Identifying the right poems that will ignite profound discussions among middle and high school students can be a challenging task. To simplify this process, we consulted seasoned educators who shared their favorite poems—those that consistently generate excitement and engagement, even among teenagers. Below are their selections for the most impactful poems suitable for middle and high school students.
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Note: Every classroom is unique, so please review these poems for middle and high school students before sharing to ensure they fit your educational environment.
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Middle and High School Poems
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Poems for Middle School and High School
1. Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
Nature’s first green is gold …
Themes: The life cycle, loss, regret
Literary devices: Alliteration, metaphor, personification
This poem serves as an excellent introduction to poetry, offering ample opportunity for analysis and discussion. It also allows for connections to students’ experiences as they navigate childhood milestones.
2. The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both …
Themes: Individualism vs. nonconformity; choices and consequences
Literary devices: Extended metaphor, imagery, symbolism, rhyme
Every middle and high schooler should engage with “The Road Not Taken.” This poem addresses struggles familiar to teens, such as the tension between conformity and individuality, as well as the implications of their decisions. Conducting a close reading of this poem enables students to connect with its themes and discuss them in class.
3. Rat Ode by Elizabeth Acevedo
Because you are not the admired nightingale …
Themes: Resilience, survival, misunderstanding
Literary devices: Personification, metaphor, tone
Students can listen to Acevedo perform her poetry, observing how she shifts tone throughout the piece and how this impacts the poem’s meaning and the audience’s expectations.
4. I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe
I lost my talk
The talk you took away.
Themes: Loss, cultural identity, oppression
Literary devices: Repetition, symbolism, tone shift
This poem encapsulates the pain experienced by Joe at Shubenacadie Residential School in Nova Scotia. As students find their voices, this piece serves as a powerful discussion prompt about the general meaning or a deeper exploration of the history and ethics surrounding residential schools in both Canada and the United States.
5. Friend by Josephine Miles
I met a man in a woolen reefer,
A friend of my friend’s.
Themes: Change, memory, passage of time
Literary devices: Symbolism, metaphor, enjambment
This poem employs run-on lines to create a flowing rhythm, making it ideal for read-aloud sessions or poetry slams. It also offers a springboard for discussions on how friendships evolve over time.
6. There Are Birds Here by Jamaal May
when they said those birds were metaphors
for what is trapped
between buildings …
Themes: Challenging stereotypes, resilience, misrepresentation, hope
Literary devices: Repetition, contrast, symbolism
The repeated phrase “There are birds here” underscores the notion that beauty and life persist, even in bleak circumstances. This poem is suitable for Socratic seminars where students can discuss how the author reflects on Detroit and the contrasting perceptions of the city.
7. Fire and Ice by Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
Themes: End of the world, emotions
Literary devices: Symbolism, contrast, imagery
Students who enjoy “Game of Thrones” may find this poem particularly engaging, as it is said to have inspired George R.R. Martin. The poem is excellent for discussions and debates—students can express their views on whether they align more with fire or ice.
8. Dear Future Generations: Sorry by Prince Ea
I think I speak for the rest of us when I say
Sorry, sorry we left you with our mess of a planet …
Themes: Destruction, responsibility, climate
Literary devices: Personification, direct address, metaphor
This poem raises awareness about the urgent issues of climate change and environmental degradation. It can be integrated into discussions about climate change or environmental studies, highlighting the responsibility of writers to reflect on and address contemporary issues.
9. Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Mudville nine that day …
Themes: Pride, failure, sports
Literary devices: Hyperbole, alliteration, rhyme and meter
This classic poem is perfect for engaging sports enthusiasts in middle school. It offers opportunities to analyze its AABB rhyme scheme and discuss the themes of pride and failure.
10. The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Themes: Perseverance, transformation, hope
Literary devices: Metaphor, symbolism, rhyme and rhythm
This poem illustrates the connection between the rhythm of poetry and the deeper meanings within rap music. It resonates particularly well with students interested in music and can also relate to their transformative experiences.
11. The Listeners by Walter de la Mare
“Is there anybody there?” said the Traveller,
Knocking on the moonlit door …
Themes: Unanswered questions, isolation, the passage of time
Literary devices: Symbolism, personification, repetition
This poem appeals to science fiction fans and can be read aloud to discuss how the poet creates an eerie atmosphere.
12. We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes …
Themes: Racial injustice, masking emotions, resilience
Literary devices: Metaphor, personification, imagery
This poem addresses the experiences of being Black in America during the late 19th century. The metaphorical mask represents the façade people use to conceal their true feelings, a concept that resonates with adolescents. It’s also crucial to discuss how Dunbar’s work fits into the broader context of African American history.
13. A Dream Within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream …
Themes: Fleeting nature of time, illusion vs. reality
Literary devices: Rhyme scheme, metaphor, imagery
This introspective poem by Poe delves into reality’s nature and life’s fragility. The expert use of rhyme scheme makes it an excellent example for teaching poetry analysis.
14. Deer Hit by Jon Loomis
You’re seventeen and tunnel-vision drunk,
swerving in your father’s Fairlane wagon home …
Themes: Human impact on nature, reflection, guilt
Literary devices: Juxtaposition, personification, tone
This poem sticks with students due to its vivid sensory details surrounding the aftermath of hitting a deer. It serves as a strong prompt for discussions about the interaction between humans and nature.
15. Eating Poetry by Mark Strand
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
Themes: Power of poetry, art, self-transformation
Literary devices: Surrealism, enjambment, personification, simile
This engaging title can entice reluctant poetry readers. Strand imagines a transformative experience through poetry, prompting discussions about how literature impacts lives.
16. And the Ghosts by Graham Foust
they own everything
Themes: Loss, memory, absence
Literary devices: Metaphor, imagery
This poem can illustrate how a single line can hold immense power. It encourages students to reflect on the varied meanings of the word “ghosts” and what it signifies for them.
17. That Sure Is My Little Dog by Eleanor Lerman
Yes, indeed, that is my house that I am carrying around …
Themes: Companionship, pets, love and loss
Literary devices: Contrast, metaphor, imagery
Many poems explore the bond between humans and animals, making this piece an excellent choice for classroom discussions. It prompts conversations about how people can view their pets as extensions of themselves.
18. Another Reason Why I Don’t Keep a Gun in the House by Billy Collins
The neighbors’ dog will not stop barking.
Themes: Violence, impulsivity and control, absurdity
Literary devices: Tone, hyperbole, allusion
This relatable poem reflects on the absurdity of everyday frustrations, resonating with students. It also leads to broader discussions about gun control, relevant for older students.
19. Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Themes: Perseverance, resilience, hope
Literary devices: Dialect, tone, symbolism
This poignant poem serves as a heartfelt narrative on perseverance and hope, conveyed through a mother’s counsel to her son. Students should also explore Hughes’ other significant works.
20. Beethoven by Shane Koyczan
Listen
his father
made a habit
out of hitting him …
Themes: Resilience, art, adversity
Literary devices: Allusion, enjambment, symbolism
In this poem, Koyczan alludes to Beethoven’s life, highlighting resilience and the healing power of music. It is ideal for discussions on art and its transformative effects.
21. Oranges by Gary Soto
The first time I walked
With a girl, I was twelve …
Themes: Love, small moments, adolescence
Literary devices: Imagery, symbolism, enjambment
Soto’s poem captures the essence of trying to impress someone special, revealing how small moments shape our identities and memories. Encourage students to reflect on the poem’s connections to their personal experiences.
22. This Is Just To Say by William Carlos Williams
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the ice box …
Themes: Temptation, regret, imperfection
Literary devices: Enjambment, symbolism
This poem invites in-depth interpretation, leading to rich discussions about human behavior and the layers of meaning encapsulated in Williams’ seemingly simple expression.
23. Having a Coke With You by Frank O’Hara
is even more fun than going to San Sebastian …
Themes: Love, ordinary moments, admiration
Literary devices: Imagery, metaphor
O’Hara reflects on a simple moment of connection, inviting students to explore the nuances of personal reflection and the various formats poets use in their writing.
24. Pass On by Michael Lee
When searching for the lost, remember eight things …
Themes: Time, acceptance, memory
Literary devices: Tone, enjambment, imagery
Lee’s poem captures snapshots of memory, providing students with relatable lines and ideas. It offers opportunities for discussions on tone and the acceptance of life’s impermanence.
25. Snow by David Berman
Walking through a field with my little brother Seth …
Themes: Change, nature, isolation
Literary devices: Juxtaposition, tone, imagery
Berman’s melancholic narrative allows students to explore the complexities of human emotion through the lens of nature. Discuss the juxtaposition of events and the beauty of the natural world.
26. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter twisted lies …
Themes: Empowerment, resilience, triumph
Literary devices: Repetition, simile, rhetorical questions
Angelou’s powerful poem should be read aloud for the full effect. Students can explore themes related to the African American experience and discuss its relevance in contemporary society.
27. So You Want To Be a Writer by Charles Bukowski
if it doesn’t come bursting out of you
in spite of everything,
don’t do it.
Themes: Writing, rejection and persistence, self-expression
Literary devices: Direct address, tone, metaphor
Bukowski’s candid commentary on writing resonates with middle and high schoolers. This poem engages discussions about the importance of writing as a human experience, especially as students develop their own writing identities.
28. We Real Cool by Gwendolyn Brooks
We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. …
Themes: Rebellion, youth, identity
Literary devices: Enjambment, rhyme, tone
This poem speaks directly to the adolescent experience of independence and defiance. Discuss its historical context and lasting impact, making it perfect for poetry slams.
29. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day …
Themes: Fighting for life, resistance to death, regret
Literary devices: Villanelle, repetition, metaphor
This poem offers a compelling exploration of life, death, and human resilience, ideal for close readings and detailed analysis of its villanelle structure.
30. Daddy by Sylvia Plath
You do not do, you do not do
Any more, black shoe …
Themes: Family relationship, anger, resentment
Literary devices: Allusion, imagery, simile
Plath’s poem introduces students to her complex exploration of the father-daughter relationship, making it a significant piece for study during high school.
31. I Died for Beauty by Emily Dickinson
I died for beauty, but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb …
Themes: Beauty, truth, death
Literary devices: Symbolism, tone, imagery
Dickinson’s ability to create mood, particularly about the relationship between beauty and truth, makes this poem ripe for analysis. Exploring the symbolism in her work can lead to deeper discussions on themes of time and mortality.
32. Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee …
Themes: Love, death, obsession
Literary devices: Repetition, rhythm and rhyme, imagery
Poe’s haunting style lends itself well to close readings and spirited discussions. Students can explore how they might bring the themes of this poem to life through creative projects.
33. Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market by Pablo Neruda
Here,
among the market vegetables,
this torpedo
from the ocean …
Themes: Nature, transformation, death
Literary devices: Imagery, personification, free verse, metaphor
Neruda’s humorous take on everyday items, such as a tuna, offers students a chance to dissect and analyze the contrasts between life and its presentation in the marketplace.
34. Among These Red Pieces by e.e. cummings
Among
these
red pieces of
day(against which and
quite silently hills
made of blueandgreen paper …
Themes: Love, beauty, individuality
Literary devices: Alliteration, metaphor, symbolism, enjambment
Cummings’ unique use of color and line arrangement exemplifies his style. In addition to analyzing language, students can discuss how punctuation and spacing impact the reading experience.
35. Very Like a Whale by Ogden Nash
One thing that literature would be greatly the better for
Would be the more restricted employment by the authors of simile and metaphor.
Themes: Poetry, language, humor
Literary devices: Satire, rhyme, hyperbole
Nash’s humorous take on literary devices makes for a lighthearted discussion. This poem can conclude a unit on poetry, prompting students to share their opinions on the use of similes and metaphors in literature.
36. The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service
There are strange things done in the midnight sun …
Themes: Friendship, loyalty, humor
Literary devices: Imagery, narrative, irony
This satirical poem is an American classic, perfect for discussions on literary references and creating atmospheric settings. Reading it aloud enhances its rhythmic qualities.
37. The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes
The wind was a torrent of darkness among the dusty trees.
Themes: Love, loyalty and betrayal, revenge
Literary devices: Metaphor, simile, rhythm, narrative
This narrative poem showcases storytelling in poetry. It’s an excellent comparison piece alongside “Annabel Lee” and “The Cremation of Sam McGee.”
38. Language Lessons by Alexandra Teague
The carpet in the kindergarten room
was alphabet blocks; all of us fidgeting …
Themes: Communication, memory, realization
Literary devices: Imagery, enjambment
This poem resonates with students transitioning from elementary to higher grades, reflecting on language, culture, and identity. Discussing the poet’s experiences can lead to personal reflections from students.
39. Mirror by Sylvia Plath
I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.
Themes: Identity, perception, aging
Literary devices: Personification, metaphor, imagery
This poem offers a unique perspective on identity and self-perception, allowing students to analyze how we view ourselves and the evolving nature of identity.
40. She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies …
Themes: Beauty, idealized love, purity
Literary devices: Imagery, metaphor, rhyme scheme
Byron’s depiction of beauty provides an opportunity for analysis in comparison to other poems on love and identity, allowing students to discuss poetic treatment of these themes.
41. A Man Said to the Universe by Stephen Crane
A man said to the universe:
“Sir, I exist!”
Themes: Human struggles, futility
Literary devices: Dialogue, personification
This succinct poem prompts students to reflect on its enduring relevance, especially in today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world.
42. The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowski
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
Themes: Embracing life, individuality, freedom
Literary devices: Imagery, repetition, metaphor
Bukowski’s uplifting message encourages students to seize the day, providing a refreshing perspective for discussions about living life to the fullest.
43. Tattoo by Ted Kooser
What once was meant to be a statement—
a dripping dagger held in the fist …
Themes: Aging, change
Literary devices: Enjambment, metaphor, personification
This soft poem about an old man with a tattoo resonates with students, inviting them to reflect on their own journeys and future selves.
44. A Litany in Time of Plague by Thomas Nashe
Adieu, farewell, earth’s bliss;
This world uncertain is;
Fond are life’s lustful joys …
Themes: Death, life, powerlessness, illness
Literary devices: Tone, imagery, symbolism, refrain
This poem remains relevant in discussions about historical events and pandemics, allowing students to analyze how poetry reflects pivotal moments in history.
45. I’m Nobody, Who are you? by Emily Dickinson
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Themes: Identity, rejection of fame, privacy
Literary devices: Punctuation, metaphor, rhythm
This playful exploration of identity resonates with students in today’s social media landscape, providing an interesting contrast to more conventional poetry styles.
46. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary …
Themes: Psychological torment, grief, hopelessness
Literary devices: Repetition, alliteration, symbolism
Poe’s classic poem is an essential piece of literature, engaging students with its evocative language and haunting narrative. It can serve as an excellent introduction to storytelling through poetry.
47. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills …
Themes: Nature, memory, inspiration
Literary devices: Metaphor, imagery, simile
Wordsworth’s use of poetic devices makes this poem ideal for teaching students the basics of poetry analysis, including simile, metaphor, and imagery.
48. The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
When day comes we ask ourselves,
“where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
Themes: Democracy, progress, hope
Literary devices: Anaphora, imagery, symbolism
Gorman’s modern poem resonates with young audiences, providing ample opportunities to discuss its themes and the literary devices she employs, such as anaphora.
49. If – by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you …
Themes: Resilience, leadership, integrity
Literary devices: Anaphora, parallelism, metaphor
Kipling’s poem promotes lively analysis as students connect with its timeless messages about life and character development.
50. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though …
Themes: Temptation, life and death, responsibility
Literary devices: Imagery, repetition, alliteration, personification
Reading this poem aloud enhances the contemplative atmosphere Frost creates. It invites students to analyze themes of temptation and responsibility as well as the poem’s nuanced rhyme scheme.
51. Invictus by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole …
Themes: Overcoming challenges, strength in adversity, destiny
Literary devices: Symbolism, imagery
The themes of resilience and overcoming challenges resonate strongly with adolescents. The final lines of this poem invite deep contemplation on control and destiny.
52. Webcam the World by Heather McHugh
Get all of it. set up the shots …
Themes: Technology, modern life
Literary devices: Punctuation, enjambment
This poem encourages students to engage with contemporary themes related to technology and nature, prompting discussions on how digital experiences shape our perceptions.
53. The Doll House by A.E. Stallings
There in the attic of forgotten shapes
(Old coats in plastic, hat boxes, fur capes
Amongst the smells of mothballs and cigars) …
Themes: Illusion vs. reality, childhood, passage of time
Literary devices: Contrast, symbolism
This reflective poem on childhood nostalgia resonates with students and can prompt discussions about the contrasts between childhood and adult experiences.
54. See It Through by Edgar Albert Guest
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face …
Themes: Courage, optimism, determination
Literary devices: Refrain, imagery
This uplifting poem emphasizes the importance of perseverance, making it perfect for creating inspirational posters that students can use to reinforce the idea of learning from failure.
55. Be the Best of Whatever You Are by Douglas Malloch
If you can’t be a pine on the top of a hill,
Be a scrub in the valley—but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill …
Themes: Persistence, optimism, determination, being the best you can be
Literary devices: Repetition, anaphora, metaphor, rhyme
This poem reminds students of the value of authenticity and pride in their identity. Discussing it stanza by stanza allows for deeper exploration of its messages.
56. Adventures of Isabel by Ogden Nash
Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn’t care …
Themes: Fearlessness, confidence, humor
Literary devices: Rhyme, hyperbole, repetition, personification
This whimsical poem serves as a fun and humorous entry point into poetry, ideal for younger students to engage with poetry in a lighthearted manner.
57. On Turning Ten by Billy Collins
The whole idea of it makes me feel
like I’m coming down with something …
a kind of measles of the spirit,
a mumps of the psyche …
Themes: Growing up, loss of innocence, nostalgia
Literary devices: Enjambment, imagery, metaphor
This humorous yet poignant poem about entering double digits can lead to discussions on nostalgia and the complexities of growing up.
58. Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size …
Themes: Confidence, self-acceptance, individuality
Literary devices: Repetition, rhyme, refrain
Angelou’s empowering poem is perfect for discussions about beauty standards and self-acceptance, making it an excellent choice for Women’s History Month or any month.
59. Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe …
Themes: Heroism, good vs. evil, language
Literary devices: Portmanteau, rhyme scheme, repetition, alliteration, nonsense verse
This poem allows older students to analyze Carroll’s imaginative use of language, while younger students can enjoy its whimsical sounds and rhythms.
60. Harlem by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Themes: Frustration, inequality, hope
Literary devices: Simile, rhetorical questions
This poem’s iconic opening invites students to explore the consequences of deferred dreams, making it particularly relevant for discussions about aspirations and societal challenges.
61. Venus and Adonis by Shakespeare
Even as the sun with purple-color’d face
Had ta’en his last leave of the weeping morn …
Themes: Love, Greek myths
Literary devices: Rhyme, narrative, personification
This narrative poem serves as an engaging introduction to Shakespeare, showcasing his style in a more accessible format for students.
62. His Excellency General Washington by Phillis Wheatley
Celestial choir! enthron’d in realms of light,
Columbia’s scenes of glorious toils I write.
Themes: History, democracy
Literary devices: Rhyme, symbolism
Wheatley’s poem aligns well with social studies discussions about colonial America, emphasizing her role in the anti-slavery movement.
63. O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done …
Themes: Loss, victory, admiration
Literary devices: Extended metaphor, symbolism, repetition
This elegy mourning Abraham Lincoln’s death allows students to delve into its historical context and analyze Whitman’s admiration for Lincoln.
64. “Faith” is a fine invention by Emily Dickinson
“Faith” is a fine invention
For Gentlemen who see!
Themes: Faith versus action, skepticism
Literary devices: Metaphor, capitalization, juxtaposition
Dickinson’s compact yet impactful poetry offers a chance for students to analyze her techniques and ponder the balance between faith and action.
65. Since Hanna Moved Away by Judith Viorst
The tires on my bike are flat.
The sky is grouchy gray.
At least it sure feels like that.
Since Hanna moved away.
Themes: Friendship, loss
Literary devices: Rhyme, refrain, hyperbole, symbolism
This accessible poem by Viorst addresses children’s emotions surrounding loss, making it a fitting choice for discussions about grief and connection.
66. With This Bright Voice by Amanda Gorman
Be bold, sang Time
For when you honor yesterday
Tomorrow ye will find …
Themes: Hope, resilience, taking action
Literary devices: Metaphor, enjambment
Gorman’s contemporary poem serves as a powerful introduction to poetry, highlighting its relevance and impact in today’s world.
67. Not Here, Exactly by Joanna Fuhrman
One mountain tried
to taste another,
then spit it out.
Themes: Isolation, detachment
Literary devices: Free verse, personification, simile, enjambment
Fuhrman’s use of emotional exploration allows students to discuss detachment and connection in their lives, fostering meaningful conversations.
68. Travelling by William Wordsworth
