“Introduction to Poetry” By Billy Collins

There are two approaches to studying poetry: observation and interrogation. Only one leads to enjoyment. Which will you choose?

“Earth’s Crammed with Heaven” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

According to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who see and those who don’t. We all enjoy the same universe around us, but our reactions depend on whether or not we see God’s signature in the mundane.

“I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman

Happy Independence Day, America! If you’re reading this on July 4th, you’ve probably got a busy day planned with cookouts, boat rides, and time with family—all topped off by fireworks. These are a great way to spend any summer day, and I plan to…

“Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Today I’d like to point you back to a post I wrote four years ago. It’s about one of my favorite poems by my very favorite poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins. In “Pied Beauty,” Hopkins celebrates the dappled variety of creation in language that does…

“Passing and Glassing” by Christina Rossetti

Aging is inevitable, but aging with grace is optional. Rossetti uses mirrors and fading flowers to contrast two views of growing old.

Sail Away: Tolkien’s Frodo and Tennyson’s Ulysses

After their adventures, Tolkien’s Frodo and Tennyson’s Ulysses both longed to sail to the world’s end. What caused this longing, and did they find what they were looking for? Let’s find out!

The Rabbit Room on Poetry: “The Word Made Fresh”

Choosing and reading poetry may seem daunting, but Abram Van Engen has some great advice for beginners and pros alike.