by JOHN REINHARD    Poem Source                    
First Line: With each new death I push
Last Line: The sky that leads us on
Subject(s): Death; Loss; Travel; United States; Wyoming


YAHRTZEIT LIGHT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dusty, with some skeletons of
Last Line: Mother's cheeks are caverns %no light fills
Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


YANKEE CHRONOLOFY: OR, HUZZA FOR THE AMERICAN NAVY, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I need not now tell what it was drove our sires
Last Line: Then huzza for the sons of columbia so free: %they are lords of the soil - they'll be lords of the s
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


YANKEE DOODLE, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dawn this morning burned all red
Last Line: While seas roll on in laughter.
Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel
Subject(s): Patriotism; Presidents, United States; Singing & Singers; Washington, George (1732-1799); Songs


YANKEE DOODLE, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When washington was very young
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


YANKEE FROLICS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: No more of your blathering nonsense
Last Line: For our seamen will never disgrace thee, %they're getting soused to the job
Subject(s): Navy - United States; War Of 1812


YANKEE PRIVATEERING, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Ye yankee privateersmen, %of courage stout and bold
Last Line: Have found that e'en a whale-boat, %a match for them can be
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Privateers; War Of 1812


YANKEE SAILOR, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: Yankee sailors have a knack
Last Line: They made us strike the yankee flag, %haul away! Yeo ho, boys!
Subject(s): Navy - United States


YANKEE TARS, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: When nature, kind goddess, first form'd this big ball
Last Line: And a navy and commerce our country shall grace. %down, down, down, down, derry down
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sailors And Sailing; War Of 1812


YE PARLIAMENT OF ENGLAND (AMERICAN TEXT) (1), by ANONYMOUS    Poem Text                    
First Line: "ye parliament of england, / you lords and commons too"
Last Line: That yankee ships in time of peace / to any sport may trade
Subject(s): Navy - United States;sailing & Sailors;war Of 1812; American Navy


YE SONS OF COLUMBIA, by THOMAS GREEN FESSENDEN    Poem Text                    
First Line: Ye sons of columbia, unite in the cause
Last Line: Till the continent sinks, and the ocean is dry!
Subject(s): Napoleon I (1769-1821); United States - History


YES, by DENISE DUHAMEL    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: According to culture shock: / a guide to customs and etiquette
Last Line: What he means by his yes
Subject(s): Loss; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration


YORKTOWN CENTENNIAL LYRIC, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hark! Hark! Down the century's long reaching slope
Last Line: The lilies, the luminous lilies of france.
Subject(s): United States - Centennial Celebrations; Yorktown Campaign (1781)


YOU NO SEND. ME NO COME, by SHARA MCCALLUM    Poem Source                    
First Line: The first night back and rain falls
Last Line: What assures them they will come down?
Subject(s): Mothers And Daughters; Women Immigrants - United States


YOU SAY YOU SAID, by MARIANNE MOORE    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Few words are best'
Last Line: "me against subterfuge."
Subject(s): World War I - United States


YOU, GENOESE MARINER, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Last Line: Who have been wrong as you
Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S.
Subject(s): Marines - United States; Sailors And Sailing; Seashore; Ships And Shipping


YOUNG AMERICA - OLD ENGLAND, by WILLIAM CHARLES MARK KENT    Poem Text                    
First Line: What! Shall saxon bonds be sundered
Last Line: Hand-in-hand, not sword to sword!
Alternate Author Name(s): Kent, Charles
Subject(s): England; United States; English; America


YOUNG LINCOLN, by EDWIN MARKHAM    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Men saw no portents on that winter night
Last Line: To bend the law to let his mercy out.
Variant Title(s): The Coming Of Lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN, by UNKNOWN    Poem Source                    
First Line: I'm here and there, a jolly dog
Last Line: To fight or kiss or touch the grog, %for I'm a gay, young midshipman
Subject(s): Navy - United States; Sailors And Sailing


YOUNG SAMMY'S FIRST WILD OATS, by GEORGE SANTAYANA    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Mid uncle sam's expanded acres
Last Line: "on ""young sammy's first wild oats."
Subject(s): Elections; Spanish-american War (1898); United States; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; America


YOUNG WOMAN AT A WINDOW, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She sits with / tears on
Last Line: To the glasss
Subject(s): United States; America


YOUNG WOMAN AT A WINDOW, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: She sits with %tears on
Last Line: Pressed %to the glass
Subject(s): United States


YOUR HONOR, by PARTHENIA GADDY WILSON    Poem Text                    
First Line: When walking down the street
Last Line: We lift old glory the u. S. Around.
Subject(s): Pride; United States; Self-esteem; Self-respect; America


YOUR LAD, AND MY LAD, by RANDALL PARRISH    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Down toward the deep-blue water, marching to throb of
Last Line: As your dear lad, and my dear lad, go on their way to france.
Subject(s): Army - United States; World War I; First World War


YOUR LONESOME AMERICAN, by CHRISTOPHER DAVIS    Poem Source                    
First Line: Sniff the radiator
Last Line: Our only chance %to torch loud love
Subject(s): United States


YOUTH, by SAMUEL DUFF MCCOY    Poem Text                    
First Line: You say new york is lovelier than ever?
Last Line: But, oh, how gay it was! What prophecies!
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Food & Eating; New York City; Restaurants; Youth; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Cafes; Diners


YUBA CITY SCHOOL, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From the black trunk I shake out
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; India; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts


YUBA CITY SCHOOL, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: From the black trunk I shake out
Last Line: From me, nail shut my lips. My son %will keep sitting in the last row %among the red words that drin
Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations


ZAGONYI, by GEORGE HENRY BOKER    Poem Text                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bold captain of the body-guard
Last Line: To death or victory!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Cavalry; Springfield, Missouri, Battle Of (1861); United States - History; Zagonyi, Charles


ZEALOUS PATRIOT, by SUSIE MONTGOMERY BEST    Poem Source                    
First Line: If there was a war I'd get my gun
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


ZOLLICOFFER, by HENRY LYNDEN FLASH    Poem Text                    
First Line: First in the fight, and first in the arms
Last Line: Dead on the field of glory!
Subject(s): American Civil War; Somerset, Kentucky, Battle Of (1862); United States - History; Zollicoffer, Felix Kirk (1812-1862)