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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: FAMILY LIFE Matches Found: 1450 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` "BEHOLD, O LORD, THY FAITHFUL PEOPLE!", by ANONYMOUS Poem Text Last Line: "as free-will gifts, as bonds of love" Subject(s): Family Life;jews;love;parents;togetherness; Relatives;judaism;parenthood 1933, by GARY FINCKE Poem Source First Line: My grandfather is locked out of his house Last Line: To show him anything is possible Subject(s): Family Life 1945, by WALTER ROBERT MCDONALD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing consoled aunt rose when roosevelt died Last Line: How my uncles were, when they'd be coming home Alternate Author Name(s): Mcdonald, Walt Variant Title(s): Scenes From War: Voices From 194 Subject(s): Death; Family Life; World War Ii 1959, by SUSAN RICH Poem Source First Line: The year I was born my mother ate nothing but oranges Last Line: He proclaims may she peel the skin from this schizophrenic age Subject(s): Continents; Cuba - Rebellions Against Spanish Rule; Family Life; Love - Cultural Differences; Travel A BALLAD IN BLANK VERSE, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His father's house looked out across a firth Last Line: Women to love are waiting everywhere.' Subject(s): Aphrodite; Atheism; Christianity; Death; Family Life; Fathers & Sons; Mythology - Classical; Paganism & Pagans; Parents; Pride; Dead, The; Relatives; Parenthood; Self-esteem; Self-respect A BALLAD OF A COWARD, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The trumpets pealed; the echoes sang Last Line: And happy and amazed fell dead. Subject(s): Cowardice; Death; Family Life; Redemption; War; Dead, The; Relatives A BEAR FAMILY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wunzt, 'way west in illinoise Last Line: Ferever an' ferever! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Animals; Bears; Family Life; Mountains; Relatives; Hills; Downs (great Britain) A BOY GOES INTO THE WORLD, by JANE KENYON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother rode off on his bike Last Line: I at last can claim them as my own Subject(s): Brothers & Sisters; Family Life; Childhood Memories; Relatives A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN GEORGIA. 1953, by WYATT PRUNTY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Marching through georgia to bed, he stopped, listened, Subject(s): Georgia (state); Christmas; Family Life; Childhood Memories; Nativity, The; Relatives A CHRISTMAS MEMORY (2), by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma she's home - an' I'm 'way here Last Line: I ist only want my ma! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Christmas; Family Life; Nativity, The; Relatives A CONVERSATION IN STEREO, by DENISE DUHAMEL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There were always two of everything (one for each of us) but Last Line: Tells a joke, how I kept the womb warm for the second one Subject(s): Family Life A DEFECTIVE SANTA CLAUS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Allus when our pa he's away Last Line: "trip bark' two times 'fore it's ""a-men!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Christmas; Family Life; Santa Claus; Childhood; Nativity, The; Relatives; Nicholas, Saint A DOMESTIC STORM, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm going to whoop you, sammy taylor Last Line: Guess you will, you rascal, you. Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives A DUBIOUS 'OLD KRISS', by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Us-folks is purty pore - but ma Last Line: "him skite out -- an' it wuz her pa." Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Christmas; Family Life; Childhood; Nativity, The; Relatives A HAPPY CHILDHOOD, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother stands at the screen door, laughing Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives A HIDDEN LIFE, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Proudly the youth, sudden with manhood crowned Last Line: Arose and died upon the listener's ear. Subject(s): Christianity; Death; Education; Family Life; Farm Life; God; Love; Quiet Life; Dead, The; Relatives; Agriculture; Farmers A HOLIDAY, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The house is like a garden Last Line: Some women are like that, do what you may. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life; Holidays; Home; Labor & Laborers; Love; Relatives; Work; Workers A HOUSE IN THE HEDGE, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All architecture done, / and housekeeping begun Last Line: God's smile come radiant through. Subject(s): Birds; Family Life; Home; Relatives A LETTER FROM HOME, by MARY OLIVER Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sends me news of bluejays, frost Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives A MARRIAGE, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When my mother knew why her treatment wasn't working, Subject(s): Marriage; Family Life; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives A MARRIAGE POEM, by ELLEN BRYANT VOIGT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Morning: the caged baby Subject(s): Marriage; Family Life; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives A MONTH IN SUMMER, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Several years ago, I wrote haiku in this way Last Line: "is that what is meant by dwelling in unreality? And here too I end my words." Subject(s): Art & Artists; Family Life; Japan; Love Affairs; Poetry & Poets; Solitude; Summer; Women; Women's Rights; Relatives; Japanese; Loneliness; Feminism A NEW YORK CHILD?ÇÖS GARDEN OF VERSES, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In winter I get up at night Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Youth; City & Town Life; Family Life; Relatives A PLACE IN MAINE, by SHEROD SANTOS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Mothers & Sons; Disappointment; Time; Family Life; Absence; Relatives; Separation; Isolation A POET'S HOUSEHOLD, by CAROLYN KIZER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The stout poet tiptoes Last Line: Is chanting words to himself. Subject(s): Family Life; Poetry & Poets; Roethke, Theodore (1908-1963); Women; Women's Rights; Relatives; Feminism A PRAYER FOR BROKEN LITTLE FAMILIES, by VIOLET ALLEYN STOREY Poem Text First Line: God, pity broken little families Last Line: Growing, day by day, more closely into oneness with each other. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Dead, The; Relatives A QUESTION, by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Can't the child yet walk alone?' Last Line: "smiling, not repining!" Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives A REAL STORY, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sucking on hard candy Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives A ROOM IN THE PAST, by TED KOOSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: It's a kitchen. Its curtains fill Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives A STORY OF DOOM: BOOK 4, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now while these evil ones took counsel strange Last Line: Shall bless me also. Sir, I love you well.' Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Relatives A SUNSET OF THE CITY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Already I am no longer looked at with lechery or love. Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Relatives A TIME PAST, by DENISE LEVERTOV Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old wooden steps to the front door Subject(s): Marriage; Family Life; Relationships; Past; Human Behavior; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives; Conduct Of Life; Human Nature A TOAST FOR LITTLE IRON MIKE, by PAUL MARIANI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Having come in out of the unrelenting Subject(s): Amniotic Fluid Embolism; Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives A VINE-ARBOUR IN THE FAR WEST, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Laura, my laura! Yes, mother! I Last Line: "but I'll say to him, ""o my poor father, we wait you, come in.""'" Subject(s): Arbors; Family Life; Gardens & Gardening; Hearts; Mothers; Sun; Relatives A VISIT, by JACK MERTEN Poem Text First Line: As she stirred her coffee at dinner in our house Last Line: Whereupon I went out in the garden and threw stones at the hens. Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life; Guests; Relatives; Visiting A WAR STORY, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): World War Ii; Guests; Family Life; Second World War; Visiting; Relatives A WOMAN FROM CONNAUGHT, by ROBERT KELLY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My great-great-great-great-grandmother Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Connaught, Ireland; Family Life - Ireland; Grandparents; Heritage; Heredity; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers A WOMAN WAKING, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She wakens early remembering Subject(s): Fathers & Daughters; Family Life; Relatives ABSENT, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Bells do not ring %when our names are called Last Line: If you have us here %to keep yourselves separate Subject(s): Family Life - India ADJUSTMENT OF FEVER, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the images of saints hanged Last Line: And the visit begins, to help me to live right Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Parents; Travel ADVENT, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: It's advent, and the woods renounce %your name Last Line: To kick the days ahead %and lets them burn Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland AFTER, by LIZETTE WOODWORTH REESE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, the littles that remain! Last Line: Oh, the scent of mint was plain! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AFTER A NOVEMBER TYPHOON, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Our warden is the south sea, gloomy, threatening Last Line: And rising, like a delirious mandarin duck Subject(s): Family Life - China; Typhoons AFTER DEATH, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard the front door close Last Line: Was a kind of steady weeping. Subject(s): Brothers; Death; Death - Children; Family Life; Mourning; Half-brothers; Dead, The; Death - Babies; Relatives; Bereavement AFTER SICKNESS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: The night my fever breaks Last Line: Nearer the bursting yellow fruit %than the thorns. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love AFTER THE HAINAN LEGEND, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: A hainan youth, the unrivaled hunter among the villagers Last Line: And somersaulting and glimmering around the winter sun Subject(s): Family Life - China AFTERNOON, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mouse, my girl in gray, I speak to her Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AFTERNOON, by DONALD HALL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mouse, my girl in gray, I speak to her Subject(s): Family Life AFTERNOON OF THE SWIMMING PARTY, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: A tidal wave, two old guys Last Line: Glitter without clothes Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland AGAINST PLURALISM, by DONALD REVELL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Who will you point to? In the needle's eye, Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Disappointment; Relationships; Divorce; Half-siblings; Relatives AGING ON TWO DIFFERENT COASTS, by C. B. FOLLETT Poem Source First Line: Uncle is a vessel nearly empty Last Line: And we don't tell either %about the other Subject(s): Aging; Family Life AL AND BETH, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My uncle al worked in a drugstore Subject(s): Immigrants; Patriotism; Family Life; Emigrant; Emigration; Immigration; Relatives ALBANY, by RON SILLIMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: If the function of writing is to 'express the world.' my father withheld child Subject(s): Family Life; Conduct Of Life; Social Commentaries; Language Poetry; Relatives ALCESTIS: SCENE 1, by EURIPIDES Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Natheless before these gates mine eyes do mark Last Line: Down to the lord of hell. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Family Life; Household Employees; Marriage; Mourning; Mythology - Classical; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Relatives; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Bereavement ALDERMAN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One year the town republicans Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ALDERMAN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One year the town republicans Last Line: You need to learn your place. And pomp withdrew %because the klan was wrong: by god, he knew Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life ALIAS IRENE, by ELISABETH MURAWSKI Poem Source First Line: She broke loose from her father's hand Last Line: Until it shone like a dinner plate Subject(s): Children; Family Life ALIBI, by FLORENCE WEINBERGER Poem Source First Line: My father is lifting from the drawer Last Line: He said it wasn't all my fault Subject(s): Family Life ALL, by LEONA GOM Poem Source First Line: All he would have to say is Subject(s): Family Life ALL DAY, by LAWRENCE JOSEPH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At four in the morning Last Line: Into the sea Subject(s): Fathers & Daughters; Family Life; Thomas, Helen (1920-2013) ALL LIFE IN A LIFE, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His father had a large family Subject(s): Family Life; City & Town Life; Wealth; Social Protest; Capital Punishment; Conduct Of Life; Relatives; Riches; Fortunes; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty ALL SUMMER LONG, by CAROL FROST Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dogs eat hoof slivers and lie under the porch. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ALL THAT REALLY HAPPENS, by JOE WENDEROTH Poem Source First Line: My whole family has died Last Line: Owes more than it could possibly pay. %this owing is all that really happens Subject(s): Death; Family Life ALL THE COLORS OF THE RACE, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: And I am holding out my hands Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness ALL THE COLORS OF THE RACE, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: All the colors of the race. Human, of course Last Line: All the colors of the race. Human, of course Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness ALL THESE ARE GIFTS, by TOMAZ SALAMUN Poem Source Last Line: No mortar juts out of it, %no body hair looks out at its ankles Subject(s): Family Life; Thought ALL WE HAVE, by NICOLE BLACKMAN Poem Source First Line: You grew sunflowers and swept up magnolia leaves on the patio. Left me Last Line: To you on air. It's all we have Subject(s): Family Life; Poetry And Poets ALL'S WELL, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: The cat has her milk Last Line: All's well with his life. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ALLEGORY OF DEATH AND NIGHT, by FRANK STANFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When he comes home from work Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ALMOST A VOICE, by ANGELA BALL Poem Source First Line: Listne as slowly as you can Last Line: Full of my uncle was, my mother was, %I was Subject(s): Family Life; Voices ALMOST AUBADE, by MARILYN HACKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The little hours: two lovers herd upstairs Last Line: Lie in my arms until the kids get up Subject(s): Family Life ALMOST BEYOND ENDURANCE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I ain't a-goin' to cry no more, no more! Last Line: I ist ain't goin' to cry no more, no more! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Tears; Relatives ALONE WITH JANE, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: Jane, in a suit of cameron plaid Last Line: I wish I were n't alone with jane! Subject(s): Courtship; Daughters; Family Life; Parents; Relatives; Parenthood 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 AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN, by EDWARD BARTOK-BARATTA Poem Source First Line: My friend has become like john lennon, only no one Last Line: Now fastened to the sun, has begun to drag his night light %across the vicious skies Subject(s): Family Life; Imagination AMEH JOON (AUNT DEAR), by SUSAN ATEFAT-PECKHAM Poem Source First Line: My one-breasted, crippled aunt wilts Last Line: The powerful, for pity, for pity Subject(s): Family Life AMERICAN FAMILY, by CATHY SMITH BOWERS Poem Source First Line: At the grocery store I bought pumpkins Last Line: For the slut I guess, after all, I am Subject(s): Family Life; Pumpkins AMONG HIS EFFECTS WE FOUND A PHOTOGRAPH, by ED OCHESTER Poem Source First Line: My mother is beautiful as a flapper Subject(s): Family Life AN ALBUM FAMILY, by RANDY BLASING Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: A good-time charlie from the start, my father Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AN INSINCERE WISH ADDRESSED TO A BEGGAR, by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We are not near enough to love Last Line: And truth reveal herself to you! Alternate Author Name(s): Anodos Subject(s): Brothers; Deception; Family Life; Wealth; Half-brothers; Relatives; Riches; Fortunes AN OLD LIFE, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Snow fell in the nght Subject(s): Family Life; Poetry & Poets; Relatives ANAMESIS (A RECOLLECTION), by ROSALIND B. CHAIKIN Poem Source First Line: Concealed in the shadow of time past Last Line: Nothing, just played Subject(s): Family Life AND NOW THE HOUSE-DOG STRETCHED ONCE MORE, by EMILY JANE BRONTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis Subject(s): Shepherds & Shepherdesses; Family Life; Relatives AND WAKE UP WHERE?, by DAVID LAZAR Poem Source First Line: A generation of mothers sings 'over the rainbow' in ruby bedroom slippers Last Line: Place like home, there was no place Subject(s): Family Life; Girls; Loss; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration ANDRE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream last night. I dreamed Last Line: They were the ones I always had! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives ANDRE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream last night. I dreamed Last Line: They were the ones I always had! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life ANGEL OF STRAYS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: At almost sixteen, my daughter %is noticing architecture. Last Line: Me up like a stray roaming too long without desire, %or warm milk, or a voice to ask for either. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love ANGELA ASKS FOR MORE STORIES, by CLAUDIA MONPERE MCISAAC Poem Source First Line: It was the year of the babysitter. Mother had slid Last Line: She is a child, his voice a vine rustle as he holds her hand in his, %strokes the wet wool Subject(s): Change; Family Life; Time ANNIE WEATHERBY, by BOB KAVEN Poem Source First Line: Father woke me. He claimed the house was burning Last Line: Like a quick, small engine. I told them to leave Subject(s): Family Life; Fire; Survival ANNIVERSARY OF A DROWNING, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: My father has dived %to the floor of the pond Last Line: His held breath %between words, %and my need to let go Subject(s): Family Life - India ANNUNCIATION, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like holes punched in a tin roof, thinks diverne Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ANNUNCIATION, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like holes punched in a tin roof, thinks diverne Last Line: For someone dead. Like abraham, that night %she saw her children: lord, they daddy white? Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life ANOTHER LESSON, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: During my teen years Last Line: I know a shortcut! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina APPARITION, by TESS GALLAGHER Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Ghosts; Death - Children; Family Life; Death - Babies; Relatives ARMAZINDY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Armazindy;-- fambily name Last Line: Though I'm 'lectioneerin' still. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Names; Relatives ARMED MEN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray teaches at the boley baptist school Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ARMED MEN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray teaches at the boley baptist school Last Line: To let them go out and run %through the twilit streets of boley, %where each window holds a loaded g Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE, by GARY GILDNER Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life ARRHYTHMIA, by AMANDA SCHAFFER Poem Source First Line: Brown street signs mean change Last Line: Are you still alive out there? Subject(s): Cities; Family Life ARS POETICA, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: After four years %of teaching our checks Last Line: Nods its head %in praise of poetry Subject(s): Family Life - India AS CHILDREN TOGETHER, by CAROLYN FORCHE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Under the sloped snow Alternate Author Name(s): Sidlosky, Carolyn Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives AS SOON AS SHE IS UP, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Grandma is up %and %out side Last Line: Cook %up %for %us %all Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life ASCENSION: 1925, by JOHN MALCOLM BRINNIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Step on it, said aunt alice, for god's sake Subject(s): Family Life ASH HOLLOW: I., by R. F. MCEWEN Poem Source First Line: We didn't see outright. The springtime fell Last Line: Your heart. And with your eyes still, open wide Subject(s): Ash Trees; Family Life; Spring; Trees AT 78, by ROBERT OTTMAN Poem Source First Line: Books shelter me Last Line: I am waiting to be born Subject(s): Family Life; History AT AN IOWA CITY BAR, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: The way %he sits talking about zen Last Line: Almost makes me believe %in the mystic orient Subject(s): Family Life - India AT EASE, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: When she died he married her sister Last Line: And a ghost Subject(s): Death; Family Life - Ireland; Ghosts; Marriage; Supernatural AT HOME IN WINTER, by EAMON GRENNAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We sit across from one another Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AT LAST WE KILLED THE ROACHES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: All over the place Subject(s): Family Life; Poverty; Cockroaches AT LENGTH, by RANDY BLASING Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Grounded, I watched late-breaking spring take off Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AT NIGHT, by RICHARD GHORMLEY EBERHART Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the dust are my father's beautiful hands Subject(s): Family Life AT SEVENTY-THREE, by JOHN LAWSON STODDARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well, let us face things as they are Last Line: For I am over seventy-three! Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Life; Mankind; Tears; Youth; Relatives; Human Race AT THE FUNERAL OF GREAT-AUNT MARY, by ROBERT BLY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here we are, all dressed up to honor death! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AT THE FUNERAL OF GREAT-AUNT MARY, by ROBERT BLY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here we are, all dressed up to honor death! Subject(s): Family Life AT THE GRAVE OF MY BROTHER, by WILLIAM EDGAR STAFFORD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The mirror cared less and less at the last Subject(s): Family Life AT THE IGA: FRANKLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, by JANE KENYON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is where I would shop Last Line: Never enough in the bank Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AT THE MEETING, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: At the meeting %they said they wanted to send Last Line: And my motion lost because I forgot %I couldn't be a boy Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness AT THE TABLE FOR NO REASON, by BOB HICOK Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hummingbird is christmas, red throat Last Line: I leave to get on with coming back Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Hummingbirds AUNT AGNES HATCHER TELLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After the war when rationing was over Last Line: Slide out babies like payday from that %billion dollar behind Subject(s): African Americans - History; Death; Family Life; Hunger; Slavery; War AUNT ANNIE'S PRAYER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her magnified voice reverberates Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AUNT ANNIE'S PRAYER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her magnified voice reverberates Last Line: Praise god. %thank you, jesus. %amen. %amen Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life AUNT DYMPNA, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: She had blue hair, a kerry blue dog Last Line: Not even the name of the next cat Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland AUNT ELSIE'S NIGHT MUSIC, by MARY OLIVER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life AUNT MELISSA, by RODNEY THEODORE SMITH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Had perfect pitch Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, R. T. Subject(s): Family Life AUNT SELINA, by CAROL HAYNES Poem Text First Line: When aunt selina comes to tea Last Line: I hope she would not come again! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives AUNT SUE'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aunt sue has a head full of stories Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives AUNT SUE'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aunt sue has a head full of stories Last Line: Of a summer night %listening to aunt sue's stories Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life AURA, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: My aura is different from a hundred %others, the psychic tells me. Not smooth Last Line: And not that I want all this gold for myself, %this signal, this brief news of good. %not that I wan Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL, by ABRAHAM MOSES KLEIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Out of the ghetto streets where a jewboy Last Line: Delighting in the sobbed oriental note. Alternate Author Name(s): Klein, A. M. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Jews; Relatives; Judaism AUTOMATIC PILOT, by DEBORAH GORLIN Poem Source First Line: The night of his death, I feared the body's stupid continuance Last Line: In which there are no parents, nor children Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Parents AZRAEL'S CALL, by JAMES P. SCOFIELD Poem Source First Line: That, which seemed so far away Last Line: Then throws back his head, to take me in Subject(s): Business; Family Life; Spring; Telephones BACK TO MAKE THE BEARS SICK, by B. J. BUHROW Poem Source First Line: I saw a big trashy Last Line: Bony children back %to make the bears sick Subject(s): Animals; Bears; Family Life; Rudeness BACKYARD SWING SET, by THOMAS LUX Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Splayed, swayback, cheap pipe Subject(s): Home; Family Life; Relatives BAD GUYS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: We live the same: our way Last Line: Of our eyes for %any %bad guys Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness BAD MANAGER, by MARY SEWELL Poem Source First Line: Oh, fanny! My dear, what a beautiful pie! Last Line: To learn how you manage so well Subject(s): Family Life BAD WORD, by DAVID KELLER Poem Source First Line: The next door neighbor has bought one of those above-ground pools Last Line: For the back yard; it is what he wants his love to mean Subject(s): Cancer (disease); Family Life; Grief; Love; Neighbors BAKING DAY, by ROSEMARY JOSEPH Poem Source First Line: Thursday was baking day in our house Last Line: And rolling pastry, her untutored intelligence %all bent to wards nourishing her children Subject(s): Family Life BALANCE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He watch her like a coonhound watch a tree. Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Relatives BALANCE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He watch her like a coonhound watch a tree. Last Line: That hoe diverne think she marse tyler's wife. Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form BALI HAI CALLS MAMA, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As I was putting away the groceries Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Mothers; Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives BALLAD OF AUNT GENEVA, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Geneva was the wild one Last Line: And gave away her heart Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Racism BANKING POTATOES, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy would drop purple-veined vines Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Family Life; Potatoes; Relatives BANKING POTATOES, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy would drop purple-veined vines Last Line: & by mid-winter we had tunneled %back into the tomb of straw%unable to divide love from hunger Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Family Life; Potatoes BARBARA AT THE WINDOW, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Close at the window-pane barbara stands Last Line: Whatever you see, and wherever you go! Subject(s): Children; Family Life BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: A quiet tennessee childhood Last Line: Would you pay that price for fame? Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BE GLAD AND SING, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Have you a band of little ones Last Line: To him who doeth all things best. Subject(s): Blessings; Family Life; Home; Relatives BE GONE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Walk %or if you must Last Line: So good-bye and god speed Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BEACH AT FALMOUTH HEIGHTS, SUMMER, 1952, by THOMAS RABBITT Poem Source First Line: All the way from boston to the cape my daughters cry Last Line: To settle for being when those we loved are gone Subject(s): Family Life; Vacation BECAUSE I COULD NOT GO HOME FOR MY AUNT'S FUNERAL, by DEBRA KANG DEAN Poem Source First Line: Because my mother's parents were immigrants Last Line: She coasts down the hill, poised, a surfer riding the big wave Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life; Immigrants BEDLAM REVISITED, by JOHN CIARDI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody told me anythng much. I was born Last Line: Later they changed the number and we moved away Subject(s): Family Life BELOVED, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: In a reflective mood this morning Last Line: Connected with the divine source Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BENEATH THE SHADOW OF THE FREEWAY, by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the street -- the freeway Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives BENEATH THE SHADOW OF THE FREEWAY, by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the street -- the freeway Last Line: And trust only what I have built %with my own hands Subject(s): Family Life BETTER, by MIMMO IASIELLO Poem Source First Line: Now that I think of it, it was better Last Line: And protect, but most of all, a promise %to survive, to survive Subject(s): Family Life BETWEEN THE QUAY OF SAN NICOLAS AND THE SEA, by ANTONIO CISNEROS Poem Source First Line: There's a little sun still, the cables creak Last Line: Forgive me, forgive her Subject(s): Death - Children; Family Life BEYOND HIS REACH, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: He looked at his children, all nine Last Line: And loved his children like he loved question-marks. Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Fathers; Love BIG APPLE WEEKEND, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Sealed windows %facing canyons of cement and stone Last Line: Appreciated now, even more %in comparison Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BIG SISTER AND BIG BROTHER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Ziza plays her guitar Last Line: His running shoes Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life BIG SISTER TELLS ME THAT I'M BLACK, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: That we are proud %we shout out loud Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life BIOGRAPHY, by ROBERT PINSKY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Stone wheel that sharpens the blade that mows the grain, Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives BIRDWATCHING AT FAN LAKE, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: Our blue boat drifts Last Line: Full of hearts that beat quick and strong Subject(s): Family Life; History BIRKHILL: A MEMORY, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O'er thy lone beauty, sweet birkhill Last Line: "but faith and hope say, ""not for ever." Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Relatives BIRTH, by GEORGE ELLA LYON Poem Source First Line: In the steel room Subject(s): Family Life BIRTHDAY POEM, by JULIE CARR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Usually I am elsewhere Last Line: Summer is a gift I don't want to open Subject(s): Birthdays; Family Life; Poetry And Poets BLACK PARENT TO CHILD, by NAOMI FLOWE FAUST Poem Source First Line: Your world's wide open Last Line: The world's wide open, child; %walk right in Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life BLACK PIONEERS, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There, we'll put the chickens Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives BLACK PIONEERS, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There, we'll put the chickens Last Line: And buy you a fine cook-stove. %but, baby, first, let's try the bed... %(censored: they're making lo Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life BLESSING, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: May your eyes see beauty Last Line: Your kind heart %as I do Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BLOOD RELATIVES, by MICHELLE BYRNE Poem Source First Line: Because my mother is coming to visit Last Line: In sun, half darkened by shade Subject(s): Family Life; Gardens And Gardening BLUE AMBITION, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: She'd start novenas, %when you went off to barter Last Line: Granda, standing in your dream Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland BLUE COLLAR, by TONY GLOEGGLER Poem Source First Line: He never showed me how to get down, stay Last Line: A hand through my hair, went upstairs to bed Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Labor And Laborers BLUEBERRIES, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Driving north, the haze Last Line: In the blue cups of our hands Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland BODY POLITIC, by JULIE DUNLOP Poem Source First Line: They sleep under the bright colors they quilted Last Line: Looking down on the clatter of cook and clean Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Appalachia; Family Life; Native Americans BOG MAGIC, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Granda cut turf with old gael grace Last Line: A wizard willing deadweights into fuel Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland BOG PEOPLE, by DEBORAH GORLIN Poem Source First Line: In the gloomy afternoon, I look into their room and see them nap Last Line: Who says that we ever reached land Subject(s): Family Life BOHUNK LOVE, by DEBORAH O'HARRA Poem Source First Line: We're coming off the grapevine careening Last Line: Alive with their terrible love Subject(s): Family Life; Fights; Love; Politics BOOK LOVER, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: I would follow you anywhere, into the shelves Last Line: You were saving for a long rain. I'll be the spine %you open to the tender light. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love BOPPER: 4. ABACUS, by KARREN LALONDE ALENIER Poem Source First Line: In the last months he Last Line: His daughter %nothing Variant Title(s): Abacu Subject(s): Family Life BORDERS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Great grandma ida came from a small village Last Line: Who is daddy now to %me Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness BOTH MY GRANDMOTHERS 1. MY POLISH GRANDMA, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Grandma and the children left at night Last Line: To go to a new country Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Immigrants; Relatives BOTH MY GRANDMOTHERS 1. MY POLISH GRANDMA, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Grandma and the children left at night Last Line: To go to a new country Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Family Life BOVINE PREVARICATION, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: I have observed,' he stated Last Line: My conclusions? %cows lie! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina BOY IN AN OLD BROWN PHOTOGRAPH, by FREDRICK ZYDEK Poem Source First Line: The boy in the picture Last Line: That reads, 'fred at seventeen' Subject(s): Family Life; Photography And Photographers BRANCH: 1. RELATIVES, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This means even saint catherine of siena, who drank Last Line: Who died in childhood; maybe even the ghost Subject(s): Family Life BRANCH: 3. RELATIVES, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And the problem is we want to be a 'self,' a pure Last Line: In the deeps of the pacific: our cousins, contacting us Subject(s): Family Life; Self BRANCH: 5. RELATIVES, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That year, the kirkhill orphanage released his set of documents Last Line: Is the original endometrium. Even the haze and the lights Subject(s): Family Life BREAKFAST IS MY BEST MEAL: OVERHEARD AT CARLSBAD, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Breakfast is my best meal, and I reckon it's always been Last Line: But it fairly makes me sick! Breakfast is my best meal. Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Cooking & Cooks; Family Life; Food & Eating; Cookery; Relatives BRIEF MOMENT OF FATHERS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Finally in the dark quiet, in the arms Last Line: Wading in without you, to the edge %of his milky dreams. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love BRONISLAW, by MARGARET C. SZUMOWSKI Poem Source First Line: Mother's borsht was steaming red Last Line: Bronislaw,' he answered Subject(s): Family Life; Immigrants; Poland BROTHER, by WILLIAM ROSE BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could not tell you though I were crucified Last Line: Aye, and when my need was, brother through the night! Subject(s): Brotherhood; Family Life; Love - Nature Of; Men; Relationships; Relatives BROTHER, by MICHAEL DONAGHY Poem Source First Line: Dropping a canape in my beaujolais Last Line: I must break bread with my own flesh and blood Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life BROTHER, by RICHARD SHELTON Poem Source First Line: You still carry Subject(s): Family Life BROTHER AND SISTER, by MARY ANN EVANS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I cannot choose but think upon the time Last Line: I would be born a little sister there. Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, George; Cross, Marian Lewes; Evans, Marian; Ann, Mary Variant Title(s): "i Cannot Choose But Think Upon The Time""; Subject(s): Adolescence; Brothers & Sisters; Evans, Isaac; Family Life; Maturity; Memory; Teen Agers; Relatives BROTHERLY LOVE; OR, THE SITE OF KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910) Poem Text First Line: There is a sweet traditionary tale Last Line: Each with the golden sheaves within his arms. Subject(s): Brothers; Churches; Family Life; Harvest; Love - Nature Of; Half-brothers; Cathedrals; Relatives BROTHERS, by WILLIAM KLOEFKORN Poem Source First Line: Through the livingroom window Last Line: And abracadabra %disappeared Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Memory BRR..., by PETER READING Poem Source First Line: When the telephone %stridently pierces the dark: Last Line: Did I love my mom enough? %whaddabout my pop?' Subject(s): Death; Family Life BUCOLIC COMEDY: EN FAMILLE, by EDITH SITWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In early spring-time, after their tea Last Line: "as greenwich, or as bath, or joppa!" Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives BUILDING WATCH AT COURTHOUSE, VIRGINIA, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: As little sonnets labor to be wired Last Line: While hard-hats whistling dixie take a leak Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland BUMS AT BREAKFAST, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daily, the bums sat down to eat in our kitchen. Subject(s): Begging & Beggars; Family Life; Food & Eating; Morning; Relatives BURRO, by RICHARD FROST Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Posing beside the huge rattlesnake head at the mexican pyramid are Last Line: All my family are dead Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Travel BUSINESS AS USUAL, by MARK VINZ Poem Source First Line: Under the dining room light Last Line: Growing loud %in the last lovely light %of the moon, the moon, the moon Subject(s): Family Life BUTSUMA, by BERN MULVEY Poem Source First Line: Time to meet the relatives, only they're dead Last Line: She says to me, we will need your picture too, %just in case Subject(s): Death; Family Life BUTTER, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother loves butter more than I do Last Line: Out, one hundred megawatts of butter Subject(s): Butter; Family Life; Relatives BUYING THE DOG, by MICHAEL ONDAATJE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He's shy buck mcleish says Subject(s): Family Life BY CURE OF SULFA, by CHARLES OLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See where, gathered, the wharves Last Line: Father, son & sardine sandwich / of gloucester! Subject(s): Gloucester, Massachusetts; Family Life CAMPUS POET, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, %I've great pleasure in presenting myself Last Line: Whose not visiting has made my poetry prosperous %my tenure talked about Subject(s): Family Life - India CANADIAN FOLK SONG, by WILLIAM WILFRED CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The doors are shut, the windows fast Last Line: Singeth the kettle merrily. Alternate Author Name(s): Campbell, W. W. Variant Title(s): Margery Maketh The Tea Subject(s): Family Life; Canada CANNING TIME, by ROBERT MORGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The floor was muddy with the juice of peaches Subject(s): Family Life CARD SHARKS, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: They all sat around Last Line: If I deal the next hand?' Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life; Reunions; Uncles CARPENTER'S DAUGHTER, by CATHERINE HARNETT SHAW Poem Source First Line: Watched her father Subject(s): Family Life CASA WAPPY; THE CHILD'S PET-NAME, CHOSEN BY HIMSELF, by DAVID MACBETH MOIR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: And hast thou sought thy heavenly home Last Line: Casa wappy! Alternate Author Name(s): Delta Subject(s): Children - Lost; Death; Family Life; Grief; Mothers & Sons; Dead, The; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness CATECHISMS: TALKING WITH A FOUR-YEAR-OLD, by GEORGE ELLA LYON Poem Source First Line: What's the oldest thing that's living? Subject(s): Family Life CELEBRATING THE SEASON, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: House decorated %with touches of christmas Last Line: Suffering with satisfaction Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina CEMETERY WALK, by BARBARA L. THOMAS Poem Source First Line: Trees %spring limbed Subject(s): Family Life CHAMBERS OF THE HEART, by RANDY BLASING Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Since I know by heart the floor plan Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives CHAMPAGNE HOUR, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Lawrence welk strikes up %his twenty pieces. Last Line: Past the bathroom door %her arms clink %with four, maybe five, bottles. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love CHARADE, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have loved, through years of happiness Last Line: Of my whole another gain. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Marriage; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives CHARADE, by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My first and my second, united, display Last Line: And his successor came into office next morning. Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E. Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Marriage; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives CHARLES, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: At twenty-one Last Line: A strong and precious daughter Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina CHARLES DI TOCCA, by CALE YOUNG RICE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Zoe %hurry, basil! Hurry Last Line: Was powerless as flowers along its path Subject(s): Courts And Courtiers; Death; Family Life; Greece; Hate; Love; Plays And Playwrights CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA, MANY HAPPY RETURNS, SELS., by JOHN REIBETANZ Poem Source First Line: Dear uncle chris, welcome back to my mind Last Line: Tasting, et fangs that bit deep, and went numb Subject(s): Family Life; Reason CHILD ON THE CLIFF, by PHILIP EDWARD THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mother, the root of this little yellow flower Last Line: I should be happy if that could be Alternate Author Name(s): Eastaway, Edward; Thomas, Edward Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Memory CHILD ON THE MARSH, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I worked the rivers slick banks, grabbling Last Line: And heard the earths voice under me Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives CHILDREN, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Let me say this love, %we've passed into units Last Line: For you see our weighted sighs, %in their young bodies %holding wise Subject(s): Family Life - India CHINAMAN'S HAT, NORTH SHORE, OAHU, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: It's mr. Chang alright, %bent so deep Last Line: With grandchildren he can scarcely recognize %deep in the folds of his hatless mortality Subject(s): Family Life - India CHINESE SPACE, by MEI-MEI BERSSENBRUGGE Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Houses; Beijing. China; Ancestors & Ancestry; Relatives; Heritage; Heredity CHONG XIN, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Chong xin, my little brother, left us Last Line: Were green and full of joyful sparrows Variant Title(s): Chung Shi Subject(s): Family Life - China CHOPIN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's sunday evening. Pomp holds the receipts Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Relatives CHOPIN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's sunday evening. Pomp holds the receipts Last Line: And plays chopin. And blessed are the meek %who have to buy in white men's stores next week Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form CHOSEN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Diverne wanted to die, that august night Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Relatives CHOSEN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Diverne wanted to die, that august night Last Line: Share of the future. And it wasn't rape. %in spite of her raw terror. And his whip Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form CHRISTMAS IN DUBLIN, by NUALA ARCHER Poem Source First Line: It is the cat within us Last Line: And to gather the guarded crumbs Subject(s): Christmas; Dinners And Dining; Dublin, Ireland; Family Life - Ireland; Holidays; Travel CIRCLES, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: She seems to go round %in circles as narrow Last Line: In hot air, like a child's %circle on a steamy pane Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE:FALL RIVER HISTORICAL MUSEUM, by JAN HELLER LEVI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You know how it is: august, the pears Subject(s): Family Life; Murder; Relatives CLAY AND WATER, by SANDRA HOCHMAN Poem Source First Line: In my father's brickyard Subject(s): Family Life CLEANING THE WELL, by PAUL DEAN RUFFIN Poem Source First Line: Each spring there was the well to be cleaned Subject(s): Family Life CLEARING FOR A NEW HOUSE, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Long before the front-end loader Last Line: And the ones we will keep Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland CLOSE RELATIVES, by RICHARD MURRAY Poem Source First Line: You removed yourself so completely Last Line: The location of your doorbell Subject(s): Family Life CLOTHESLINES, by VIRGIL SUAREZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The day my mother stood in the kitchen Last Line: Kicked upo into my own eyes Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Cuba CLOUDS, by LAURIE J. LAMON Poem Source First Line: On the news, a man named mark explains Last Line: Without hunger, without grieving, without body Subject(s): Change; Clouds; Family Life; Weather CLUES, by BENEDICT AUER Poem Source First Line: Neatly folded undergarments Subject(s): Family Life COAL, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He made a living selling land and coal Last Line: He made a living Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Business; Fathers; Relatives COAL, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He made a living selling land and coal Last Line: His signature is firm, decisive, bold: %he made a living Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life COAT, by DANIEL TOBIN Poem Source First Line: Always it will be too big for me, this gift Last Line: Along its length, the frayed stiches, the pattern %of small bones Subject(s): Clothing And Dress; Family Life; History COLLAGE, by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Summers / summers Last Line: Summers / summers Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Subject(s): Family Life; Summer COMMENCEMENT, PINGREE SCHOOL, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among these north shore tennis tans I sit Last Line: Up pops a daddy with a nikon. Click Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives COMMENCEMENT, PINGREE SCHOOL, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among these north shore tennis tans I sit Subject(s): Family Life COMMON LIGHT, by STEPHEN ORLEN Poem Source First Line: That which I should have done Alternate Author Name(s): Orlen, Steve Subject(s): Family Life COMPANION PIECES, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: You come to the summit alone, Last Line: Alone at the summit, he dips his long cup, %her wings budding all day in his bright heart. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love CONCEIT, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother's afraid to get angry Subject(s): Brothers; Anger; Letters; Family Life; Half-brothers; Relatives CONCERNING HER BLACKBIRD, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: By the oil lamp she was sewing as I glued my Last Line: Would not change me into a blackbird Subject(s): Family Life - China CONDUCT UNBECOMING, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Professional caregivers - rns, cns Last Line: They could have been making fun of my mother! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina CONFESSIONS, by CORTNEY DAVIS Poem Source First Line: That time father spanked me (the only time, he said), I wanted him Last Line: From his throat. Who turned off the alarm? She cried, who %turned off the alarm? Subject(s): Confessions; Family Life CONFESSIONS OF A COURTEOUS SOUTHERN WOMAN: SAYING THE MAGIC WORDS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Passion is one thing, %but what about raising. Last Line: I say please and thank you %and come out, come out, %like late, long rides. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love CONFUSION, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: This is confusion translated %from one part of the head to another Last Line: You shouldn't answer any questions Subject(s): Family Life - India CONVERSATION WITH A SON, by SHIRLEY GATES COCHRANE Poem Source First Line: He brings me seasoned wood Subject(s): Family Life CORNELIA'S REPLY, by WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Cornelia, a matron of ancient rome Last Line: The pure quenchless light of a mother's love! Subject(s): Family Life; Housewives; Love; Mothers & Sons; Rome, Italy; Wealth; Relatives; Riches; Fortunes COUNTRY MARRIAGE, by CAROL FROST Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They married out of school Subject(s): Marriage; Family Life; Poverty; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives COUNTRY SCHOOL, by LORNA CROZIER Poem Source First Line: Inside the schoolhouse Last Line: Toward any kind of light Subject(s): Classmates; Family Life; Prairies; Schools; Teaching And Teachers COURIER, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Eleven days passed Last Line: And the pregnant promise of %next time Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina COUSIN ELLA GOES TO TOWN, by GEORGE ELLA LYON Poem Source First Line: Now you have to promise Subject(s): Family Life; Identity COVERS, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Glass covers windows %to keep the cold away Last Line: Blankets cover me %when I'm asleep Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life COWS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Knee deep in may with grassy june before them Last Line: Pleasure: led dimly off, their only madness, flies Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland COYOTE CREEK, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It was a small canyon, very small Last Line: While the sun sank all at once behind him. Subject(s): Family Life; Gifts & Giving; Nature; Prayer; Relatives CRACKING UP, by AMY UYEMATSU Poem Source First Line: By far the most handsome of all the velasco boys, jesse got drafted in '68 Last Line: Waiting to be let back inside Subject(s): Accidents; Family Life; Miracles; Tragedy CRAZY QUILT, by SUSAN KELLY-DEWITT Poem Source First Line: #name? Last Line: Applique, a tree of life behind her eyes Subject(s): Family Life; Insanity; Life CRAZY TUTTLE, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: Today aunt ella is the only person Last Line: It could have meant %go plow corn.' Subject(s): Family Life CRICKETS WENT ON SINGING, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I remember the night you told me Last Line: Your smile half-crazed before you forgot Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Medicine; Nurses CROQUET, by DAVID HUDDLE Poem Source First Line: This decorous, nineteenth-century Last Line: And in dining-room tones %says, 'keep your manners but play for keeps' Subject(s): Family Life CROW COME FROM, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: No one will listen Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Domestic Relations; Family Life; Nature; Psychoanalysis CROWS AT THE SUMMER PALACE, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Dissipated feathers on roofs, why roll Last Line: Queens are dead. No kings sit on the throne Subject(s): Family Life - China CRUELTY, DON'T TALK TO ME ABOUT CRUELTY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I never know what I might do Subject(s): Cruelty; Family Life; Cockroaches CURRICULUM VITAE, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born in a free city, near the north sea Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Birth; Family Life; Parents; Child Birth; Midwifery; Relatives; Parenthood DAD'S ACCORDION, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Dad, no matter how you played it to your daughter Last Line: Because it frightened you,' was all you said Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland DAD'S DINKY, by JOHN REINHARD Poem Source First Line: At the wake, dad drank Last Line: And drank long from a tall, clear glass Subject(s): Alcoholics And Alcoholism; Family Life; Fathers DAFFODIL DAYS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I bought the daffodils Last Line: Do not bloom for me, I ask, %do not bloom Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Nurses DAGUERREOTYPE OF A GRANDMOTHER, by CELESTE TURNER WRIGHT Poem Source First Line: Is this the sum of her, or was she human? Subject(s): Family Life DAILY, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These shriveled seeds we plan Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives DANCING BOOTS, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: The screen door slams against the concrete wall of the house as I run out the Last Line: To the sideline, my brother and I Subject(s): Adolescence; Dancing And Dancers; Family Life; Teenagers DANIEL AT BREAKFAST, by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His paper propped against the electric toaster Alternate Author Name(s): Hayden, Charles, Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives DANSE RUSSE, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If when my wife is sleeping Last Line: The happy genius of my household? Subject(s): Family Life; Men; Solitude; Relatives; Loneliness DARKEST LEAVES, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I recall the morning crying awake Last Line: In & out of rooms, & dreams, %through the darkest leaves Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland DAUGHTERS, 1900, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Five daughters, in the slant light on the porch Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Relatives DAUGHTERS, 1900, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Five daughters, in the slant light on the porch Last Line: The fourth concedes, 'well, maybe not in church...' %five daughters in the slant light on the porch Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form DAWENDINE, by EMILY PAULINE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's a spirit on the river, there's a ghost upon the shore Last Line: And the shadows of the shore. Alternate Author Name(s): Tekahionwake Subject(s): Family Life; Ghosts; Hate; Legends; Love; Supernatural; Vendetta; Relatives; Feuds DEAR TOGETHERNESS, by WILLIAM CHANNING GANNETT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I dreamed of paradise, - and still Last Line: To still go on, and go together Subject(s): Family Life DEAREST, by JEAN VALENTINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This day broke Subject(s): Family Life; Disappointment; Relatives DEATHWATCH, by BARTON SUTTER Poem Source First Line: This woman is nobody's woman Last Line: Checkmark in the dark Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Mourning DEDICATION, by RICK BURSKY Poem Source First Line: My father was dedicated to his work Last Line: Yes,' he said, 'the world is a small place.' Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers DELIVERED, by A. ANDERS GRAFSTROM Poem Text First Line: The night was chilly -- home gunnar sped Last Line: The deliverer came—it was death! Subject(s): Death; Family Life; God; Hunger; Poverty; Salvation; Dead, The; Relatives DELROY AND FRIEND, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: We laugh strongest because we laugh Last Line: And winner ate dug-up dirt Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DELROY THE DANCER-EXPLORER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: I dance myself all clear Last Line: A dancer-boy explorer Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DELROY THE SKATEBOARD ROLLER, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Sittn down is all immobility Last Line: To roll with, calm calm, without end Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DESTIN, by ROGER MITCHELL Poem Source First Line: 44, the last summer of the war Last Line: Of what I've now seen fifty times in reruns Subject(s): Children; Family Life; War DETAILS, by ANN SIMS Poem Source First Line: Mama sensed a quiet glow Last Line: Let's not bother %your daddy %with details Subject(s): Details; Family Life DEVOTION, by MINNETTE SLAYBACK CARPER Poem Text First Line: She stole a moment from each day of toil Last Line: The grass is clipped, and flowers are planted there. Subject(s): Family Life; Women; Man-woman Relationships DID MY SONS FORGET, by MARILYN ELAINE CARMEN Poem Source First Line: Two mother's day cards Subject(s): Family Life DIETER'S DAUGHTER, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: Mom's got this taco guy's poem Last Line: Melons we eat %down %to the bitter rind Subject(s): Family Life; History DIPPING CANDLES IN VERMONT, by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A-dipping candles used to be Last Line: Can turn no tastier trick today. Subject(s): Family Life; Grandchildren; Vermont; Relatives; Grandsons; Granddaughters DIRTY-BILLED FREEZE FOOTY, by JUDITH HEMSCHEMEYER Poem Source First Line: Remember that saturday morning Last Line: Whenever she caught sight of you %it would start all over again Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Mothers; Sisters DISTANT FOOTSTEPS, by CESAR VALLEJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father sleeps. His august expression Last Line: Down them, my heart travels on foot Subject(s): Absence; Family Life; Love; Parents DIVERNE'S HOUSE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The house of myth Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives DIVERNE'S HOUSE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The house of myth Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life DIVERNE'S WALTZ, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Diverne stands in the kitchen as they dance Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Relatives DIVERNE'S WALTZ, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Diverne stands in the kitchen as they dance Last Line: Who knows? Next week, next month, I could be dead Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form DIVINATION SHOWED MY PLACE AMONG THESE BUNCHED CLIFFS, by HAN SHAN Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: Empty fame has no value Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Family Life - China; Zen Buddhism DOESN'T A DIFFERENCE MAKE FRIENDS TALK?, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My dad watches a ball game Last Line: But isn't she messy? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DOING LAUNDRY, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Please, lord, no! Last Line: When son #2 was away in college! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina DOMESDAY BOOK: HENRY MURRAY, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Henry murray, father of elenor murray Last Line: The while she spoke: Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Marriage; Youth; Dead, The; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives DOMESDAY BOOK: MRS. MURRAY, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think, she said at first / my daughter did not kill herself. I'm sure Last Line: And talk about the case. Subject(s): Daughters; Family Life; Life; Marriage; Suicide; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives DOMESTIC, by CARL PHILLIPS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If, when studying road atlases Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Love; Family Life; Travel; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Relatives; Journeys; Trips DOMESTIC HAPPINESS, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Away: let nought to love displeasing Last Line: And I'll go wooing in my boys Subject(s): Family Life;happiness;love - Marital; Relatives;joy;delight;wedded Love;marriage - Love DOMESTIC INTERIOR, by STEPHANIE BROWN Poem Source First Line: A loose cannon always marries a wet blanket Last Line: Really, she still likes the macho stuff. He likes, he hates %her mouth Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Marriage DOMESTIC SCENES, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was nearly daylight when she gave birth to the child, Subject(s): Family Life; Stillbirth; Marriage; Death; Fights; Murder; Poisons & Poisoning; Relatives; Death - Childbirth; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Dead, The DOMESTIC SURREALISM: THE LATE GUESTS, by BRUCE COHEN Poem Source First Line: Rattled from traffic & zombied from the prognosis, & me Last Line: Really, it's courageous & life affirming, but what else can you do? Subject(s): Family Life DOMICILES, by TENAYA DARLINGTON Poem Source First Line: At the 310 bistro, we order snails and chew them slow. My father and I with Last Line: Lips shamelessly buttery, watches a blonde at the next table wiggle out of her coat Subject(s): Family Life; Food And Eating; Restaurants; Snails DOORS, DOORS, DOORS: 3. YOUNG GIRL, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear love, as simple as some distant call Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Theology DOROTHY Q; A FAMILY PORTRAIT, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Grandmother's mother: her age I guess Last Line: Through a second youth of a hundred years. Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Quincy, Dorothy; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers DREAM FEAST: 1. THE SLEEPER'S SONG, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The thrust of the dragon's tight bone Last Line: At certain times of the year, %the sea vomits blood Subject(s): Family Life; History DREAM FEAST: 2. THE DRAGON'S DREAM, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The dragon's dream fires tongues Last Line: When I look into them, I see myself %within a halo of dreams Subject(s): Family Life; History DREAM FEAST: 3. THE FEAST, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The sphinx, denied a voice Last Line: The crouching sphinx swallows my name. %at her smile, the feast begins Subject(s): Family Life; History DREAMERS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: It's an easy drift into their domain Last Line: Next to the nightlamp even now shining %through this starlight Subject(s): Family Life - India DREENA'S NOTEBOOK THAT MAKES PEOPLE LAUGH, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My drawings come bright Last Line: He'd been really nasty to me Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life DRIFTWOOD FOUND ON THE GREENBRIER TRAIL, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Something to mark the day, you said, Last Line: Pulled over their eyes. Their mouths %set against weeping. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love DRUM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy says the world is Last Line: I'm gonna beat %out my own rhythm Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life DRY GRASS & OLD COLOR OF THE FENCE & SMOOTH HILLS, by LINDA GREGG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The women are at home in this california town Subject(s): Women; California; Family Life DUCKS, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In her first home each book had a light around it Last Line: The ducks were building a nest. Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ducks; Family Life; Iran; War; Mallards; Drakes; Relatives; Persia DUH, by BOB HICOK Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father is silent and distant Last Line: From rolling over my head one day Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Memory; Relatives DUH, by BOB HICOK Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father is silent and distant Last Line: From rolling over my head one day Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Memory DUTY CALL, by BURGES JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: On sundays I jus' love to dine Last Line: An' gives me heaps o' things to eat. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Mothers; Pity; Sabbath; Temperance; Childhood; Relatives; Sunday; Prohibition EAST OF CARTHAGE: AN IDYLL, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look here, marcus aurelius, weve come to see Last Line: Ts tentacles sewing a rupture I had nursed for too long Subject(s): Coming Of Age; Middle Age; Aging; Libya; Ancestors & Ancestry; Family Life; Mythology; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives EASTER SUNDAY, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: Driving to the mountains at noon Last Line: Family together %give thanks %we eat now Subject(s): Dinners And Dining; Easter; Family Life; Food And Eating; Holidays; Native Americans; Togetherness EASTERN EAGLE FACED WOMAN, by PEGGY O'CONNELL Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life ECLIPSE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Above us the table of night Last Line: On the night of your thirtieth year Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland ECLOGUE: FATHER COME HWOME, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O mother, mother! Be the teaties done? Last Line: Zoo I shall goo up out o' the waÿ o' the waggon. Subject(s): Family Life; Farm Life; Fathers; Food & Eating; Homecoming; Winter; Relatives; Agriculture; Farmers EDWIN A. NELMS, by SHERYL LYNNE NELMS Poem Source First Line: The quick flick of a smile Subject(s): Family Life EFFIE'S REASONS, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me, effie, while you are sitting Last Line: "just because I love him so!" Subject(s): Brothers; Likes & Dislikes; Family Life ELEGY A LITTLE, by DONALD REVELL Poem Full Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Linoleum and half a dozen eggs Subject(s): Family Life; Sisters; Relatives ELEGY FOR BELLS, by SARAH HANNAH GOLDSTEIN Poem Source First Line: Do you remember the sound of the old phone ringing? Last Line: The pain in it ringing, %and in it ringing no longer Subject(s): Absence; Bells; Family Life; Telephones ELLEN, by RIC MASTEN Poem Source First Line: My youngest daughter Last Line: My youngest daughter likes to do this %is it one of the few times %she has my full attention Subject(s): Family Life ELMER BROWN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Awf'lest boy in this-here town Last Line: "here's the way you look!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Boys; Family Life; Towns; Relatives ELOPEMENT, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm out at the home of my mary Last Line: Well -- none of the family is there. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): Elopements; Family Life; Relatives ENCOUNTER, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Can you imagine that I, a landlord's son Last Line: My feet, entangled with the sedge roots, %sinking deep into the oozy mud Subject(s): Family Life - China ENGINE WORK, by MORRIS CREECH Poem Source First Line: The afternoon rinsed in the scent Last Line: To fire the lonely engine of the heart Subject(s): Automobiles - Maintenance And Repair; Family Life; Photography And Photographers ERNIE'S WISH, by PHIL WEIDMAN Poem Source First Line: When I was 11 my Last Line: The joyful pride I %felt left me Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Hunting ESSENTIAL MEDICINE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: In temples, palaces, museums Last Line: And bird melodies on a cool spring morning Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina ESTHER: 19, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You know the story of my birth, the name Subject(s): Birth; Family Life; Fthers; Death; Child Birth; Midwifery; Relatives; Dead, The EVEN AS A DRAGON'S EYE THAT FEELS THE STRESS, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: While hearts and voices in the song unite Subject(s): Family Life; Mountains EVERYBODY AND HIS UNCLE, by RON PADGETT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was waiting to happen. Subject(s): Family Life; Driving & Drivers; Relatives EXPLORATIONS: 2. BRONCHITIS: THE ROSARIO BEACH HOUSE, by ALEIDA RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: At dawn - the sea monster slept Last Line: The house trembled with my coughs %and the breaths of my phantoms at night Subject(s): Family Life EXTENDED FAMILY, by JANICE LOWE Poem Source First Line: No one notices the man wiggling like jelly at the front door Last Line: No lie %damn skippy Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers EXTENDED FAMILY ROMANCE, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was so fat my kids couldn't wrap their arms around Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives EXTENDED FAMILY ROMANCE, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was so fat my kids couldn't wrap their arms around Last Line: Alcoholic who'd stand half-naked at the window when grandfather shoveled Subject(s): Family Life EYES OF SOON CHILDREN, by HONOREE FANONNE JEFFERS Poem Source First Line: How does my father Last Line: And name him as one of us Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Fathers FABLE OF A THREE YEAR OLD, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: A hole is something you make to grow Last Line: Cuz I don't tell him %where I hid his baseball bat Subject(s): Family Life - India FABLE OF HEARTS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Our daddy isn't tall, %our mom is taller Last Line: We can hide in it %until they find us Subject(s): Family Life - India FABLE OF THE COARSE ROSE, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: The path of the rose was uncharted Last Line: And buried next to frankenstein Subject(s): Family Life - India FABLE OF THE TALKER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: He was born while the oracles %withered in their tongues Last Line: When he heard that, he laughed, %wrapped himself in silence and set a trap Subject(s): Family Life - India FACTS OF LIFE, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: My father, teetotaler, vegetarian, %took two baths a day Last Line: Come to celebrate shiva's victory %over one demon or another Subject(s): Family Life - India FALL JOURNEY, by WILLIAM EDGAR STAFFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Evening came, a paw, to the gray hut by the river Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Relatives FALL JOURNEY, by WILLIAM EDGAR STAFFORD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Evening came, a paw, to the gray hut by the river Last Line: And then I stopped: my father's eyes were gray Subject(s): Family Life; Memory FALL OF EIFFEL TOWER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: This is an ad which illustrates %how to bring over there over here Last Line: Hello, am I reaching someone there Subject(s): Family Life - India FALL RIVER, by DAVID RIVARD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Fathers & Sons; Basketball; Family Life; Anger; Relatives FAMILIAL, by JACQUES PREVERT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The mother does knitting Last Line: Life with the graveyard Subject(s): Family Life; War FAMILIES, FAMILIES, by DOROTHY S. STRICKLAND Poem Source Last Line: Caring and sharing, %and loving you Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life FAMILY, by JAMEY DUNHAM Poem Source First Line: A child who always gets his way decides he wants to trade places with the Last Line: Stoop for the son who disappeared into the night Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Children; Family Life FAMILY, by MARIE HARRIS Poem Source First Line: Charter's father invites family to lunch when he has something Last Line: Visit by visit, jose widens his world to include these woods, these people, our lives Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Grandchildren FAMILY, by TANIKAWA SHUNTARO Poem Source First Line: Elder sister, %who is coming, in the loft? Last Line: We are all here Subject(s): Family Life; Sisters FAMILY BIBLE, by JAMES DOYLE Poem Source First Line: They would leave nothing to chance Last Line: Filling up with family names Subject(s): Bible; Family Life FAMILY BIBLE, by AL MASARIK Poem Source First Line: I didn't know him long Last Line: From the family bible Subject(s): Family Life; Fights; Holidays FAMILY CARES, by ANNETTE WYNNE Poem Text First Line: I have but one child-cora ann Last Line: That, really, I should like to know. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; January; Mothers; Childhood; Relatives FAMILY COURT, by OGDEN NASH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One would be in less danger Last Line: Were more fun to be with Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY CUPS, by STEPHEN ORLEN Poem Source First Line: I place two cups beside each other Alternate Author Name(s): Orlen, Steve Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY DYNAMICS, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Their five year old city grandson Last Line: And come to you in summer.' Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina FAMILY EVENING, by DANIEL HUWS Poem Source First Line: With banked fire to mark the occasion Last Line: Whereafter none may part but be %the rat leaving a sinking ship Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY GATHERING, by KJELL ESPMARK Poem Source First Line: This park %with its over-bright floating tree-tops Last Line: But the movement in what he says %is another word for freedom Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Photography And Photographers FAMILY GROUP, by ARCHIBALD MACLEISH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That's my younger brother with his navy wings Alternate Author Name(s): Fleming, Archibald Subject(s): Brothers; World War Ii; Family Life; Half-brothers; Second World War; Relatives FAMILY LAUGH, by MICHAEL ALAN MCFEE Poem Source First Line: On my way from the kitchen to the living room Last Line: It baffled the animals, but god saw that it was good Subject(s): Family Life; Laughter FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH, by GERALD VIZENOR Poem Source First Line: Among trees %my father was a spruce Last Line: Taking up the city and losing at cards Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY PORTRAIT, by CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Yes, this family portrait Last Line: Travelling through the flesh Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY PORTRAIT, by KENNETH PATCHEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great tarry wings splatter softly up out of the rotting yolk of sun. In the Subject(s): Family Life; Portraits; Story-telling; Relatives FAMILY PORTRAIT, by KENNETH PATCHEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great tarry wings splatter softly up out of the rotting yolk of sun. In the Last Line: Candles dripping slowly down on his stiff, dark clothes Subject(s): Family Life; Portraits; Story-telling FAMILY PORTRAIT, by TANIKAWA SHUNTARO Poem Source First Line: Filled with water Last Line: The night is quietly %beginning to dawn Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY QUARRELS; EPIGRAM, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A fool,' said jeanette, 'is a creature I hate' Last Line: "to be found in a family quarrel!" Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives FAMILY REUNION, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Outside in the street I hear Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Reunions; Family Life; Relatives FAMILY ROMANCE, by LARRY LEVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sister once of weeds & a dark water that held still Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage; Failure; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives FAMILY SAGA, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: Sherman's army was going to cross Last Line: The enemy where they were Subject(s): Family Life FAMILY STORIES, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a boyfriend who told me stories about his family Subject(s): Family Life; Story-telling; Women; Relatives FAMILY STORIES, by DORIANNE LAUX Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a boyfriend who told me stories about his family Last Line: Deep in the icing, a few still burning Subject(s): Family Life; Story-telling; Women FAMOUS MAN, by HORTENSE KING FLEXNER Poem Text First Line: Fluttered across his face Last Line: Of his father. Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Family Life; Parents; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives; Parenthood FAREWELL TO FARGO: SELLING THE HOUSE, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Olivia is dying. Bring your best black dress Last Line: Its spring and slams. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Property; Dead, The; Relatives; Possessions FARNEY'S SISTER, by DENNIS SCHMITZ Poem Source First Line: The storm expected for many days had tasted Last Line: To look up at farney's sister, I can't Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Pictures; Sisters FATE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: He rises before dawn Last Line: Long days recycle themselves Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina FATHER, by PAUL CARROLL Poem Source First Line: How sick I get %of your ghost Last Line: This underpass is endless Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Fathers; Ireland; St. Patrick's Day FATHER, by TIBOR GYURKOVICS Poem Source First Line: My children grow up Last Line: Toward my own maze Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Parents FATHER'S JEWELRY BOX, by HENRI COLE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home for a weekend retreat Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives FATHER, WHEN I WAS SIX, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: The wind flung down the firs that stood on tiptoe Last Line: The moonlight anchored in your grasp Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FATHERS, by MICHAEL JOSEPH HEFFERNAN Poem Source First Line: We talked to our jamesons at closing time Last Line: To somebody else two or three blocks over %who yelled back once. It got quiet after that Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Dublin, Ireland; Family Life - Ireland; Fathers FEAR OF IRISH SONS, by PAUL T. HOGAN Poem Source First Line: I have this notion of you: irish Last Line: I fear of my first son Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Fathers And Sons FEBRUARY, 1951, by THOM TAMMARO Poem Source First Line: In the cold middle of the month, in th late gray sky afternoon, a young Last Line: His place in this watery world Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Marriage FICTIONS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Mixing words %on this side of the room Last Line: For the evening news %wrapped heavily in blankets Subject(s): Family Life - India FIELD, by DAVID HUDDLE Poem Source First Line: The breeze stops, the afternoon heat rises Last Line: But from %the next it is fixed in shadow and light Subject(s): Family Life FIFTH GRADE AUTOBIOGRAPHY, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was four in this photograph fishing Last Line: But I remember his hands Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Hands; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers FIFTH GRADE AUTOBIOGRAPHY, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was four in this photograph fishing Last Line: But I remember his hands Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Hands FINALLY, by MARILYN KALLET Poem Source First Line: Finally (one year down) I dreamed my mother Last Line: With sleek hides instead of howling Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Mothers; Relationships; Southern States FINGER LAKES, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: We stand in the shower Last Line: And towel each other before it gets cold Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: We had never grasped hands Last Line: (which after all, was thicker than water) Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FIRST HOUR, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: This will never happen to me Last Line: My shaky, learning hands Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Nurses FIRST PASSION, by MARY KINZIE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Running there I am at fourteen Last Line: Golden gossip of the afternoon Subject(s): Teenagers; Family Life; Relatives FIRST SNOW, by SHARON CHMIELARZ Poem Source First Line: Mom sits by the living room window Last Line: Firmly on the door %without once using a fist Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Parents; Snow FIRST SURF, by EMANUEL DI PASQUALE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little sparrow / attempting his Last Line: Fearful for my children Alternate Author Name(s): Pasquale, Emanuel Di Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives FIRST SURF, by EMANUEL DI PASQUALE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little sparrow %attempting his Alternate Author Name(s): Pasquale, Emanuel Di Subject(s): Family Life FLAMENCO, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Leave her alone, dad said. She's learning something this time. Last Line: Goes off like this, when I have to prepare myself for another rescue Subject(s): Family Life; Singing & Singers; Relatives; Songs FLAVORS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Mama is chocolate: you must be swirls %of dark fudge Last Line: Flips of sprinkles %on your %summer %face Variant Title(s): Flavors (1 Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Race Awareness FLAVORS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Daddy is vanilla: you must be mean %old %bean Last Line: But mostly you %are vanilla %up %your %arms Variant Title(s): Flavors (2 Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness FLAVORS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Me %is better %butter: I must be %pecans Last Line: It is a new flavor. %for %love Variant Title(s): Flavors (3 Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness FLESH, by JOAN LARKIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hooves were forbidden, but she fed us Subject(s): Food & Eating; Family Life; Relatives FLORENCE AND ERNIE, by FLORENCE WEINBERGER Poem Source First Line: I walked in. He said florence Last Line: And what did they want her to give Subject(s): Family Life FLYING INTO ST. LOUIS, by HAYDEN CARRUTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is socked in. Can't see a thing. Nor have I ever Last Line: And boarded the plane to san francisco. Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Parents; St. Louis, Missouri; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Parenthood FLYING TO IRELAND, AGAIN, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: It's like looking down on a quilt Last Line: And left it behind in belclare Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FLYING TO SAUSALITO WITH MY SISTER, by CATHY SMITH BOWERS Poem Source First Line: In a cloud above the badlands Last Line: En route to our %dying brother Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Travel FOG, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Our hospital sits on a rise Last Line: On the perfect white-out of a morning Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FOR EVERY ONE, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: For every one we know the inside Last Line: True: red for every one Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness FOR MOHAMMED ON THE MOUNTAIN, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle mohammed, you mystery, you distant secretive face Subject(s): Uncles; Family Life; Relatives FOR MY DAUGHTER, by RONALD BOYD KOERTGE Poem Source First Line: She often lies with her hands behind her head Subject(s): Family Life FOR MY DAUGHTER, by ED OCHESTER Poem Source First Line: This is the summer storm Subject(s): Family Life; Parents FOR MY FATHER ON HIS BIRTHDAY, by GREG KUZMA Poem Source First Line: Fully imagined, I suppose Subject(s): Family Life FOR MY SON, BORN DURING AN ICE STORM, by DAVID RUSSELL JAUSS Poem Source First Line: Steven, your birth brought Subject(s): Family Life FORGET ABOUT IT, by ROBERT CURRIE Poem Source First Line: Uncle eddie told him how it was Subject(s): Family Life FORGIVENESS, by BEVERLY BARANOWSKI Poem Source First Line: One day after my father died Last Line: In our eyes, make every day blaze alive Subject(s): Desire; Family Life; Forgiveness; Marriage; Parents FORTUNATE SPILL, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well! Johnnie thinks. He has his nerve! Last Line: And I watch from this distant balcony %as they fall for eachother, and for me Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life FOUR / FOOT / FEAT, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Imagine I am standing with Last Line: Four foot feat: enough to make me sit %right down Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness FOUR FOUR SQUARE HOUSES: 1815 ALABAMA AVENUE, by MICHAEL MARTONE Poem Source First Line: There is a proch across the full front of the house. The door is to the right Last Line: Pers drying, frozen in the winter, sheets of white chocolate Subject(s): Family Life; Houses FRAMELESS WINDOWS, SQUARED OF LIGHT, by CATHY SONG Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Everything changed the summer your sister Last Line: Waiting for the words to come in Subject(s): Family Life FREEMAN FIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a cool evening Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives FREEMAN FIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a cool evening Last Line: To smoke, watching %the german pow's pump gas, %wash windshields %and laugh %at the motorpool %acros Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life FRIDAY WAITING FOR MOM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am seven Last Line: Says so too Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives FRIDAY WAITING FOR MOM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am seven Last Line: Mama and %everett anderson- %friends Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life FROG AND I, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: He sat on a lotus leaf Last Line: Into the sleeping pond Subject(s): Family Life - China FROM A CANISTER LABELED ABILENE, 1938, by JEFF ROBERT WORLEY Poem Source First Line: I think this celluloid will break Last Line: The road, and more blasts of whiteness %take everything Subject(s): Family Life; Photography And Photographers FROM A DAY-BOOK OF A FORGOTTEN PRINCE, by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father is happy or we should be poor Subject(s): Fathers; Family Life; Relatives FROM MY B&B LIGHTHOUSE ON CLARE ISLAND, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Mostly when I think of grainne uaile Last Line: Looking lonely as one graffito Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland FROM POLAND, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After soulless germany, my sister writes Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Poland; Homecoming; Family Life; Jews FROM PRADO ROTUNDA: THE FAMILY OF CHARLES IV, AND OTHERS, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Francisco jose de goya y lucientes Last Line: Which demands, like everything alive, / love Subject(s): Family Life; Paintings And Painters; Prado (museum), Madrid; Relatives FROM PRADO ROTUNDA: THE FAMILY OF CHARLES IV, AND OTHERS, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Francisco jose de goya y lucientes Last Line: Which demands, like everything alive, %love Subject(s): Family Life; Paintings And Painters; Prado (museum), Madrid FROM THE FIFTIES, by RICHARD+(2) WAGNER Poem Source First Line: Mother's singer sewing machine Last Line: Blank eyes. %the mouth of lies Subject(s): Family Life; History FUNCKTIONSLUST, by CHARLES HARPER WEBB Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It's german for the pleasure in what one does best. Last Line: A baby who never speaks a word of german knows, %tasting the nipple, the sweet milk flooding in. Subject(s): Family Life; Germany; Language - Pronunciation FUNNEL, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The family story tells, and it was told true Subject(s): Family Life; Ancestors & Ancestry; Religion; Theology GAELIC LEGACY, by ANN RUSSELL DARR Poem Source First Line: Trying to ignore the only thing Last Line: His civilized socks. %peace Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Grandparents; Irish Language GAGAKU (80), by STEVE RICHMOND Poem Source First Line: Depressed this 2-2-94 morn then Last Line: Even cute in their red %full cotton %coats Subject(s): Family Life; Malone, Marvin (d. 1996); Memory; Mothers GAMES, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father orders me to run around a giant billiard Last Line: Their tiny, funereal flags Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers GATHERING THE BONES TOGETHER; FOR PETER ORR, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When all the rooms of the house Last Line: That arches toward the other shore. Subject(s): Brothers; Death; Family Life; Fathers & Sons; Fratricide; Hunting; Half-brothers; Dead, The; Relatives; Hunters GENEALOGICAL QUERY, by ANNE MARPLE Poem Source First Line: Do the syon house dogs Subject(s): Family Life; Geology GENEALOGY OF FIRE, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My sister held an old piece of bread Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Arabs; Family Life; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives GENES, by LAURA LUSH Poem Source First Line: It lies coiled Last Line: Gleaming %with history Subject(s): Dna; Family Life GENRE: INTERIOR, by ROYALL HENDERSON SNOW Poem Text First Line: Some day I shall hope to come again and find / you Last Line: Light at the chatter of your youngest boy. Subject(s): Absence; Family Life; Love; Marriage; Separation; Isolation; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives GETTING WHAT YOU WISH FOR, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: When you wish you could get away Last Line: To a quiet afternoon, nothing %unusual, nothing much %going on. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love GIANT NIGHT, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Awake in a giant night Last Line: Just like what is here one minute and not the next. Subject(s): Christmas; December; Family Life; Holidays; New York City; Nativity, The; Relatives; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple GILBERT: 2. THE PARLOUR, by CHARLOTTE BRONTE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Warm is the parlour atmosphere Last Line: "above its threatened shame." Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Currer Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives GIRL AT THE PIANO, by JORIE GRAHAM Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It begins, what I cn hear, with the rain withdrawing from itself Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives GIRL COUSIN, by SCOTT TRAVIS HUTCHISON Poem Source First Line: My mom's one of twelve kids, making me Last Line: Beside her, as the dust danced away behind us all Subject(s): Cousins; Family Life; Girls GIRL WHO LOVED THE SKY, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: Outside the second grade room Subject(s): Family Life; History GLORY, by CARL DENNIS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A moment of glory every once in a while Last Line: Whose inhabitants haven't learned to create from nothing Subject(s): Birthdays; Family Life GO AWAY!, by LINDA MICHELLE BARON Poem Source First Line: Somehow I'm always %in the way Last Line: Is it them? %or is it me? Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life GOLDEN EAGLE AND I, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: I dreamed of rescuing a golden eagle Last Line: Down this city pit of haikou Subject(s): Family Life - China GOLDEN STATE, by FRANK BIDART Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To see my father Subject(s): Family Life; Death - Fathers; Divorce; Relatives GONE YEARS, by ALICE FULTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Night pockets the house Last Line: With his long wool arms Subject(s): Family Life GOOD LUCK CHARM, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Our hike all done this perfect morning, Last Line: Like you in my palm when you take away %the dark night, bringing me %all the luck I need. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love GOOD NIGHT, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goodnight mommy %goodnight dad Last Line: But my night of sleep's in bloom Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full 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 Full 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 GOODBYE, by GALWAY KINNELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother, poor woman, lies tonight Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives GOODBYE, by GALWAY KINNELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother, poor woman, lies tonight Last Line: That is how we have learned, the embrace is all Subject(s): Family Life GOODNESS, by ANDREA HOLLANDER BUDY Poem Full Text Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: As my husband set the table for breakfast Subject(s): Family Life; Transcience; Relatives GRACE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: If we could go back twenty years Last Line: Each moment we have so full of grace Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love GRAIL, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Under my feet %in the subterranean Last Line: In a crowded market %after a sack of promises Subject(s): Family Life - India GRANDFATHER, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Since you're awake, why not chant that poem Last Line: Where you chant your cavern poem over and over Subject(s): Family Life - China GRANDFATHER BRIDGEMAN, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heigh, boys!' cried grandfather bridgeman, 'it's time before dinner today' Last Line: The old man fails never to tell you: 'you've got the french general's there!' Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; War; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers GRANDFATHER'S HEAVEN, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandfather told me I had a choice Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives GRANDFATHER'S HEAVEN, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandfather told me I had a choice Subject(s): Family Life GRANDPA'S PICTURE, by PAUL DEAN RUFFIN Poem Source First Line: If the picture ever moved at all Subject(s): Family Life GRANOLA LOVE, by WILLIAM BORDEN Poem Source First Line: The poet in the next room writes a poem Subject(s): Family Life GRASS IS FULL, by PEGGY O'CONNELL Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life GREAT AUNTS OF MY CHILDHOOD, by ALICE FULTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Buns harden like pomanders Last Line: With harsh yellow soap Subject(s): Family Life GREAT GRANDMA IDA, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Great grandma ida came from a small village Last Line: Across the mediterranean sea Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness GREAT-GRANDMA, by CAROL DIGGORY SHIELDS Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Back in a melon-pink Subject(s): Family Life GREEN APPLES, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In august we carried the old horsehair mattress Subject(s): Apples; Summer; Family Life; Relatives GREEN DIAMONDS OF SUMMER, by JOE BOLTON Poem Source First Line: What I love in this isn't what you might think Last Line: And then I make dale throw me one more pitch, which I usually miss Subject(s): Baseball; Family Life; Sports GRIMM BROTHERS' NEPHEW, by MARTHA CARLSON-BRADLEY Poem Source First Line: In the tales, old women lust Last Line: A sudden blast of silence %before the infant's cry Subject(s): Family Life GROWING UP, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I no longer had to stand on chairs Last Line: Everything grew up but me Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland GUIDANCE, by PHIL WEIDMAN Poem Source First Line: Searching for a home Last Line: But I wouldn't put %it past my mom Subject(s): Family Life; Home HAIKU, by NAKAMURA KUSADAO Poem Source First Line: Family reunion Last Line: Starting up in the trees Subject(s): Family Life HAINAN NIGHT, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Old verses surprising me by a banyan tree Last Line: Not su dongpo in his tomb by the south china sea Subject(s): Family Life - China HALF-DREAM OF THE DOLPHIN, by GARY FINCKE Poem Source First Line: My sister tells me the portrait is free Last Line: Another moment, convincingly bright Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Photography And Photographers HAMPER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: It was old for it was there Last Line: Wandering over my shirtless body Subject(s): Family Life - India HANDS, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: Close to boiling water spilled Last Line: Burning now Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Fire; Hands HANGING COFFINS, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Inside the witch-mountain gorges Last Line: Bleached bones in the mockeries of the river wind Subject(s): Family Life - China HANGOVER MASS, by X. J. KENNEDY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Of all the sins of the flesh, that reprobate Last Line: Over sidewalk cracks' imaginary snakes Alternate Author Name(s): Kennedy, Joseph Subject(s): Alcoholics And Alcoholism; Family Life - Ireland; Sin HANNAH, by LLOYD SCHWARTZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walk on hooked rugs; my beds are covered with Subject(s): Homecoming; Family Life; Conduct Of Life; Relatives HANS READING, HANS SMOKING, by LIAM RECTOR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother, poised around behavior, would say Subject(s): Reading; Smoking; Human Behavior; Family Life; Tobacco; Pipes; Cigars; Cigarettes; Conduct Of Life; Human Nature; Relatives HANSEL, GRETEL AND RUBY REDLIPS, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The moon's a path Subject(s): Family Life; History HAPPY AND UNHAPPY FAMILIES: 1, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If all happy families are alike Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HAPPY AND UNHAPPY FAMILIES: 1, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If all happy families are alike Last Line: To deserve their happiness Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Family Life HAPPY AND UNHAPPY FAMILIES: 2, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: According to the director Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HAPPY AND UNHAPPY FAMILIES: 2, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: According to the director Last Line: Here at home, this winter, %we have no name for it Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): Family Life HARD TIMES, by MICHAEL RYAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lousy job my father lands Subject(s): Family Life; Food & Eating; Relatives HAUNTED CHAMBERS, by CONRAD AIKEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lamp-lit page is turned, the dream forgotten Last Line: Let us return, hear music, and forget Subject(s): Family Life HAWAIIAN ZEN FLEAS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Miniscule bandits against spiritual sagacity Last Line: Give them your balls, %be above it all Subject(s): Family Life - India HAWK, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: He might have been carved, except I saw him Last Line: As evening spread its red tail on the water Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland HAZARD FACES A SUNDAY IN THE DECLINE, by WILLIAM MEREDITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We need the ceremony of one another, Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Cats; Dogs; Food & Eating; Relatives HE, by RONALD BOYD KOERTGE Poem Source First Line: Has never written me a letter himself Subject(s): Family Life HE HAS A KNIFE, by BRIAN SWANN Poem Source First Line: He watches lightning stall Last Line: Each spark is a thin & %hungry child, waiting Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Nature HEARING MY FATHER DIED, by SUSAN LANDGRAF Poem Source First Line: We learned early: hide your skin like a lie Last Line: How to swim. I want to go naked Subject(s): Family Life HEARTBEAT OF THE WOODS, by ALICE DERRY Poem Source First Line: There's a grouse hidden somewhere inside Last Line: Lie in the clumps of phlox and primrose %their white blinding in windy sunshine Subject(s): Family Life; Human Behavior; Marriage; Solitude HELEN'S SCAR, by ALDEN A. NOWLAN Poem Source First Line: Helen, my cousin, says she still has the scar Last Line: I did it; %and I don't even remember the plum tree Subject(s): Family Life HELLION, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: Grandma poured carbolic acid Last Line: To the top of the crooked pine Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents HELP ME TO SALT, HELP ME TO SORROW, by JUDY JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the moon-fade and the suns puppy breath Last Line: Give them to me Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Relatives HERBERT WHITE, by FRANK BIDART Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I hit her on the head, it was good Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Divorce; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness HERE COME THE MUSICIANS, by PAT MORA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Cecilia, que pasa? What is this? Subject(s): Family Life HERITAGE, by ANITA SKEEN Poem Source First Line: Driving south on route 60 at dawn he would say to me Subject(s): Family Life HIGH AND HAUGHTY, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray, almost a spinster, gave up Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HIGH AND HAUGHTY, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ray, almost a spinster, gave up Last Line: A white man called toward the house: %mister mitchell? %and ray became, %at long last, %a queen Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life HIJO QUERIO, by ROSA ALCALA Poem Source First Line: Only my heart's weaving Last Line: Of my body, your sisters who may never learn %to tell time Subject(s): Change; Family Life HIPPOLYTE AT BREAKFAST, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She has forgotten Subject(s): Mothers & Daughters; Family Life; Relatives HIS FATHER CARVED UMBRELLA HANDLES, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Ghettos; Teaching & Teachers; Family Life; Poverty; Despair; Educators; Professors; Relatives HIS HERITAGE, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My son, you'll soon be leaving Last Line: And a little of his dad. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HIS MOTHER STERPPED ABOUT HER KITCHEN, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Jews; Friendship; Bullies; Jobs; Relatives; Judaism HISTORY OF MY HEART, by ROBERT PINSKY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One christmastime fats waller in a fur coat Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Mothers; Accidents; Sex; Coming Of Age; Relatives HOLDING THE CUP, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: In my rush to dress for your father's Last Line: His last gulp of air, his body embraced like a cup. %you were gathering up the pieces. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love HOMAGE, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The three-bladed, dunce-capped agitator pulsed Subject(s): Laundery & Laundering; Family Life; Relatives HOMAGE TO QUINTUS HORATIUS (6), by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Why should shame or moderation set any Last Line: Bearing - as do all things beyond our %power to put right Alternate Author Name(s): Horace Subject(s): Family Life; Horace (65-8 B.c.); Love HOME, by ALLEN C. FISCHER Poem Source First Line: If home is the body we live in Last Line: Leave nor anyone else enter Subject(s): Family Life; Home HOME BEFORE DARK, by NATHALIE G. KETTERER Poem Source First Line: Standing in the hot summer silence Last Line: From the trees. %I must go back Subject(s): Family Life; Summer HOME FIRE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Whether on the boulevard or gravel backroad, Last Line: Of night, without waving or giving myself away, %and return with my words burning like a fire in the Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love HOME MOVIE, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the other end of a telescope, a long way Subject(s): Motion Pictures; Family Life; Movies; Cinema; Relatives HOME MOVIES, by CARTER REVARD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The elms have to fight Last Line: Stomp-dancing out there on the lawn %where the living room used to be Alternate Author Name(s): Nompewathe Subject(s): Family Life HOME MOVIES, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How the children have changed! Rapt, we stare Last Line: To that calm light. The brief film ends Subject(s): Family Life HOME-FOLKS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home-folks! - well, that-air Last Line: But you invite him, and he'll come. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Relatives HONEY, I LOVE, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: I love %I love a lot of things, a whole lot of things Last Line: And honey, %I love you, too Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Family Life HONEY, IT'S SUGARLESS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: She greets them with gum %& tourist chinese Last Line: Hobbling with american gum %stuck to their soles Subject(s): Family Life - India HORSE'S GRAVE, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I remember bob-horse pulling Last Line: And a gap where the whins grew high Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland HOSPITAL FLOWERS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Their pollen cleansed the air Last Line: That wove such a spell Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Nurses HOSPITAL'S RECREATION PROGRAM, by SUSAN EISENBERG Poem Source First Line: Even if my father loved music Last Line: And would occur within three months Subject(s): Family Life; Old Age; Religion HOUSE, by LUCILA GODOY ALCAYAGA Poem Source First Line: The table, son, is laid Last Line: To sleep with body and soul Subject(s): Family Life; Food And Eating; Hunger; Poverty HOUSE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Should be more than %my grandmother's quilt Last Line: Raisins on the linoleum %make the house %the land of milk and honey. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love HOUSE HOLDER, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: To live within these bounds Last Line: I want to stand in that kitchen with the blue tile %and feel my mouth water Subject(s): Appalachia; Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love; Women 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 HOUSEHOLD OF EIGHT, by ABRAHAM REISEN Poem Source Last Line: But you sleep alone Subject(s): Family Life; Poverty HOUSEWORK, by JOAN LARKIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through this window, thin rivers Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HOW ABOUT, by SHERYL LYNNE NELMS Poem Source First Line: The green screen door Last Line: Of her baby grand Subject(s): Family Life HOW I'D HAVE TURNED OUT, by KENNETH GEORGE POBO Poem Source First Line: Mother pours %mathematically precise Last Line: Petals, a river cresting %in our living room Subject(s): Family Life; Growth; Self HOW JOHN QUITE THE FARM, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody on the old farm here but mother, me and john Last Line: As you'd admit, ef you could see the way the crops turns out! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Farm Life; Seasons; Relatives; Agriculture; Farmers HOW THE PAST INHABITS, by BARBARA GOLDBERG Poem Source First Line: When she was twelve, my mother Last Line: Frets daily over what she should eat Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers And Daughters; Past HUGS AND KISSES, by LINDA MICHELLE BARON Poem Source First Line: Hugs and kisses and kisses Last Line: Makes me feel...Inside Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life HUNTING AT DUSK, by DOUG COCKRELL Poem Source First Line: Before father shot the moon out Subject(s): Family Life HURRAH, HURRAH, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A full moon rises Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives HURRAH, HURRAH, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A full moon rises Last Line: Rufus never wears the uniform %again in his life. %a black man in france %wasn't the same %as a blac Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life HUSH, LITTLE BABY, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: If that diamond ring turns brass Last Line: You'll still be the sweetest baby in town! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life I AM, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Mama is black Last Line: My age %and %sex %and %clarinet Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I AM, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: I am the sharp sensory smell of woodsmoke Last Line: I am alyce Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina I AM ALWAYS, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sit on the toilet, the lid down Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives I AM MAKING A CIRCLE FOR MY SELF, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: Grandpa perry is %surely %in Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I CAN DO MY HAIR, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I can do my hair short Last Line: I am in a rush. I want to be %the %best Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I GENITORI PERDUTI, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The dove-white gulls Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives I KNOW THE RULES, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I know the rules and I am what I am Last Line: Circle: %hold %and %hug Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I KNOW WE CAN G BACK SO FAR, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: We can go back so far Last Line: Smoke of burning plantations Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I LEAVE HER WEEPING, by LIZ ROSENBERG Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I leave her weeping in her barred little bed, Subject(s): Daughters; Crying; Family Life; Relatives I REMEMBER, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source Last Line: But I wish I remembered %what I forgot Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life I REMEMBER, by RICARDO SANCHEZ Poem Source First Line: I remember a strong old man Last Line: I was submerged in prison Subject(s): Family Life I REST IN OUR MARRIAGE, OUR JOUSTLING, by PEGGY O'CONNELL Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life I THINK THE REAL COLOR IS BEHIND THE COLOR, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: Under that skin and under that %face %is the real %race Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I WAS BORN., by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source Last Line: Shadow %of a greater one Subject(s): Family Life; History I WAS HARRIET, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: To %free %dom Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness I WAS MADE OF THIS AND THIS, by GERTRUDE ROBINSON ROSS Poem Text First Line: (I was mad eof this and this- / and angel's prayer, a gipsy's kiss.) Last Line: The angel's prayer, or the gipsy's kiss! Subject(s): Mothers; Fathers; Family Life I WAS THE CHILD, by VALERIE S. WARREN Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life ICICLE, by DAVID HUDDLE Poem Source First Line: I smacked you in the mouth for no good reason Last Line: Help both our lives by changing that act to this, %by handing you the ice, a gift, my brother Subject(s): Family Life IDEAL LOVER, by STEPHANIE LEVIN Poem Source First Line: He knew how to get to me. He slunk Last Line: He always saved me for last Subject(s): Family Life IDENTITIES, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: They bang seals %of embossed words on my passport Last Line: As to whose baggages they carry, %waking from body to body Subject(s): Family Life - India IF I SHOULD (TO CLARK KENT), by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Enter the darkest room Last Line: After me, leaping tall buildings? / you? Subject(s): Family Life; Superman IF I'M TO ANSWER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: I do not speak of the new %in the uproarious chatter Last Line: One last time to see me %as the evening sets to a murmur Subject(s): Family Life - India IF MAMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If mama / could see Last Line: Clean up your room Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Youth IF THEY HATE ME, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: I will %stay %right %here Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness IN A TREE, by DIANE AVERILL Poem Source First Line: In late december, what used to be Last Line: My bright granddaughter, rippling in the limbs of her mother Subject(s): December; Family Life; Trees IN BOTH THE FAMILIES, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: We fit in Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Race Awareness IN EACH OF MY CELLS DAD AND MOM, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And feel deep sympathy for my children Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Contrariness; Family Life; Nature; Parents; Psychology IN FOR WINTER, OUT FOR SPRING, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I am the youngest so they call Last Line: We will all be %in for winter %very soon Subject(s): Family Life; Seasons IN GRANDFATHER'S GLASSES, by PATRICIA PETERS Poem Source First Line: They cloud the mirror, when I put them on Subject(s): Family Life IN MEMORY, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Long summer shadows calm the grass Variant Title(s): The White Room Subject(s): Family Life; Past; Relatives IN MY CHILDHOOD , by DAVID IGNATOW Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In my childhood I awoke to my mother's voice Last Line: I am fighting panic that everything / does exist in itself alone Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Silence; Fear IN MY FATHER'S FIELDS, by NANCY FROST ROUSE Poem Source First Line: Tobacco rows loom Subject(s): Family Life IN OUR CHILD HOUSE, by JEAN VALENTINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Father .. Sorrow Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories IN OUR ONE FAMILY, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: In our one family, around %this Last Line: We are trying for the %dream Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness IN PRAISE OF SISTER, by W. A. FAHEY Poem Source First Line: None of my kids write poems Last Line: That's she, off naxos, surfing the wine dark sea Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Poetry And Poets IN THE BEGINNING, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: This brings from the forgotten past a people whose lives Last Line: Toms home for a lard stand of honey to sop up with hot %biscuits Subject(s): Family Life; Home IN THE BLOOD, by DAVID WELCH Poem Source First Line: Even before his father died Last Line: And the autumnal new moon %relaxing of shoulders Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers And Sons IN THE HOME, by MARVIN BELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing in thick clothes is Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives IN THE KINGDOM OF HIS SIBLINGS, by THOM WARD Poem Source First Line: It takes a long time to learn Last Line: The language of their souls Subject(s): Family Life; Pregnancy IN THE KITCHEN, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Always uncertain at first, slowly we circle, Last Line: I'll sweeten it with jam, and we'll let %the crumbs fall where they may. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love IN THE MOTEL, by X. J. KENNEDY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Bouncing! Bouncing! On the beds Last Line: What a bang-up holiday! Alternate Author Name(s): Kennedy, Joseph Subject(s): Family Life; Vacation IN THE OLD WAY, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: In the old way of men and women, we learn silence from our fathers. Last Line: Would my children run to me, %glad I've come out at last? Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love IN THEIR TORN SHIRTS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Our fathers in their torn shirts Last Line: They circle the porch to catch us in the red Subject(s): Family Life - India IN WHITE TIE, by DAVID HUDDLE Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life INCIDENT ON LAN LI LAKE, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Who is the fellow, sallow, skinny, perhaps a fisherman Last Line: Go now, poor birdie. Never come back this way. Never!' Subject(s): Family Life - China INDIAN APRIL, by MEENA ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Allen ginsburg on a spring day you stopped Last Line: I hear you call: govinda, aaou, aoou! Subject(s): Ginsberg, Allen (1926-1997); India; Family Life; Poetry & Poets INDUSTRIAL TEFLON COMES INTO DOMESTIC USE, by FLEDA BROWN JACKSON Poem Source First Line: After the wars were over, the ones people sang about Last Line: Sometimes, in spite of garden-smudged hands, %just to hold her Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, Fleda Subject(s): Family Life; Teflon INFANCY, by CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My father got on his horse and went to the field Last Line: And I didn't know that my story %was prettier than that of robinson crusoe Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Poetry And Poets INFANT NEPHEW, by KEVIN PRUFER Poem Source First Line: My zero, my thumbtack Last Line: My bit of chalk, my wrinkle, %my oblivious Subject(s): Babies; Family Life INSECT LIFE OF FLORIDA, by LYNDA HULL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: In those days I thought their endless thrum Last Line: And dangerous as the human heart Alternate Author Name(s): Wojahn, David, Mrs. Subject(s): Florida; Family Life; Insects; Animals; Relatives; Bugs INSIDE DONGPO ACADEMY, HAINAN ISLAND, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Inside dongpo academy, I'm surprised to see Last Line: Hermetic hollow, while the wind feels you the night through Subject(s): Family Life - China INSOMNIA AND THE SEVEN STEPS TO GRACE, by JOY HARJO Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At dawn the panther of the heavens peers over the edge of the world Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives INSURED, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I come home at close of day Last Line: If I some night should not come home. Subject(s): Family Life; Insurance And Insurance Agents; Relatives INTERMEZZO, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pomp, at the foot of her lacy bed Last Line: Johnny cowgill raced from the house %and into the rutted road %to give pomp a marble Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life INTERVIEW, by MANUEL CARNEIRO BANDEIRA FILHO Poem Source First Line: Life that dies and that subsists Last Line: Any woman with child Subject(s): Family Life; Life INVASIONS, by STEPHEN DOBYNS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The abrupt presentiment of illness Last Line: Waking in a house you thought was yours forever Subject(s): Bodies; Sickness; Family Life; Aging INVESTMENT, by ROBERT FROST Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Over back where they speak of life as staying Last Line: But get some color and music out of life? Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage ISLANDS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: This gas station attendant Last Line: Seize the day fill up let go Subject(s): Family Life - India ISN'T MY NAME MAGICAL?, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Nobody can see my name on me Last Line: Isn't your name and my name magic? Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life IT'LL BURST INTO FLAMES, by CHARLES SIMIC Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama was beginning to worry about me Last Line: As she walked the parapet again the sunset Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers IT'S NO NOVELTY, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: It's no novelty to see Last Line: And evaporating with a rush of english cloud Subject(s): Family Life - China JACK RUSSELL, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: When uncle peter %went abroad Last Line: No kinder eyes, %the whitest coat of bones Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland JAKE, by EMILY CARMICHAEL Poem Source First Line: Can't leave for school without me when it's colder Last Line: I say to him you watch it he's my brother Subject(s): Brothers; Children; Family Life; High School Students; Teenagers JANUARY, by ALICE NOTLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mommy what's this fork doing? Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives JOHNNY-BOY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ive sixteen sisters more or less Last Line: "but a ""johnny-boy""—he counts a heap." Subject(s): Boys; Brothers; Family Life; Youth; Half-brothers; Relatives JUNE 20TH, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will be born in one week Last Line: Into their temporary joy Subject(s): Birth; Family Life JUNETEENTH, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With her shiny black-patent sandals Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives JUNETEENTH, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With her shiny black-patent sandals Last Line: With the newpaper editor, %who lost his other ear %getting away from a lynch-mob Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life JUST IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING WHO YOU ARE, by BRENDAN JAMES GALVIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am your little grandmother Last Line: And fields to liverpool Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Grandparents KEEP EACH OTHER YOUNG, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The wife and I have kept our youth and kept it / pretty well Last Line: The way that we have kept so young is keeping young each other. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives KEEPSAKE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Remember this quilt, my darling? Last Line: Embracing each other %and sleep Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina KEY, by EMILY BLANCHE MANN GROBY Poem Text First Line: They who have old houses should save the keys Last Line: Going in and out; -- as it was long before. Subject(s): Family Life; Houses; Keys; Relatives KILLING THE ROOSTER, by SHERYL LYNNE NELMS Poem Source First Line: Gramps held the rooster Last Line: And feathers %out among the rows of green onions Subject(s): Family Life KILLJOY, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When my mother and father Last Line: Artist / & / killjoy Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Suburbs; Anti-semitism; Family Life; Fathers KIN, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When news cane that yiour mother'd Last Line: As your own birthmark of his scream Subject(s): Family Life; Death Mothers; Relatives; Dead, The KINDNESS, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Kindness glides about my house. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Kindness; Family Life; Relatives KINGDOM COME, by RANDY BLASING Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I held my breath Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives KINSHIP, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Great-uncle wilhelm, mennonite, patriarch Last Line: Curse them but don't die. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Food & Eating; Uncles; Relatives KITCHEN MEMORY, by ROY MARTIN SCHEELE Poem Source First Line: My mother is peeling an apple over the sink Subject(s): Family Life KITCHEN RANGE, by UMBERTO SABA Poem Source First Line: What immense gratitude one feels toward life Last Line: To the people in whom I die, to where was born Subject(s): Family Life; Homecoming; Poverty KITCHEN SONG, by JEANNINE DOBBS Poem Source First Line: Trust a woman %to conjure joy out of pain Last Line: Here's a slice %of sun and a song Subject(s): Family Life KITCHEN TABLES, by DAVID HUDDLE Poem Source First Line: There were two, small one replacing large one Last Line: Roads that billow up dust behind you while your %mother and father sit at a small, round table Subject(s): Family Life KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full 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 LADDERS, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Filene's department store Last Line: Monkey? Girl? Answer me Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Department Stores LADY SAID:, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: The lady said: what are you going to be Last Line: To make it hard for her Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness LAMENT OF 'THE OTHER WOMAN', by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Your wife don't understand you Last Line: Your lies ain't worth %a can of snuff! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina LAMENT TO THE MAKERS, by FRANK BIDART Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Not bird not badger not beaver not bee Subject(s): Dunbar, William (1465-1520); Family Life; Relatives LANGUAGE OF FOSSILS (VANTANGE, WA.), by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: This desert is a plateau of light Last Line: It will become an opal %with a woman's soul Subject(s): Family Life; History LANTERN, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Hours late and afraid to go in Subject(s): Family Life LAS TENDEDERAS/ CLOTHESLINES, by VIRGIL SUAREZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The day my mother stood in the kitchen Last Line: About how much debris time & distance %have kicked up into my eyes Variant Title(s): Clothesline Subject(s): Animals; Clothing And Dress; Family Life; Slaughterhouses LAST BORN, by JUDITH KIRKWOOD Poem Source First Line: Drunk %you move Subject(s): Family Life LAST MONTH, by JOHN ASHBERY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives LAST OF MY CHINESE UNCLES ENTERS THE GATES OF HEAVEN, by CATHY SONG Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: And my mother, unable to weep, grieves for the dead Last Line: Weep, my hands shout. %weep and live Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Mothers; Mourning; Uncles LATE, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your street was named for berries Last Line: Today I would answer for all those other things. Subject(s): Aunts; Childlessness; Family Life; Houses; Memory; Regret; Relatives LATE WINTER ON CAPE COD, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Blackbirds this evening, %so many of them massing Last Line: A thousandfold and black-leafed, %the red-wings pause Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland LAY OF THE CID: ARRIVAL OF THE FAMILY AT VALENCIA, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: When that career was ended, from the steed the cid got down Last Line: God they praised with hands uplifted for that good prize and great Subject(s): Cid, El (1043-1099); Family Life LEAF PILE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now here is a typical children's story Last Line: The mark of my hand a blush on my son's cheek Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Sons LEAVING CHURCH EARLY, by JOHN UPDIKE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What, I wonder, were we hurrying to do Subject(s): Churches; Family Life; Forgiveness; Worship; Cathedrals; Relatives; Clemency LEAVING CHURCH EARLY, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What, I wonder, were we hurrying to do Last Line: We had no time, of course, we have no time %to do all the forgiving that we must do Subject(s): Churches; Family Life; Forgiveness; Worship LESSON, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: In her genteel way Last Line: Momma didn't know about %black %lace! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina LETTER FROM HOME, by MARY OLIVER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sends me news of bluejays, frost Last Line: Drift scraps of borage, woodbine, rue Subject(s): Family Life LETTER TO GEORGE COOMBE, by EDWARD LEAR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My dear george-I'm convinced I am thoroughly cracked Last Line: Little dotties, -write soon-ever yours, %edward lear Subject(s): Family Life; Letters LETTER TO THE FRONT, 2, by BARBARA RAS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When it is still, I listen for your voice. Subject(s): War - Home Front; Absence; Longing; Family Life; Letters; Separation; Isolation; Relatives LETTERS FOR THE DEAD, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The air darkened toward morning Subject(s): Family Life; Travel; Death; Conduct Of Life; Relatives; Journeys; Trips; Dead, The LEX TALIONIS, by FRANCIS MYERS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The boy crept out of the old box log Last Line: "and his hate kept hot, as it ought to have done." Subject(s): Aborigines, Australian; Boys; Family Life; Murder; Revenge; Relatives LIBER QUARTUS, SELECTION, by TITUS LUCRETIUS CARUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Nor will ingenious women, free from pride Last Line: That parents nature is most prevalent. Alternate Author Name(s): Lucretius Subject(s): Family Life; Pride; Women; Relatives; Self-esteem; Self-respect LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The trees paint their reflections Last Line: In a little yellow book Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Mississippi River; African Americans; Relatives LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The trees paint their reflections Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life LIFE YOU SAVED, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: The day your friends jumped into the pickup, Last Line: I had forgotten how good the air tastes %when we think it's our last breath. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love LIGHT THAT PASSES THROUGH STONES, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source Last Line: Are the same eyes that see %distance sealing a great door Subject(s): Family Life; History LINES, by JANE AUSTEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: See they come, post haste from thanet Last Line: How does do your lady dear? Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage LINES ON SEEING MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN SLEEPING IN THE SAME CHAMBER, by THOMAS HOOD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And has the earth lost its so spacious round Last Line: Together pant in everlasting life! Subject(s): Contentment; Family Life; Relatives LITTLE BROTHER POEM, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I keep seeing your car in the streets Last Line: When you need it, and you don't have so much time Subject(s): Family Life LITTLE MOON, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: After the flood had devoured he bei Last Line: Off with a set of jade earrings' Subject(s): Family Life - China LITTLE TESTAMENT, by PAUL RANDOLPH VIOLI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: To wake on my fortieth birthday Last Line: Less than I mean, all I can say Subject(s): Books; Family Life; Love; Nature; Poetry And Poets; Writing And Writers LIVING, by FRANK STANFORD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had my quiet time early in the morning Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Country Life; Relatives LIVING WITH A WIFE, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Barefoot in purple pants Last Line: Where I would scour my teeth Subject(s): Love Marital; Family Life LIZARD EATER, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Never seems so narrow, so steep, so tortuous Last Line: Uncle, this demigod laughing and defying death Subject(s): Family Life - China LIZARDS AND SNAKES, by ANTHONY HECHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the summer road that ran by our front porch Last Line: And swinges the scaly horror of his folded tail Subject(s): Lizards; Snakes; Family Life; Serpents; Vipers; Relatives LONELINESS, by LEE ANN RORIPAUGH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father made me keep Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Aviation & Aviators; Air Warfare; World War Ii; African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel 'chappie' (1920-78); Airplanes; Air Pilots; Second World War; Relatives LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel 'chappie' (1920-78; Relatives LONELY EAGLES, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being black in america Last Line: I used his mattress %for the rest of the tour. %it still bothers me, sometimes: %I was sleeping %on Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; James, General Daniel "chappie" (1920-78 LONG-GONE SUN: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE SOMBER HOURS, by CLAIRE MALROUX Poem Source Last Line: What guardian angel was watching over them %what demon? Alternate Author Name(s): Roux, Claire Sara Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Parents LOOKING FOR SIGNS, by DANA NAONE HALL Poem Source First Line: Aunty alice said it first Last Line: I saw a cloud shaped like a pyramid %and a car driving out of the sun Subject(s): Family Life LOSING A BREAST: PRAYER BEFORE SURGERY, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: In another time and place Last Line: How can you know the long, the beautiful hunger? Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love LOSS OF CONTROL, by PAT MORA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For me it was an adventure Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives LOST CHILD, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: With the moon rising like a hot exclamation Last Line: Or something, looking back just once %as she turns to go. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love LOVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, by ISAAC WATTS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whatever brawls disturb the street Last Line: Fall out and chide and fight. Subject(s): Family Life; Mnemonics; Relatives LOVE IN THE WESTERN WORLD, by KATHY CALLAWAY Poem Source First Line: Think of family, ulster irish Last Line: The old fishline unreeling again Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Ulster, Ireland LOVE POEM, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: This piece of paper %I was saving is drunk Last Line: Having said %their ordinary goodbyes Subject(s): Family Life - India LOVE POEMS OF MARICHIKO: 3, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh the anguish of these secret meetings Last Line: Words with no connection Subject(s): Family Life; Fear; Man-woman Relationships; Secrets LOVE RITES, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: I cut my finger %slicing cucumbers Last Line: She's wooed by others, %would you be my valentine Subject(s): Family Life - India LOVE SONG OF RASHEED THE MAD CAP, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Praise to thee great allah, %for carving my beloved Last Line: To the rose tree the rose tree Subject(s): Family Life - India LOVERS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Meeting once again by rendezvous %in this motel Last Line: Always bones that never meet %the heir to our darkness Subject(s): Family Life - India LUIZA, by TOMAZ SALAMUN Poem Source First Line: I was sitting on the potty, although I Last Line: Happy, tousled by the mountain wind ed their heads Subject(s): Family Life LULLABY: FOR A BLACK MOTHER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My little dark baby Last Line: For your sleep-song lullaby Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Lullaby (for A Black Mother Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life LUNCH WITH THE ASTRONAUT'S MOTHER, by CAROL HENRIE Poem Source First Line: We were invited. It was friendship drive Last Line: That stippled the calm water Subject(s): Astronauts; Family Life; Mothers LUSTING FOR LONI BALZER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Holding %the questions %in the quiz I made up Last Line: To move your thighs at will %with all the answers Subject(s): Family Life - India MAC, by MARK VINZ Poem Source First Line: Good egg' - her favorite words Subject(s): Family Life MAGIC: ONE, by STEPHEN MORRISSEY Poem Source First Line: Magic runs in the family Last Line: A fireman, a magician, a telegrapher, %others alcoholics or priests Subject(s): Family Life; Magic MAHARAJA OF PATIALA, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The palace opened sesame Last Line: Of khaki on my tongue: I said %my children Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage - Forced; Tradition MAKE YOURSELF INVISIBLE, by CHARLES SIMIC Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Drew islands with palm trees Subject(s): Seashore; Family Life; Beach; Coast; Shore; Relatives MAMMOGRAPHY: A WORD WITH GRANDMA'S GHOST, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: They tell me I'm high-risk too Last Line: The land raised like an irish fist Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Medicine; Nurses MAN AND MACHINE, by ROBERT MORGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Besides drinking and telling lies Last Line: And by morning the fields were new Subject(s): Family Life MAP-MAKER'S DAUGHTER, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The geography of love is terra infirma Last Line: Territories we name %after ourselves Subject(s): Family Life; History MARDI GRAS; GRANDMOTHERS PORTRAIT IN RED AND BLACK CRAYON, by JAMES NOLAN Poem Source First Line: As I see them now and then Subject(s): Family Life MARKING TIME, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: You've gone away Last Line: Has slowed 'till your return %hurry! Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina MARTHA, by DANA LITTLEPAGE SMITH Poem Source First Line: They think I give a fig Last Line: I'd rather sweat & eat pig's feet Subject(s): Family Life; Religion MARVELOUS FATHER, by DANA LEVIN Poem Source First Line: Slobodan milosovic is a marvelous father Last Line: We know they are such marvelous men Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Parents; Politics; Terror MARY WARREN'S SAMPLER, by NICOLE COOLEY Poem Source First Line: Reversible stitches: my mother and I leaned over a single piece of english line Last Line: To me - as witness my hand mary warren Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Sewing MASTER TEACHER HOLDS HIS CLASS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Think long, let the root of it work Last Line: Has wound a path to the bone, you can walk %beside me and think a little longer. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love MATISSE, by EDWARD HIRSCH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To begin with a light as vivid and warm Last Line: Through the trees like colorful wild beasts Subject(s): Matisse, Henri (1869-1954); Family Life MEDICINE WOMAN'S DAUGHTER: CHARM TO KEEP YOU PART OF WHOLE, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: May the white bark be nine times your mother Last Line: Rose blooming in snowy circles Subject(s): Family Life; History MEDITATING ON STAR LIGHT WHILE TRAVELING HIGHWAY 2, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: We are vistitors into Subject(s): Family Life; History MEET ME AT THE ELEPHANT, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Buffered by his cap and coat Last Line: On the way to natural history Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland MEET THE FAMILY, by RONALD STUART THOMAS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John one takes his place at the table Last Line: To each loathed foetus, stare from the wall, %dead not absent. The night falls Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, R. S. Subject(s): Family Life MEETING THE DEAD, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If we've loved them, it's what we want, and sometimes Last Line: The orderly gardens and homes of the living Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Peace; Dead, The; Relatives MEETING THE DEAD, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If we've loved them, it's what we want, and sometimes Last Line: On suburb streets, I was quietly passing %the orderly gardens and homes of the living Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Peace MEMORY, by ABRAHAM LINCOLN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My childhood's home I see again Last Line: And feel I'm part of thee! Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Home; Memory; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness MICHAEL FLYNN AND THE BABY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Luk at 'ere, ould baby, - who Last Line: Don't yez know yer feyther -- boy? Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives MICHELANGELO, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: My father climbed ladders Last Line: All he knew was a towel- %he could mend the skies Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland MIDDLE MANAGER, by ANTHONY OAKSON Poem Source First Line: When he trudges in the front door Last Line: Before he takes off his winter coat Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers And Daughters MIDNIGHT IN THE PANTRY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You can boast your round of pleasures, praise Last Line: Just the joy of pantry-prowling in the middle of the night. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MIDPOINT, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of nothing bur me, me Last Line: Which brought me this far; henceforth, if I can, %I must impersonate a reasonable man Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Life; Self MIDSUMMER, by CLAIRE COLLETT Poem Source First Line: Dad would turn up the stereo Last Line: Thick in the gaining dark Subject(s): Family Life; Jazz; Music And Musicians MILLENNIUM, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the basement Last Line: At the turn of the century Subject(s): Christmas; Family Life; Holidays; New Year MIND, by HEATHER MCHUGH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A man looks at his watch to see Subject(s): Food & Eating; Youth; Schools; Family Life; Students; Relatives MINDING THE DARKNESS: A POEM FOR THE YEAR 2000, SELS., by PETER DALE SCOTT Poem Source First Line: My mother's easel Last Line: By day the orchards of the stars Subject(s): Art And Artists; Family Life MINIATURE, by ANGEL VARGA Poem Source First Line: My younger brother snores, at the edge Last Line: Protecting no one, not even herself Subject(s): Family Life; Size And Shape MIRANDA MORGAN, by QUEENE B. LISTER Poem Text First Line: She listened to the click Last Line: Who whistled like a bird. Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, E. P., Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MISCHIEF NIGHT, by DEBORAH GORLIN Poem Source First Line: After dinners in kitchens, the black fire follows us Last Line: Bright deaths discovered, pumpkins smashed in the streets Subject(s): Autumn; Family Life; Seasons MISS EDNA ERLE, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: She will not eat her Last Line: Is talking about how fast %she can travel backwards Subject(s): Family Life MISSED, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: He fumed from the kitchen Last Line: Hers are black frost Subject(s): Anger; Family Life; Fights; Knives MISSING MAMA, by ELOISE GREENFIELD Poem Source First Line: Last year when mama died Last Line: I think about the good things now Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MOM IS WOW!, by JULIA FIELDS Poem Source First Line: Mothers and finders and keepers Last Line: They are teachers of duties and rights. %mom is wow! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MOMENT OF JOY, by CARROLL BLAIR Poem Source First Line: An old man sits in the shade Last Line: Moment) both sun and son %will not find him Subject(s): Family Life; Happiness; Time MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, by B. J. BUHROW Poem Source First Line: During the usual dinner table argument Last Line: Loud hard talk during supper, %nothing to dislodge those fragile wings Subject(s): Butterflies; Dinners And Dining; Family Life; Insects MONGREL HEART, by DAVID BAKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Up the dog bounds to the window, baying Subject(s): Family Life; Dogs; Relatives MOON FAREWELL, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Being round %was never my idea %of beauty Last Line: Under satellite discs %to cybernetic ecstacy Subject(s): Family Life - India MOON OF HUNGER, MOON OF COYOTE HOWL, by JUDY JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heat waves rose with gas fumes from the pump Last Line: Earth this dark, dark star Subject(s): Automobiles - Service Stations; African Americans; Family Life; Poverty; Gasoline Stations; Filling Stations; Automobile Repair Shops; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MOON'S REFLECTION IN A THOUSAND RIVERS, by MARY CHI-WHI KIM Poem Source First Line: One thousand miles spare me from slavery Last Line: To a thousand rivers, %reflecting one source Subject(s): Family Life; Rivers MOONS OF JUPITER, by KARL KIRCHWEY Poem Source First Line: Last night my brother-in-law showed me jupiter Last Line: These loves, evolved and brutal; ancient; true Subject(s): Family Life; Jupiter (planet); Sky MOTHER, by HENRY CHAPPELL Poem Text First Line: There's a hand so firm and tender Last Line: Is burnt in mother's heart. Subject(s): Caregivers; Family Life; Home; Love; Mothers; Relatives MOTHER, by JENNIFER LEE Poem Source First Line: I am not living Last Line: The curtains are closed %to cut the glare Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Mothers MOTHER AMONG THE PHILODENDRA, by JORDAN MILLER Poem Source First Line: She found the trusted leaves predictable Last Line: Beyond the riot of talk. Subject(s): Family Life; Gardens And Gardening; Mothers MOTHER AND CHILD, by JAY ROGOFF Poem Source First Line: Hell of a place to start a family Last Line: The baby at her breast will save the world Subject(s): Babies; Birth; Family Life MOTHER MEMORY, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Was there anger in the storm, so long ago Last Line: Spotlighting memory of mother love Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina MOTHER WAITS, by NICOLE BLACKMAN Poem Source First Line: And mother waits %as only mother can Last Line: And speaks and listens %and tries to understand Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers And Daughters; Relationships; Women MOTHER'S CURSE; FOR DIANE DI PRIMA, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of my pen: curses ride down Last Line: To meet the faces of women who take the words out of my mind. Subject(s): Babies; Birth; Breast Feeding; Family Life; Life; Mothers; Infants; Child Birth; Midwifery; Nursing (infants); Relatives MOTHERS, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh mother / here in your lap Subject(s): Family Life; God; Religion; Relatives; Theology MOTHERS, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh mother %here in your lap Last Line: When someone else %is as empty as a shoe Subject(s): Family Life; God; Religion MOTHS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: She said %while she looped her hair Last Line: Under the gargantuan leaf %patched on her quilt Subject(s): Family Life - India; Moths MOUNT PLEASANT, USA, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: At night %I'm a man surprising himself Last Line: The cage I carry is the cage I made Subject(s): Family Life - India MOVING DAYS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Five blocks away, your tulip trees are as bright Last Line: It was late summer. The trees were threading %their long fingers, leading me away %with their sweet, Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love MOVING: 1, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I dream up wan excuses like dumb fate Last Line: I leave four walls, loud echoes, and my tub Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland MOVING: 2, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: To move to greener pastures by this shore Last Line: What we just sold away: fat chance of that Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland MR AND MRS MARTIN, by H. HEAD Poem Text First Line: Some time in the month of october Last Line: "maybe they will think it his son." Subject(s): Aborigines, Australian; Crime & Criminals; Family Life; Relatives MRS. LING, by SUSAN N. PULSIFER Poem Text First Line: In my father's house is a very large family Last Line: Mrs. Ling. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MRS. PORTNOY'S SONG, by JOANNE SELTZER Poem Source First Line: Why do I love my son? Subject(s): Family Life MS. LIZ, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Educated - nearly out of college Last Line: For a vegetarian student teacher Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina MUFF, by SUSAN HAHN Poem Source First Line: Made from a piece of her Last Line: Brand-new pair of shoes Subject(s): Family Life; Shopping; Travel MULBERRIES, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: They fruit themselves into early june Last Line: Their wheels can take them anywhere Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love MURGATROYD, by CELESTE TURNER WRIGHT Poem Source First Line: Whenever we would open, there he stood Subject(s): Family Life; Troy MUSE, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Entering this dream %like a limb of light Last Line: Its red string %in the hands of intruders Subject(s): Family Life - India MUSIC, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you wanted a piano Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MUSIC, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you wanted a piano Subject(s): Family Life MUSICIAN AT HIS WORK, by ROBERT CURRIE Poem Source First Line: Again the belt was off the flywheel Subject(s): Family Life MUSING, by HWANG KUMCHAN Poem Source First Line: When I, discontented with myself Last Line: A paper tiger that wails over spring famine Subject(s): Family Life MY AUNT ELLA MAE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was the first to tell me of juneteenth Subject(s): Aunts; African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MY BROTHER SHAKES THE BOTTLE, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: Davis is wearing his best irrelevant boots and jacket Last Line: All over %himself Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Native Americans MY CHILDHOOD'S HAPPY DAYS; TO MY PARENTS, by DANIEL WEBSTER DAVIS Poem Text First Line: Many poets great and gifted whom the muse's touch had blessed Last Line: When at last our bark is anchored there to spend our happiest days. Subject(s): Family Life; Parents; Relatives; Parenthood MY CHILDREN, by HAROLD CRAWFORD STEARNS Poem Text First Line: The stars-did you ever see stars Last Line: "yes, madam, to the sea." Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Stars; Childhood; Relatives MY COUSIN AGATHA, by RAMON LOPEZ VELARDE Poem Source First Line: My godmother used to invite my cousin agatha Last Line: Cheeks) a polychrome basket %of apples an grapes %on the ebony of an aged cabinet Subject(s): Family Life; Godparents MY COUSIN AGUEDA, by RAMON LOPEZ VELARDE Poem Source First Line: My godmother invited my cousin Last Line: Apples and grapes %in the ebony of an ancient cupboard Subject(s): Boys; Children; Family Life; Godparents MY COUSIN AGUEDA, by RAMON LOPEZ VELARDE Poem Source First Line: My godmother used to invite my cousin agueda Subject(s): Family Life; Godparents MY DAUGHTER CONSIDERS HER BODY, by FLOYD SKLOOT Poem Source First Line: She examines her hand, fingers spread wide. Last Line: For risk. Learning to touch her wounds comes first. Subject(s): Family Life MY DAUGHTER'S FEET, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Years ago, before you stood alone, Last Line: Gretel's crumbs, and gretel, racing %wood and hawk and changeling night. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love MY DAUGHTER'S NEW DOG, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: I don't like to be licked %by a pup in the morning Last Line: Spread from a child's ways %to the child in me, now awake Subject(s): Family Life - India MY DEAR MRS GALE-FROM MY LEAVING THE CRADLE, by EDWARD LEAR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The most 'ladle-like' personage under the sun! Subject(s): Caregivers; Family Life MY DEAREST FRANK, by JANE AUSTEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My dearest frank, I wish you joy Last Line: To fancy them just over-right us Subject(s): Family Life MY FAMILY OF PEOPLE: DAD, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My daddy drives a train Last Line: Sometimes, he plays our piano Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life MY FAMILY OF PEOPLE: MOM, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: My mommy wears flat earrings Last Line: Then mommy marks essay after essay Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life MY FATHER DOESN'T TELL STORIES, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: My father slices a summer tomato on the counter. Last Line: No sun is at my back, bursting its seeds %in my mouth, stretching darkly behind me. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love MY FATHER IN THE NIGHT COMMANDING NO, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MY FATHER KEPT A HORSE, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: My father kept a horse and my mother kept a mare Last Line: "had a nip from the flea, had a bite from the louse" Subject(s): Animals;family Life;horses; Relatives MY FATHER TELLS THIS STORY ABOUT HIS BROTHER FRANK AND THE WICK, by DEBRA MARQUART Poem Source First Line: Your grandpa marquart, he was a tight sonofabitch you know every Last Line: Your grandfather, I'm telling you, now there was a tight man Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Money MY FATHER'S GHOST, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I counted them, and now I look through the door Last Line: My father's ghost in my arms in his dark doorway Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Relatives MY FATHER'S GHOST, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I counted them, and now I look through the door Last Line: My father's ghost in my arms in his dark doorway Subject(s): Family Life MY FATHER'S HEART, by STUART FRIEBERT Poem Source First Line: He longs to open his arms, we can see that Subject(s): Family Life MY FATHER'S HOUSE, by WILLA KORETZ Poem Source First Line: The building is flat Subject(s): Family Life MY FATHER'S LEAVING, by IRA SADOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: When I came back, he was gone. Subject(s): Fathers; Mothers; Abandonment; Family Life; Desertion; Relatives MY FATHER'S MARTIAL ART, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Full Text First Line: When he came home mother said he looked Last Line: This oncoming traffic with your hah, hah, hah. Subject(s): Family Life - China MY FATHER, FAR IN SOME HOSPITAL, by PAUL T. HOGAN Poem Source First Line: I startle him with my late Last Line: I rage gently, %'goodnight' Subject(s): Absence; Family Life; Fathers; Love; Old Age; Telephones MY GRAMDMOTHER HATED MY BOYFRIEND, by SUSAN EISENBERG Poem Source First Line: All his pleases thank yous Last Line: Died. She must have hated you Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Relationships MY GRANDFATHER BURNING CORNFIELDS, by ROGER SAULS Poem Source First Line: The only light at this hour Subject(s): Family Life MY GRANDFATHER DYING, by TED KOOSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could see bruises or shadows Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MY GRANDFATHER DYING, by TED KOOSER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could see bruises or shadows Subject(s): Family Life MY GRANDMOTHER HATED THE NEIGHBORS, by SUSAN EISENBERG Poem Source First Line: Every saturday morning, in 3-inch heels Last Line: Down to their knees and her %- an american - with them Subject(s): Family Life; Religion MY GREAT UNCLE PATRICK HENRY, by JAMES TATE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's a fortune to be made in just about everything Subject(s): Family Life; Disappointment; Ancestors & Ancestry; Relatives; Heritage; Heredity MY JOB, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wonder where's a better job than buying cake and meat Last Line: Than serving day by day the needs of little girls and boys. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives MY LAST AFTERNOON WITH UNCLE DEVEREUX WINSLOW, by ROBERT LOWELL Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I won't go with you. I want to stay with grandpa!' Variant Title(s): Life Studies: My Last Afternoon With Uncle Devereux Winslow Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers MY LAST AFTERNOON WITH UNCLE DEVEREUX WINSLOW, by ROBERT LOWELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I won't go with you. I want to stay with grandpa!' Last Line: Uncle devereux would blend to the one color Variant Title(s): Life Studies: My Last Afternoon With Uncle Devereux Winslo Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents MY LAST UNCLE, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: He appeared at union station Last Line: With his suitcase and dreams Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland MY LAWRENCE, by STANLEY PLUMLY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The future, rain in every syllable and cell Last Line: It was raining and no one knew who lawrence was Subject(s): Fathers; Family Life; Coal Mines & Miners; Lawrence, David Herbert (1885-1930) MY LIFE: AS FOR WE WHO LOVE TO BE ASTONISHED, by LYN HEJINIAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You spill the sugar when you lift the spoon. My father had filled an old Last Line: You cannot determine the nature of progress until you assemble all of the relatives Subject(s): Family Life MY MOTHER'S DEATH, by JUDITH HEMSCHEMEYER Poem Source First Line: It's still inside me Last Line: But who will help me Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers And Daughters; Women MY MOTHER'S HANDS, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yawning, she yanks the shuttle through the frame Last Line: Stuck motionlless and never moved Subject(s): Mothers; Family Life; Hands; Relatives MY MOTHER, CLIMBING HER FAMILY TREE, by DONNA DOYLE Poem Source First Line: When I write to my mother asking about relatives Last Line: Daily, through the holy, holy land we are living in now Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Family Life; Grandparents MY NATURAL MAMA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My natural mama %is gingerbread Last Line: Is gingerbread, %brown and spicy sweet Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life MY NURSE, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: A young woman came sitting at our door Last Line: Had I had the pleasure to live with a queen Subject(s): Family Life - China MY PAPA MOSTLY WITH A NEEDLE, by SAVINA A. ROXAS Poem Source First Line: Sewed custom-made coats for Subject(s): Family Life MY PARENTS, KNOW IT WELL, by CARLOS GERMAN BELLI Poem Source Last Line: And count as human-beings Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Parents MY POOR NEIGHBOR, by RAY CLARKE ROSE Poem Text First Line: My neighbor hath a lordly pile Last Line: While I have home—and you, my dear! Subject(s): Blessings; Family Life; Fathers; Happiness; Neighbors; Poverty; Wealth; Relatives; Joy; Delight; Riches; Fortunes MY SHATTERED SISTER, by NAOMI HELENA QUINONEZ Poem Source First Line: Sister, I wish to be the waters Last Line: Of america to the south Subject(s): Family Life; Mexican American Families; Sisters MY SISTER'S BOYFRIEND, by MELISSA KIRSCH Poem Source First Line: Like a mastiff, jowly Last Line: Impossible for anything %to feel quite right again Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships MY THREE AUNTS, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: My three aunts seldom smiled, my three aunts Last Line: A shroud epoch hangs on her bed like a drunken ghost Subject(s): Family Life - China MYSTERY OF THE CAVES, by MICHAEL WATERS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I don't remember the name of the story Last Line: Crying my name among blind fish, %wanting so much to come home Subject(s): Caves; Child Molesting; Danger; Family Life; Heroism; Parents MYTHE, by GREG RAPPLEYE Poem Source First Line: There is a couple with a baby Last Line: Or the end of the story Subject(s): Family Life; Fights NANCY CHURNING, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Mute, homely, that was our Last Line: Where she rubs herself with the soot Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland NATIVE SON, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Only asparagus!' Last Line: And he met it everywhere Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina NEAR RELATION, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For months after it happened my brother sent gifts Last Line: Like a yellow lance penetrating her skull, but she is smiling Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships NEEDFIRE, THIS LOW HEAVEN, by ALICE FULTON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Noticing a snow-filled shopping cart Last Line: The sockets of flowers Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives NEEDFIRE, THIS LOW HEAVEN, by ALICE FULTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Noticing a snow-filled shopping cart Last Line: Hums up, charging %the sockets of flowers Subject(s): Family Life NEITHER CAN THE FLOODS DROWN IT, by ELIZABETH BILLER CHAPMAN Poem Source First Line: We catch only glimpses of you Last Line: Leftward, into what was and will be %your green world Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Daughters; Family Life NERVOUS FAMILY, by EDWARD LEAR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We're all nervous, very very nervous Last Line: And we're all nervous at our house in town Subject(s): Family Life; Fear NERVOUS FAMILY: ALTERNATIVE VERSION, by EDWARD LEAR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My aunt said I must marry, since there was none but I Last Line: For we're all & c Subject(s): Family Life; Single People NEW ENGLAND PORTRAIT, by KATHRYN WORTH Poem Text First Line: She faces life across a willow plate Last Line: Who rings herself with aureoles of race! Subject(s): Family Life; New England; Relatives NEW ENGLAND, AUTUMN, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Our daughter dreamt of magnolias Last Line: I woke with a start as if we had set an alarm. Subject(s): Blood; Dreams; Family Life; New England; Nightmares; Relatives NEW FOLKS BOUGHT THE PLACE, by PEGGY O'CONNELL Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life NEW INSTRUCTIONS, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Loving the healing therapy Last Line: So much to learn... %so little time Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina NEW MOTHERS, by CAROL DIGGORY SHIELDS Poem Source Poet Analysis First Line: Nearly seven %walls loosen, it's already dark Subject(s): Family Life NEW PERSPECTIVE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Beside the highway, a modern brick house Last Line: I didn't know it was beautiful!' Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina NEW WIFE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: My officemate tells me Last Line: Their days glistening like the salt %in the corners of her mouth. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH AGING PARENTS, by G. W. CLIFT Poem Source First Line: This time of year my habit says that I Last Line: Claims our focus, this homely holiday Subject(s): Family Life; Holidays; New Year; Parents NIGHT OFF THE MATERNITY WARD, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: There was always night's barter up on ilkley moor Last Line: For the starbloom I carried to the basket dark in my room Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Hospitals; Nurses NIGHTMARE, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Not so much the stare %or the hand Last Line: You grope to hide %in the shadow of her hand Subject(s): Family Life - India NIGHTMARE, by EDWARD FIELD Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Expecting to be put in a sack and dumped in a ditch Alternate Author Name(s): Elliot, Bruce Subject(s): Family Life NIGHTTIME FIRES, by REGINA BARRECA Poem Source First Line: When I was five in louisville Last Line: Rearview mirror, eyes like hallways filled with smoke Subject(s): Family Life; Fire NO CHANCE, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The man who never had a chance, the victim Last Line: Same old whine—because he hadn't any spine. Subject(s): Family Life; Men; Pity; Relatives NO TIME, by BILLY COLLINS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a rush this weekday morning Subject(s): Cemeteries; Family Life; Death; Parents; Graveyards; Relatives; Dead, The; Parenthood NO TIME, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: From room to room he roared and strode Last Line: A barkin' dog has no time to bite Subject(s): Anger; Family Life; Fathers; Fear NOT A SUICIDE POEM, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: The children talk of suicide Last Line: Depending on hwere you stand, sometimes large, %sometimes not Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Healing; Love NOT A SUICIDE POEM, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: You tell me the boys %in art class carve geometrics Last Line: Come through drought and frost, %we were planted side by side. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love NOT KNOWING, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: By then, by the time my brother Last Line: Every live and dead tree Subject(s): Adolescence; Family Life NOT LEAVING THE HOUSE, by GARY SYNDER Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: When kai is born Subject(s): Family Life; Birth; Relatives; Child Birth; Midwifery NOTEBOOK OF A RETURN TO THE NATIVE LAND, SELECTION, by AIME CESAIRE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the end of daybreak Subject(s): Family Life; Negritude (literary Movement); Relatives NOTES TO MY DAUGHTERS, by SHIRLEY KAUFMAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You were the reason for staying Last Line: Washing it away. Subject(s): Abandonment; Children; Family Life; Israel; Mortality; Mothers & Daughters; Parents; Desertion; Childhood; Relatives; Parenthood NOTHING TO EAT, by RINA FERRARELLI Poem Source First Line: I went out and left him to scrounge Subject(s): Family Life NOVEMBER HARVEST, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: Barns huddle over the horns Last Line: Sprouting out to us %in our mutual darkness Subject(s): Family Life; History NOW THAT YOUR SHOULDERS REACH MY SHOULDERS, by ROBERT FRANCIS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My shoulders once were yours for riding Subject(s): Family Life NURSERY REMINISCENCES, by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I remember, I remember Last Line: Must be whipp'd and sent to bed!' Alternate Author Name(s): Ingoldsby, Thomas Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Punishment; Relatives OBSERVER, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: On a white-hot july afternoon Last Line: Anticipating her energy return Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina OBSESSIVE, by MARVIN BELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It could be a clip, it could be a comb Last Line: The father of a friend just sickened and sickened. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Games; Obsessions; Childhood; Relatives; Recreation; Pastimes; Amusements OCTOBER, by MAY SWENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A smudge for the horizon Subject(s): Family Life; Autumn; Childhood Memories; Nature; Relatives; Fall OCTOBER MORNING WALK, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: On the pond, frost floats like rice paper Last Line: Into the dark-tufted meadow where frost's %fragile language sparkles on his tongue Subject(s): Family Life; History ODE TO MY SON'S FORGOTTEN CAP, by LU V. SMITH Poem Source First Line: Take this cap Subject(s): Family Life OEDIPAL GHAZAL, by RONALD W. WALLACE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The family in the cabin, playing cards. The cards Last Line: As if the family lived in a house of cards Alternate Author Name(s): Wallace, Ron Subject(s): Card Games; Family Life OF THE RACE, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Some day I will have babies with %high Last Line: All the colors Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness OF, OR FROM, by PAUL T. HOGAN Poem Source First Line: These sons %become me Last Line: Become me they %become me Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Fathers And Sons OLD MAN WHO IS GONE NOW, by MARGARITA BALDENEGRO REYES Poem Source First Line: The old man - %he is gone now Last Line: Of death with %the new dead Subject(s): Family Life OLD SCHOOL, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: When in school, on the jade-green campus Last Line: The river's cliff grew dark in september mist Subject(s): Family Life - China OLD TOPPER, by PHIL WEIDMAN Poem Source First Line: My mom's mom used Last Line: Years. I'd become a %stranger like everyone else Subject(s): Children; Family Life OLD-FASHIONED LADIES (TO THE MEMORY OF MY GREAT-AUNT, MADAME K-), by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An ample hall, a stair with wide Last Line: That quaintness, calm and fine, god knows! Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life; Maturity; Relationships; Relatives OLDER SISTER, by DEBRA MARQUART Poem Source First Line: Forever, she rides Last Line: Than the recipe required Subject(s): Family Life; Sisters OMI ROSE, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: Her face was such a warm doll Last Line: Our baby - omi! Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life ON A NIGHT OF RAIN, by BERYLE WILLAMS Poem Source First Line: Leaning down %to kiss the boy goodnight Subject(s): Family Life ON AN UNSOCIABLE FAMILY, by ELIZABETH HANDS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O what a strange parcel of creatures are we Last Line: For to please ourselves, truly, is more than we can. Alternate Author Name(s): Daphne Subject(s): Family Life; Indifference; Relatives ON BATS, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: By chance I visited the little zoo of d. H. Lawrence Last Line: A moth from a spider, but care little for the bats Subject(s): Family Life - China ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Ten thousand miles in mist and rain, fifty Last Line: Roses, roses to fade upon your stone Subject(s): Family Life - China ON MY APPLICATIONS, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: On my applications I can %put Last Line: If you take her as she %is Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness ON PLOUGHING, by EVELYN D. BANGAY Poem Text First Line: The slow shuttle of husbandry Last Line: Sweating for daily bread. Subject(s): Family Life; Plowing & Plowmen; Relatives ON SECOND THOUGHT, by MEG KEARNEY Poem Source First Line: I was wrong about happiness. I thought Last Line: You look so much like your father Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Happiness; Memory ON THE ARROW TRACK, by J. H. G. Poem Text First Line: Coming from the arrow, I / with my empty dray Last Line: "ta-ra-ra boom-dee-ay!" Subject(s): Aborigines, Australian; Family Life; Language; Singing & Singers; Relatives; Words; Vocabulary; Songs ON THE EVE OF OUR ANNIVERSARY, by GARY FRANCIS MARGOLIS Poem Source First Line: Spring approaches blowing east Subject(s): Family Life ON THE LINE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: When you've been through the wringer Last Line: Slipping off. The line gives way, tattersalls %and teddies swinging wild to the wind. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love ON THE MARRIAGE OF MISS CAMILLA WALLOP & THE REV. WAKE, by JANE AUSTEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Camilla, good humoured, & merry, & small Last Line: Is now happy to jump at a wake Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage ON THE THRESHOLD, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: When they leave, as they will, Last Line: Your long night on the threshold %and welcome you home. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love ON WINTER NIGHTS, by NIJOLE MILIAUSKAITE Poem Source First Line: On winter nights, when my grandmother Last Line: At my eyes, filled with sleep Subject(s): Family Life ONE DAY, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Everyone knows that the trees will go one day Variant Title(s): This Day Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives ONE MINUS ONE MINUS ONE, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is a first map of territory Last Line: In this loneliness Subject(s): Family Life; Solitude; Relatives ONE OF THE BOYS, by PHILIP DACEY Poem Source First Line: Wanting to lie down on a bed Subject(s): Family Life ONE THING, TOO MUCH, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: We all love one thing too much Last Line: Is like a burning woman %calling for more wood Subject(s): Family Life; History OPEN ROADS, by DAVID DONNELL Poem Source First Line: My stepfather was a hobo because he didn't know any better Subject(s): Family Life ORDEAL BY FAMILY, by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been out where the blues begin Last Line: And now that I'm away again, %I miss them very much Alternate Author Name(s): Hayden, Charles, Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life OTHERWISE, by JANE KENYON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got out of bed Last Line: It will be otherwise Subject(s): Family Life; Mortality; Relatives OUR BE'THPLEACE, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How dear's the door a latch do shut Last Line: Our own vorelivers dead an' gone. Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Memory; Relatives OUR BICYCLES, by JAMES LAUGHLIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother being the eldest had Subject(s): Bicycles; Family Life; Cycling; Relatives OUR BICYCLES, by JAMES LAUGHLIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother being the eldest had Last Line: Me I would cry) leaving me far be- %hind wailing and eating their dust Subject(s): Bicycles; Family Life OUR CAT, by JAMES BERRY Poem Source First Line: She touches with her paw Last Line: Fantastic family friend - firefur! Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Brothers And Sisters; Family Life OUR DRAGON, by CHELSEA RATHBURN Poem Source First Line: At summer reunions, great aunt nettie Last Line: Those apples will sink in your gut like stone.' Subject(s): Family Life; Reunions; Summer OUR EYES: A FAMILY GALLERY, by PETER DAVISON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This is the room my life's recorded in Last Line: Where I have spent hundreds of hours, like this one, %mixingthe fixatives of an unfixed life Subject(s): Family Life OUR FAMILY TREE; ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER CECILIA, by JOSEPH CEPHAS HOLLY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Our family tree is in the sear Last Line: Our names shine bright as day. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Sisters; Dead, The; Relatives OUR LADY OF KNOCK, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: They say our lady shone there once Last Line: Dreams travel back to where I can't Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland OUR ROMANCE, by MARVIN BELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The road is narrow which leads to that house Last Line: And saved the parents, being children. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Home; Parents; Childhood; Relatives; Parenthood OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: In the weeks of your going I tug at time Last Line: Where another universe waits %at the white-hot core. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love OUT OF THE SOUTH, by NEAL BOWERS Poem Source First Line: Back home on the sly, as usual Last Line: And joined in the morning traffic, %headed somewhere else Subject(s): Family Life; Homecoming; Southern States PA, by LEO DANGEL Poem Source First Line: When we got home, there was our old man Subject(s): Family Life PAJAMA QUOTIENT, by LINDA GREGERSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Coinage of the not-yet-wholly- Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives PALM ENDING IN WINTER, by IRA SADOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Something simple, something clear Subject(s): Winter; Family Life; Relatives PAPER MATCHES, by PAULETTE JILES Poem Source First Line: My aunts washed dishes while the uncles Last Line: Wr come bearing supper %our heads on fire Subject(s): Family Life; Sexism PASSING, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: They called it Last Line: Or is %it running up my spine? Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness PASSION DRINKER, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: When he was young, he broke horses Last Line: The passion drinker thinks he's seen it all, %but the dead say only the earth endures Subject(s): Cowboys; Family Life; History PASSOVER HAMBURGERS, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: The hamgurgers Last Line: Bitter herbs Subject(s): Contentment; Family Life; Fathers; Food And Eating; Love; Passover PAST, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I have all these parts stuffed in me Last Line: Of my new %day Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness PASTORAL, by ALES DEBELJAK Poem Source First Line: The ornament of frost and jasmine is already crumbling. Before Last Line: Only stutter. No symmetry, no design: an ancient seal cracks imperceptibly Subject(s): Family Life PATIENT IS NEAR, by BILL RECTOR Poem Source First Line: Death. I change shape constnatly. I am all Last Line: It I almost burst %out laughing - attila the son Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Sickness PEELING POTATOES, by LENORA STEELE Poem Source First Line: I do not think that I Last Line: My clothes line is a perfect %gospel of deceit Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Potatoes PERIANDER, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How died melissa none dares shape in words Last Line: How black his gods behind their marble screens. Subject(s): Family Life; Murder; Revenge; Tyranny & Tyrants; Relatives PERISHABLES, by R. WATSON Poem Source First Line: They shall be thanked for their softness Last Line: And which have been cleaned and returned to brightness Subject(s): Family Life; Life; Nature PHAETON'S FIFTH BIRTHDAY, by PENELOPE DEAKIN Poem Source First Line: If I were a mother Subject(s): Family Life PHOTOS, by DIANE WAKOSKI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My sister in her well-tailored silk blouse hands me Last Line: How I hate my destiny Subject(s): Family Life; Photography And Photographers PHYSICAL UNIVERSE, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He woke at five and, unable Last Line: From the depths of sleep. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives PICKING SHAMROCK IN IRELAND, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Three leaves define the trinity Last Line: Satan to wash away our sins Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland PICTURES, by SARAH BEAUMONT KENNEDY Poem Source First Line: The vet says, either you can give her a shot Last Line: And I say yes, yes, I do, even though I wasn't there Subject(s): Animals; Death - Animals; Family Life; Horses; Sickness PLACE AND TIME, by LISEL MUELLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Last night a man on the radio Alternate Author Name(s): Muller, Lisel Subject(s): War; Transience; Family Life; Impermanence; Relatives PLANTING SNOWDROPS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: We cut through tangles in october Last Line: The wish that still returns Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland PLASTIC BEATITUDE, by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our neighbors, the pazzotis, live in a long Last Line: To their last temptation. Subject(s): Blessings; Electricity; Extermination & Exterminators; Family Life; Insects; Mary. Mother Of Jesus; Neighbors; Toys; Women In The Bible; Relatives; Bugs; Virgin Mary PLAYING DEAD, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Full Text Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Our father liked to play a game. Last Line: Im way too young to quote em Subject(s): Fathers; Family Life; Death; Relatives; Dead, The PLOW CEMETERY, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The plow: one of the three-mile inns that nicked Last Line: Plow cemetery, downhill from the church Subject(s): Cemeteries; Family Life; Grandparents; Homecoming; Graveyards; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers PLOW CEMETERY, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The plow: one of the three-mile inns that nicked Last Line: My life in time will seal shut like a scar Subject(s): Cemeteries; Family Life; Grandparents; Homecoming POEM 1, by ABELARDO SANCHEZ LEON Poem Source First Line: What happens here happened to my grandfather and my father Last Line: Dragging the head of the land down Subject(s): Children; Family Life; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; Women POEM FOR MY FATHER'S GHOST, by MARY OLIVER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now is my father Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Relatives POEM FOR MY FATHER'S GHOST, by MARY OLIVER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now is my father Last Line: A brother who has walked his thousand miles Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers POEM FOR MY MOTHER, by SIV CEDERING Poem Source First Line: Remember when I draped Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers POEM OF THE MOTHER, by MYRA SKLAREW Poem Source First Line: The heart goes out ahead Last Line: So when his time comes %he can leave me Subject(s): Family Life POEM ON HIS 44TH BIRTHDAY, by ED OCHESTER Poem Source First Line: After so many years I've discovered Last Line: Rejoice, rejoice Subject(s): Birthdays; Family Life POEM TO HELP MY FATHER, by NORMA HOPE RICHMAN Poem Source First Line: When I was young, and the day Subject(s): Family Life POETS IN GROUPS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: In their photographs, %they stand frozen to permanence Last Line: Their faces, made blank, do not show the depths %in which they're held Subject(s): Family Life - India POLITICS, by WILLIAM MEREDITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Meredith, Morris Subject(s): Politics & Government; Marriage; Lust; Family Life; Mcgovern, George (1922-2012); Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Relatives POLYHYMNIA: DEDICATION TO THE COUNTESS OF LINDSEY, by WILLIAM BASSE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: This laureat nymph, one of the daughters nine Last Line: While fame has breath her ivory trump to sound. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Daughters; Family Life; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Relatives POOP, by GERALD LOCKLIN Poem Source First Line: My daughter, blake, is in kindergarten Subject(s): Family Life POOR NORTH, by MARK STRAND Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is cold, the snow is deep Subject(s): Cold; Family Life; Relatives PORTER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Suddenly / when I hear airplanes overhead Last Line: He looks down. Then he looks at me and grins. / I took it, too! Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Aviation & Aviators; Relatives PORTER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Suddenly %when I hear airplanes overhead Last Line: When I put it down %she handed me a dime %as a tip. %he looks down. %then he looks at me and grins. Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life PORTRAIT, by LOUISE ELIZABETH GLUCK Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A child draws the outline of a body Subject(s): Family Life PORTRAIT BY PICHER, by FRANCES BAKER Poem Text First Line: There are not many leaves Last Line: Bend wearily above the earth. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY, by CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: This family portrait Last Line: The long road of the flesh Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Pictures POTSO, MY WINE-DARK UNCLE, by BRENDAN JAMES GALVIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I incarcerate you behind Last Line: An empty mustard jar Subject(s): Family Life; Uncles PRACTICING, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My son is practicing the piano. Subject(s): Family Life; Conduct Of Life; Relatives PRAYER FOR FAMILY LOVE, by JOHN S. HOYLAND Poem Source First Line: Father, %grant unto us true family love Last Line: One eternal glory of divine self-sharing Variant Title(s): For Family Lov Subject(s): Family Life; Religion PREPARATION, by ELLEN BRYANT VOIGT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The bone-man lives in a stucco Subject(s): Family Life; Dogs; Death; Relatives; Dead, The PREPARATIONS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: In late august they cross the street Last Line: Ah gust! This like any other %a shudder holding its own course Subject(s): Family Life - India PREPARE THE FALL, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Expect the symptoms of fall: Last Line: See how dusk shines like the eye %of abalone. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love PRETTY, by NIKKI GRIMES Poem Source Last Line: Oh, I wish he'd hurry up! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Fathers PRETTY AS A PICTURE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: With your face in your hands Last Line: Telling us to smile like angels, %smile just enough to break his heart. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love PRIOR TO MISS BELLE'S APPEARANCE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What makes you come here fer, mister Last Line: Ist fly-an' ever-thing! . . . I wisht I'd die! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives PUZZLE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Based on biblical teaching Last Line: Under my bed Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina QUARREL, by ELLEN BRYANT VOIGT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since morning they have been quareling Subject(s): Quarrels; Family Life; Arguments; Disagreements; Relatives QUARRIED STONE, by ALICE MONKS MEARS Poem Text First Line: He who lay on rock Last Line: The sun on quarried stone. Subject(s): Abandonment; Family Life; Sleep; Desertion; Relatives QUIET MENTION, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: He bullied her for years Last Line: She didn't win and yet she won Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Solitude; Women - Abused QUIET MONEY, by ROBERT MCDOWELL Poem Source First Line: The bootlegger opens his eyes and stares Last Line: How what we do to get them can make us sorry... %send the word, send the word to beware Subject(s): Alcock, John William (1892-1919); Ambition; Aviation And Aviators; Brown, Arthur Whitten (1886-1948); Family Life; Fathers And Daughters; Lindbergh, Charles Augustus (1902-1974) RADIO SKY, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: The blue house at mills cross Last Line: Drifting under the familiar worn sheet. Subject(s): Comfort; Cruelty; Family Life; Infertility; Relatives RAIN SONG, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The radio blares dialogue of souls Last Line: Those who despair Subject(s): Rain; Despair; Youth; Family Life; Coming Of Age; Relatives RAMAYANA, by REETIKA VAZIRANI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You cabled tomorrow I am coming Last Line: Froze between the moon and me Subject(s): Bombay, India; Family Life; Travel RAQUEL WELCH READ TOM WOLFE, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Raquel welch read tom wolfe %I read judith krantz Last Line: It was a platonic relationship %this side of gucciland Subject(s): Family Life - India RASPBERRY APPARITIONS, by KEITH GEORGE ABBOTT Poem Source First Line: My mother met my father Last Line: For her, now Subject(s): Family Life; Parents; Widows And Widowers RAVEN PRIEST, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: At the seaside Last Line: I wake to the cries of village roosters Subject(s): Family Life - China RAVEN/MOON, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: In first people's sky there is no moon Last Line: Raven listens, whistling in stunted trees Subject(s): Family Life; History; Legends, Native American RAW SILK, by MEENA ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Open the door or I'll faint hearing amma's voice Last Line: Raw silk turned to smoke in the night's throat Subject(s): Children; Death; Family Life; Memory; Poetry Readings; Childhood; Dead, The; Relatives RAW SILK, by MEENA ALEXANDER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Open the door or I'll faint hearing amma's voice Last Line: Raw silk turned to smoke in the night's throat Subject(s): Children; Death; Family Life; Memory; Poetry Readings READING AFTER A CALL FROM MY EX-WIFE, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I read a novel in which the main character used etcetera Subject(s): Divorce; Family Life; Marriage; Relationships; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives READING AFTER A CALL FROM MY EX-WIFE, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I read a novel in which the main character used etcetera Last Line: Become so again, for a while Subject(s): Divorce; Family Life; Marriage; Relationships REAL STORY, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sucking on hard candy Last Line: Enough chickens %tell us a real story Subject(s): Family Life REALIZATION, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Momma said, 'pretty does!' Last Line: I offer this gift to others Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina RECAPITULATIONS, by KARL SHAPIRO Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born downtown on a wintry day Subject(s): Birth; Family Life; Jews; World War Ii; Coming Of Age; Youth; Blacks; Divorce; Christianity; Conduct Of Life; Child Birth; Midwifery; Relatives; Judaism; Second World War RECOLLECTION, by CONRAD CHITTICK Poem Text First Line: My mother used to seat me by her side Last Line: "thumb in my fist, and -- ""sh-h my sleepy child." Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives RED LESSONS, by ELIZABETH ANTALEK Poem Source First Line: My mother taught me how to light Last Line: Behind me-a new fire to contain Subject(s): Family Life RED ROCK CEREMONIES, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The clear moon arcs Last Line: I am making the words %speak in circles Subject(s): Family Life; History; West (u.s.); Women REFLEXES, by MARVIN BELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was a powder the druggist had Subject(s): Family Life REJECTED ADDRESSES: CUI BONO, BY LORD B., by JAMES SMITH (1775-1839) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Sated with home, of wife, of children tired Last Line: And moody madness laughs and hugs the chain he clanks. Subject(s): Byron, George Gordon, Lord (1788-1824); Family Life; Home; Poetry & Poets; Soul; Byron, George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron; Relatives RELATIVES, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just the thought of them makes your jawbone ache Last Line: To love one's self is to love them all Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives RELATIVES, by JOHN UPDIKE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just the thought of them makes your jawbone ache Last Line: To love one's self is to love them all Subject(s): Family Life REMAINS, by TED LORD Poem Source First Line: She was the girlfriend who dumped my grandfather Last Line: At the roosters, smiled, sat on our hands Subject(s): Family Life REMEDIES, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: For a cough Subject(s): Family Life REMEMBER:, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Remember: long ago before people moved Last Line: Long ago there was one people: %one color %one race Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness REMEMBERING, by VIRGINIA TAYLOR MCCORMICK Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rosana was our mammy's niece Last Line: When we were gone. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives REMEMBERING MY FATHER, by JONATHAN HOLDEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: As I seize the ladder by its shoulder Last Line: Gaiety because I'm frowning too, because %I know exactly what I look like Subject(s): Family Life RENTED HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY, by JAMES REISS Poem Source First Line: Nail a bushel basket without a bottom Last Line: To the boy who lives there. Say that boy is you Subject(s): Family Life; Houses REPETITIONS, by DAVID WOO Poem Source First Line: When he kneels in the gravel Last Line: Helpless, self-conscious, slightly lopsided, %like our father's Subject(s): Family Life; Walking REQUIESCAT IN PACE!, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O my heart, my heart is sick a-wishing and awaiting Last Line: And veil thy breast with icicles, and thy brow with snow! Subject(s): Family Life; God; Hearts; Kisses; Love; Mountains; Relatives; Hills; Downs (great Britain) RESURRECTION OF THE DAUGHTER, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The family had been ill for some time Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans; Daughters; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives RETURN, by JULIO HERRERA Y REISSIG Poem Source First Line: Earth offers its greeting, with a paternal kiss Last Line: Inscribing fast circles of joy in the air Subject(s): Family Life; Happiness; Homecoming RETURN OF THE WOLVES, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: All through the valley, the people are whispering Last Line: And my scars are not from loving wolves Subject(s): Family Life; History REVIEWING PAST LIVES WHILE LEAF-BURNING, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The air is a smoke-tree, the wind Subject(s): Family Life; History RIDER, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This time we are getting drunk on retsina Subject(s): Family Life; Divorce; Relatives RITE, by ELIZABETH EDDY Poem Source First Line: My teenage son was Subject(s): Family Life RITE OF PASSAGE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Firmly fixed on returning once more Last Line: As promised her darlin' louie Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina RITUAL SLAUGHTER, by BINA GOLDFIELD Poem Source First Line: I pretended he was not my father Last Line: The smell of slaughter %in his skin Subject(s): Family Life RIVER, by DON WELCH Poem Source First Line: Winter %late afternoon Subject(s): Family Life RIVER BIRCH IN NOVEMBER, by E. J. MILLER LAINO Poem Source First Line: A branch hangs over the chain link fence Last Line: The sea is steel again. Maximum security Subject(s): Family Life; Holidays; Thanksgiving RIVER HOUSE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Perhaps you needed to leave Last Line: Jump, jump, astonished %they are speaking %out loud. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love RIVER MAN, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: I know your enduring love: Last Line: If you row out to the middle, %I will call your name. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love ROADS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Stonewalls, not knowing how to go Last Line: And scarecrows line his field Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland ROADSIDE POEMS: AN OLD SERMON WITH A NEW TEXT, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My wife contrived a fleecy thing Last Line: That holdeth fast thy life. Subject(s): Children; Education; Family Life; God; Sermons; Sewing; Childhood; Relatives ROADSIDE POEMS: LITTLE ELFIE, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have a puppet-jointed child Last Line: Sleep shining through the dark. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Innocence; Childhood; Relatives ROBINSON, by WELDON KEES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The dog stops barking after robinson has gone Last Line: Where trees are actual and take no holiday Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships; Relatives ROBINSON AT HOME, by WELDON KEES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Curtains drawn back, the door ajar Last Line: And the long curtains blow into the room Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships; Disappointment; Relatives ROCKER, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Sweeping today as I do every day, Last Line: To be nothing less than beautiful %as a pool of orange fantails. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love ROMANCE REKINDLED, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Very good at hellos Last Line: As they launched their own %may day Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina ROMANTIC SONNET, by CHARLES SIMIC Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Relatives ROOM FULL OF USED BABY FURNITURE FOR SALE, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The scolic scabs have been pried off Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter Subject(s): Furniture; Family Life; Relatives ROOM IN THE PAST, by TED KOOSER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's a kitchen. Its curtains fill Subject(s): Family Life ROPE AND DRUM, by ROBERT CURRIE Poem Source First Line: That night in the barn Subject(s): Family Life ROWING, by ED OCHESTER Poem Source First Line: Early saturdays %father and I argued Subject(s): Family Life ROYAL LEGACY, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Childhood is the kingdom where Last Line: Now denied heirs for their own future kingdoms Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina RUMOR AT TWILIGHT, by ROBERT PENN WARREN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rumor at twilight of whisper, crepuscular Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives RUMORS, by SUSAN WOOD Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: In tornado weather, my mother said, the day Last Line: The candles in case the lights went out Subject(s): Family Life; Fear RUMORS: A FAMILY MATTER, by CLARENCE MAJOR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dates escape me. At any rate aunt thelma lived on in grief Last Line: Not too late to remember with kindness Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Problems; Rumors RUNAWAY SISTER, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: No one can stop me! I'm running away!' Last Line: Until your first movie is a box-office success Subject(s): Family Life - India RUNNED AWAY, by BURGES JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dear sis: I wrote this noat to say I've been an Last Line: Hiding in the stable. Subject(s): Brothers; Children; Escapes; Family Life; Letters; Sisters; Half-brothers; Childhood; Fugitives; Relatives RUNOFF, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Watchful mildred, blind eye Last Line: I was hunched against february Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland RUSH HOUR, by BRUCE A. JACOBS Poem Text First Line: My honda drops Subject(s): Automobiles; Escapes; Family Life; Racism; Cars; Fugitives; Relatives; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry SACRED HEART PROCESSION, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: One corpus christi you recall Last Line: And my heart, beating, beating %under all that lace Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SADNESS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Sadness, you are a silver locket Last Line: The weather stops stinging, until %I can't get dressed without you. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love SAINT BRIGID'S DAY, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: The pintails rising in straight line Last Line: Is alive again and drinking Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SALT, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This one woman has been sobbing Subject(s): Air Travel; Family Life; Love - Loss Of; Relatives SANIBEL ISLAND, by MARTHA RONK Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lizards crawl the screen again, it's sanibel august Last Line: Upside down, welcomes all gods crfeatures in Subject(s): Sanibel Island, Florida; Drinks & Drinking; Family Life; Summer; Lizards SAPHRONIA, by JUANITA BROWN TOBIN Poem Source First Line: Born out of wedlock, she had a son Last Line: She died sitting up in her chair. %her dog shed tears Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life SCENE OF A SUMMER MORNING, by IRVING FELDMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Scene of a summer morning: my mother walking Last Line: Drifting, the ten tribes there, gone forever Subject(s): Family Life; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Relatives; Shoah; Judaism SCENE OF A SUMMER MORNING, by IRVING FELDMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Scene of a summer morning: my mother walking Last Line: No longer mine. Littering through my fingers, %drifting, the ten tribes, lost forever Subject(s): Family Life; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews SCENES FROM WAR: THE NIGHT I LEFT THE AIR FORCE, by WALTER ROBERT MCDONALD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Moving is all we ever do, our daughter cried Last Line: Running lost and screaming in our living room Alternate Author Name(s): Mcdonald, Walt Subject(s): Aviation And Aviators; Family Life; Moving And Movers SCHOOL NURSE'S JOURNAL, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Must I open the paint-stuck windows Last Line: I count fifty sprites in the dell Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SCOTCH AND SUN, by MICHAEL WATERS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Home from night shift, my father Last Line: Though I held him in my arms Variant Title(s): The Art Of Tragedy; Scotch And Su Subject(s): Alcoholics And Alcoholism; Family Life; Fathers And Sons; Seashore SCREWS & HINGES, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Unable in their freedom Last Line: Hinged to the obedience %of opening and closing Subject(s): Family Life - India SCULPIN, by ROBERT FARNSWORTH Poem Source First Line: Marie, you get to call your teacher marie?' Last Line: Laugh hurl it down on the concrete, hard Subject(s): Family Life; Fishing And Fishermen SECOND HELPING, by DOUG DORPH Poem Source First Line: Since the heart attack, I come up the stairs Last Line: In my extra life, I don't Subject(s): Family Life; Health; Hearts; Sickness SECOND SON, by MARGIT MOORE Poem Source First Line: You are the one who looks like me Subject(s): Family Life SECRET, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: Don't tell your mother!' Last Line: Until now never revealed Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina SECRET WRITING, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From the outward world about us Last Line: Of the spirit comes to light. Subject(s): Family Life; Writing & Writers SEEING A NEW SISTER, by E. ALMA FLAGG Poem Source First Line: Baby sister doesn't know Last Line: They say she's here for keeps Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life SEGREGATION #1, by CARLOS GERMAN BELLI Poem Source First Line: I, my mother, my two brothers Last Line: In tiny mini pieces Subject(s): Family Life; Peru; Primitive Man SEIZURE, by LYNN EMANUEL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This was the winter mother told time by my heart Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SELF-PORTRAIT, by LLOYD SCHWARTZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was sitting in her living room Subject(s): Paintings & Painters; Family Life; Relatives SELF-PORTRAIT, by SUH JUNG-JU Poem Source First Line: Father was a serf, seldom came home at night Last Line: Like a sick dog with his tongue hanging out %in the sun and in the shade Subject(s): Family Life; Self SELF-STORAGE, by ALICE FULTON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Doesn't that feel great? Subject(s): Gifts & Giving; Family Life; Relatives SENSES OF HERITAGE, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandpa waz a doughboy from carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): Race Awareness; African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Trees; Moon; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives SEPARATE ROOMS, by DAVID E. JOYNER Poem Source First Line: We started out with king size Last Line: Begging us for separate rooms Subject(s): Family Life; Rooms SESTINA, by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: September rain falls on the house Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SESTINA, by ELIZABETH BISHOP Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: September rain falls on the house Last Line: The grandmother sings to the marvellous stove %and the child draws another inscrutable house Subject(s): Family Life SEVEN, by CORTNEY DAVIS Poem Source First Line: 1. I've come to visit father; he is like walking through snow Last Line: Clean the basement, packing the china, the silverware, the pho- %tographs. Night enters, and we stri Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers SEVENTH DAY, by INGEMAR LECKIUS Poem Source First Line: It's in paris or jerusalem or somewhere in a dreamt Last Line: O my interior brothers... Subject(s): Family Life SEWING LESSONS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I can still feel the dig Last Line: As he blessed us from the top %of the class Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SHAMAN/BEAR, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: He sniffs the autumn air Subject(s): Family Life; History SHELL-FLOWERS, by SHIRLEY KAUFMAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Like the turkeys you raise each year Last Line: How far it would carry you Subject(s): Arabs; Family Life; Jerusalem; Jews; Middle East - Conflicts; Palestine; Women SHELVES ON THE CLARK FORK, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I know you're restless Last Line: And across these stones. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SHOPPING WITH AKHMATOVA, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Life's work you say, %the essence of myself? Last Line: Eat the peaches, %we're only shopping Subject(s): Family Life - India SIETE ROBLES, by THERESA M. MCLEAN Poem Text First Line: Beyond a mountain trail Last Line: Than health, and these. Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Half-brothers; Relatives SINCE NELLIE GOT THE HOOK, by WILLIAM A. PHELON Poem Text First Line: A cloud of sorrow darks the house Last Line: (chorus) Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness SINGING SCHOOL, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First they asked you to step through the many rooms Last Line: Now you have to make %your own story Subject(s): Family Life; Schools; Singing And Singers SIR GUY THE CRUSADER, by WILLIAM SCHWENCK GILBERT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sir guy was a doughty crusader Last Line: Grew bulky and quitted the stage. Alternate Author Name(s): Gilbert, W. S. Subject(s): Crusades; Family Life; Knights & Knighthood; Relatives SISTER, by INGEMAR LECKIUS Poem Source First Line: The street is a foreign country. Last Line: She shuts her eyes about the world Subject(s): Family Life SISTER FOR MY FATHER, by HEID E. ERDRICH Poem Source First Line: I try to imagine a sister for my father Last Line: Her back bent at the sink, her knife %poised on the fruit Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers SISTERS, COUSINS, AND WAYWARD ANGELS, by DAVID TILLINGHAST Poem Source First Line: My sister and I dwell in the lost Last Line: Clipped from baby angels %culled at birth Subject(s): Angels; Family Life SISTREN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I sit in the living room Last Line: Like diamonds in your eyes Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Women SIT DOWN, OLD SIR, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Country bus to yung hsu and to nan chong Last Line: Old enough to be pitied by an angel from heaven' Subject(s): Family Life - China SKINNY, SKINNY, OF COURSE SKINNY, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: What does this forearm of a country girl look like Last Line: A bottle of old wine costs 25,000 renmin bi' Subject(s): Family Life - China SLEEPING IN THE AUTUMN, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Perhaps after so many years Last Line: I'd hug your empty pillow like a back Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SLOW WAKER, by THOMSON WILLIAM GUNN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I look at the cousin Last Line: And get in nobody's way Alternate Author Name(s): Gunn, Thom Subject(s): Family Life SMALL DEFEATS: BID ON BEHALF OF MY AUNT EVA, by GORDON WEAVER Poem Source First Line: The chaplain left, dissatisfied Last Line: Paw the dry bones of your jewelry Subject(s): Aging; Family Life; Memory SMALL DEFEATS: GENEALOGICAL DESIGN, by GORDON WEAVER Poem Source First Line: I have this aunt, a woman gray and prim Last Line: But still, we live in this - however prim Subject(s): Family Life SMALL PHILOSOPHICAL POEM, by ANNE STEVENSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dr animus, whose philosophy is a table Last Line: She fills the room with love. And fear. And fear Subject(s): Tables; Family Life SMALL SONG FOR DADDY, by WILLIAM DANIEL EHRHART Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It isn't like my daughter Last Line: Of her particular song Alternate Author Name(s): Ehrhart, W. D. Subject(s): Family Life SMOKE, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Can you imagine the air filled with smoke? Last Line: From poetry Subject(s): Family Life; Smoke; Relatives SNAKES, by EILEEN MYLES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was 6 and Last Line: From the massachusetts review Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Telephones; Childhood; Relatives SNOWBANKS NORTH OF THE HOUSE, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Those great sweeps of snow that stop suddenly six feet from the house... Subject(s): Death - Children; Family Life; Death - Babies; Relatives SNOWBOUND, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The sun that brief december day / rose cheerless over hills of gray Last Line: The benediction of the air. Variant Title(s): New England In Winter;a Winter Idyl;snow-bound;snow-bound: A Winter Idyll Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Massachusetts; Memory; Religion; Snow; Winter; Relatives; Theology SNOWMAN, by BARTON SUTTER Poem Source First Line: This is a poem for tom Last Line: For all of the good providers Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Labor And Laborers; Men; Murder; Self-doubt; Snow SNUG, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: A lucky girl I am Last Line: On this first day of february Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina SO DEEP WAS THEIR LOVE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: This is the story of li po and his lover. Last Line: Speaking, and he walked down %to meet it, so deep was his love. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love SO FAR AFIELD, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: I am all apple tree, %you are all pine. Last Line: Find the far field, %the lone stand of shocks, %where my love %lies now in wait. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love SO I BLOW SMOKE IN HER FACE, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: In the morning I race lii'litsoi across the open plain near the windmill. The Last Line: Feels good. My horse is strong and happily we make the climb up the %chooshgai Subject(s): Family Life; Fields; Horseback Riding; Native Americans - Reservations; New Mexico SO YOUR THINKING OF HAVING A BABY, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: With the first flutter at your ribs Last Line: Overhead, not taken alone. Comes now %your wish on the wind for it never to end. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love SOME INFORMATION ABOUT TWENTY-THREE YEARS OF EXISTENCE, by JEFF CLARK Poem Source First Line: In the shrift, she says, 'it is always moving, even in slumber Last Line: Terror now in the hangar: the little door slides back Subject(s): Aging; Birth; Birthdays; Family Life; Ontology; Time SOME OLD ONES, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Some old ones talk about Last Line: Talk about: brothers %and %sisters Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness SOMEBODY'LL HAV' TO SHOOT YA DOWN', by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Charlie parker running a tow-line / from a red barge Last Line: That is beyond the grave like a great granite keep. Subject(s): Aviation & Aviators; Family Life; Life Change Events; Loss; Parker, Charlie ('bird') (1920-1955); Peace; Airplanes; Air Pilots; Relatives SOMEBODY'S ELSE'S CHILD, by BETTIE MIXON SELLERS Poem Source First Line: When you borrow money Subject(s): Family Life SOMERSET DAM FOR SUPPER, by JOHN HOLMES (1904-1962) Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She tells us an interminable story, from television Last Line: I'm the father, and at fifty-six I know more, thar's all Subject(s): Family Life SONG (1), by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I have the fore %head Last Line: Has that russian %jewish %bump. %jump Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness SONG (2), by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I am of the earth and the earth is of me Last Line: We are together: sisters Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness SONG FOR DANIEL, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: If you stay, the earth will stand Last Line: My arms, come rest there, long and long, %my sweet blue wings. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love SONG FOR MY LITTLE FRIENDS, by LEONARD ADAME Poem Source First Line: My inquisitive little brown children Last Line: What I feel about you, my little friends Subject(s): Family Life SONG OF SOCIAL DESPAIR, by MARVIN BELL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ethics without faith, excuse me Last Line: Inevitably on the wrong side looking out. Subject(s): Faith; Family Life; Morality; Belief; Creed; Relatives; Ethics SONG OF THE SCUTTLE (AFTER EUGENE FIELD), by THOMAS AUGUSTINE DALY Poem Text First Line: Oh, ye who are fond of music Last Line: The rattle of coal in the scuttle that mom drags up the stairs. Alternate Author Name(s): Daly, T. A. Subject(s): Family Life; Field, Eugene (1850-1895); Relatives SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In a small throaty soprano Subject(s): Family Life SONGS OF LOVE AND YOUTH: PROLOGUE, by AUSTIN PHILIPS Poem Text First Line: Even as one who finds his face Last Line: But ever battling upwards,—battling towards the light. Subject(s): Family Life; Hearts; Love; Mothers; Youth; Relatives SONNET: 6, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Ah, many a time our memory slips aside Last Line: And crowned our nights with coronals of dreams. Subject(s): Family Life; Games; Memory; Relatives; Recreation; Pastimes; Amusements SONNET: ON A FAMILY PICTURE, by THOMAS EDWARDS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When pensive on that portraiture I gaze Last Line: Single, unpropped, and nodding to my fall. Subject(s): Family Life; Portraits; Relatives SORT OF TIMID LIKE, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Once I loved a maiden Last Line: Sort of timid like. Subject(s): Family Life; Love - Marital; Relatives; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love SOUNDING, by DAVID RUSSELL JAUSS Poem Source First Line: I envy the silence Subject(s): Family Life SOUTHERN GOTHIC, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have lain down into 1970, into the bed Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SPECIAL TREASURE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: If you like a challenge Last Line: And she will transform and expand your existence Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina SPENDING THE DAY ON A SLEEPING PORCH, by REBECCA WOLFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the enclosure my family Last Line: At every opportunity Subject(s): Day; Family Life; Sleep; Relatives SPENDING THE DAY ON A SLEEPING PORCH, by REBECCA WOLFF Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the enclosure my family Last Line: Endlessly, or they will kill themselves %at every opportunity Subject(s): Day; Family Life; Sleep SPINK MOUNTAIN, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: All I know is that a red lamp gleamed on the delft Last Line: At last what was left of all I remember Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SPIRIT LEVEL, by KEVIN BLACK Poem Source First Line: When illness whittled uncle james Last Line: Where my mother and father are Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Parents SPIRITS AT HOME, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was father, and mother. And emmy, and jane Last Line: "for we live in the ghost of the old house now!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Home; Spiritual Life; Dead, The; Relatives SPRING BIRTHDAY, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Because it's spring, on my birthday Last Line: Garden churns to pebbles, to weeds Subject(s): Family Life - China SPRUNG, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: The ministerial shapes of / chinese women Subject(s): Gardens & Gardening; Family Life; Relatives SPUNKIE, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, what's come o' spunkie? Last Line: In the darkest o' nichts it shines on the way. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SQUARE PEGS, by CLIFFORD BAX Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What's that? The taximeter points, you day Last Line: That all men share, the world for man is one. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives STAR OF WONDER, STAR OF LIGHT, by BARBARA CROOKER Poem Source First Line: It's christmas, the year before the accident, when the Last Line: Their arms full of stars Subject(s): Christmas; Family Life; Stars STAR-FIX, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At his cramped desk Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives STAR-FIX, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At his cramped desk Last Line: Going hungry for five or six hours %to give his flight-lunch%to his two little girls Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life STARK COUNTY HOLIDAY, by MARY OLIVER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our mother's kingdom does not fall Subject(s): Family Life STEEPLECHASE, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: What did she mean Last Line: As we run the long race? Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina STEPFATHER: A GIRL'S SONG, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Again heavy rain drives him home Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Family Life; Stepfathers STILL FINDING OUT, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: Finding out that grandpa perry Last Line: Part still %finding %out Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness STILL KICKING IN AMERICA, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Now that I'm older, %the old ones ask %the same questions Last Line: Hoping for words %to come out right in english Subject(s): Family Life - India; Loss; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration STILLNESS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: The hours %sullen goats grazing on emptiness Last Line: Knowing this %the wind plays dead Subject(s): Family Life - India STILLORGAN, by JAMES MONAHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: This house that is not old or beautiful Last Line: Deeper than words, and words can never say. Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Relatives STOLEN LIFE, by ELIZABETH WILLIS Poem Source First Line: Siblings are forever, spinning out fate like an evil twin Last Line: She can hold her own at sea Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Sisters STORM-BORN VERSE, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Swirling clouds darkening my windows Last Line: Through my fingers, like a congo eel Subject(s): Family Life - China STRANGE BIRD, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Came a strange bird Last Line: Who would shoot this strange bird down Subject(s): Family Life - China STREET NAMES, by ALIKI BARNSTONE Poem Source First Line: I read all the names of the streets as we drove to visit him Last Line: And see them populated with no one I now love Subject(s): Cancer (disease); Family Life; Mothers; Sickness STRING OF MY ANCESTORS, by NINA NYHART Poem Source First Line: When I need string I can't find it Last Line: It crawls off %in two directions Subject(s): Family Life 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 STUDIES STATIC AND ECSTATIC, by EDWARD RALPH CHEYNEY Poem Text First Line: In the house of my fathers Last Line: And goes on its way, whistling. Alternate Author Name(s): Cheyney, Ralph Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Home; Self; Soul; Relatives SUBURBAN IDYL, by POLLY CHASE Poem Text First Line: They are clearing ground to build a house Last Line: And children's arms around us like a wall! Subject(s): Calm; Family Life; Flowers; Suburbs; Placid; Undisturbed; Tranquility; Relatives SUBWAY PSALM, by ALDEN A. NOWLAN Poem Source First Line: It's the first storm of the winter Last Line: Is the finest storm I've ever seen %and everything is exactly as it should be Subject(s): Family Life SUICIDE POEM, by NICOLE DONNELLY Poem Source First Line: When I was fifteen Last Line: Hold a special place in older women's hearts Subject(s): Family Life; Hospitals; Poetry And Poets; Suicide SUM, by JAMES NOLAN Poem Source First Line: My accountant father Subject(s): Family Life SUM PEOPLE, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: The black man %said Last Line: One %plus %one Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness SUMMER I TURNED SIXTEEN, by VIVIAN SHIPLEY Poem Source First Line: Take jewelweed, you told me, for the sting Last Line: Can turn on us as a surprise when we need it most Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Summer SUMMER KITCHEN, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: In june's high light she stood at the sink Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SUMMERTIME CAVATINAS, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The general's wife came Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SUNBEAMS IN AN ALIEN LAND, by HONG YUNSUK Poem Source First Line: In the village where I live Last Line: And then I moved into the present village Subject(s): Family Life SUNDAY, by TIMOTHY LIU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And when they sat down in the morning Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships; Relatives SUNDAY AFTERNOONS, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: They'd latch the screen doors Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives SUNDAY AFTERNOONS, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They'd latch the screen doors Last Line: Held prisoner in the house Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Family Life SUNSET AT TWIN LAKE, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: The heron stalks Subject(s): Family Life; History SUPPER AT THE MILL, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, frances / well, good mother, how are you? Last Line: The supper's ready. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Food & Eating; Mills & Millers; Plays & Playwrights ; Childhood; Relatives; Dramatists SUPPER GATHERERS, by FREDRICK ZYDEK Poem Source First Line: The moon on this side %of his universe Last Line: Just before singing Subject(s): Family Life; Reunions; Singing And Singers SUPPLE CORD, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My brother, in his small white bed Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Half-brothers; Relatives SURFACES, by PETER MEINKE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Darling %you are not alone Subject(s): Family Life SURGICAL CONSULTATION, by CATHERINE MOSS Poem Source First Line: My father said Last Line: In the dark %meat of daughters Subject(s): Family Life; Sickness SWALLOWS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Imagine the journey they make Last Line: And rise like one over water Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland SWANSONG, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: After the snowfall, %a blank sheet of paper Last Line: The black neck of a swan %drooping on the windowsill Subject(s): Family Life - India SWIFTNESS WITH WHICH THOSE CITIES FELL: 6. THE WILL TO RESIST...., by DENNIS NURKSE Poem Source First Line: My great-grandfather combs %in the dim mirror Last Line: Unconditional surrender. It is at hand Subject(s): Family Life; War SWIMMER, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: I almost loaded the food in the car Last Line: Not a storm in sight as they set out across Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TAKING DOWN THE TREE, by JANE KENYON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Give me some light! Cries hamlet's Last Line: We're having, let it be extravagant Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives TAKING IT BACK, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: I can come here now and take back Last Line: I'll catch the bouquet of pink and blue mussels. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TAKING STOCK, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Counting time has come simply %because this sense of worthlessness Last Line: Partly or wholly a truth discovered, %through the spinning years Subject(s): Family Life - India TAKING THE TRAIN HOME, by WILLIAM MATTHEWS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dusk grew on the window. Alternate Author Name(s): Matthews, William Procter Subject(s): Railways; Homecoming; Family Life; Fathers; Death; Relatives; Dead, The TALKNG AMONG OURSELVES, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the rental cottage it comes to me, Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life; Divorce; Grief; Half-brothers; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness TEAHOUSE, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: At the rickshaw-jammed gate of chengdu Last Line: Moaning incessantly into the eastern seas Subject(s): Family Life - China TEASING WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING, by CORTNEY DAVIS Poem Source First Line: In this picture my son's face Last Line: Fork poised over the meat Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Grief TELEGRAM, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: Behind our house, one october morning Last Line: Too stupid to tell my ancestral spirit from a bird Subject(s): Family Life - China TEN WEEK WIFE, by RHODA DONOVAN Poem Source First Line: Dried to a pit of meanness Subject(s): Family Life TESTIMONY, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I learned 'gomez' meant ox urine Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Relatives TESTIMONY, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I learned 'gomez' meant ox urine Last Line: Hardening at the mere thought of 'drink' Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers THANKSGIVING, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Thanksgiving day is set apart Last Line: "praise father, son, and holy ghost!" Subject(s): Family Life; Holidays; Nations; Praise; Prayer; Thanksgiving; Turkey; Relatives THANKSGIVING (1), by PHILIP BOOTH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The tides in my eye are heavy Last Line: On the hill where she, too, was once young Subject(s): Family Life THAT KIND OF POEM', by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He called our son to ask if he Last Line: "of poem"" to keep her alive." Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Women; Dead, The; Relatives THE ARK UPON HIS SHOULDERS, by FORREST GANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My husband did all this. - we used to live Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE BALLAD OF AUNT GENEVA, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Geneva was the wild one Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Literary Form; Racism; Relatives; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE BALLAD OF THE THREE SONS, by AMANDA BENJAMIN HALL Poem Text First Line: A rich man is a man Last Line: But I have none. Alternate Author Name(s): Brownell, John A., Mrs. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE BLACK MAMMY, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O whitened head entwined in turban gay Last Line: That it some day might crush thine own black child? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives THE BLOODY SON, by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O where have ye been the morn sae late Last Line: "o dear mither." Subject(s): Family Life; Morning; Relatives THE BLUE-GRASS PLOT, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O the blue-grass plot, the blue-grass plot Last Line: The grass-plot over the river. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Relatives THE BOARDER, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The time is after dinner. Cigarettes Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE BOOK OF A THOUSAND EYES: I LOVE, by LYN HEJINIAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I love says the acrobat Last Line: And the dirty glass of the jugs of the juggler Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: ABSALOM, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I first discovered what was killing these men. Subject(s): Family Life; Labor & Laborers; Death; Relatives; Work; Workers; Dead, The THE BRIDE'S TRAGEDY, by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now eve has strewn the sun's wide billowy couch Last Line: Dies. Subject(s): Betrayal; Bigamy; Brides; Capital Punishment; Conscience; Courts & Courtiers; Debt; Deception; Family Life; Grief; Guilt; Insanity; Love; Marriage; Murder; Secrets; Suicide; Tragedy; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Q THE BROKEN HOUSEHOLD, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Vainly, vainly, memory seeks Last Line: Where none wander and none die. Subject(s): Death Children; Family Life; Fathers; Survival THE CHARCOAL PAN, by H. HEAD Poem Text First Line: Though huts like ours were rather scarce Last Line: Whose names were scarcely known. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Fire; Tents; Dead, The; Relatives THE CHILDREN, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was the first wednesday of a scarcity of candles Last Line: That evening in a coffin. Variant Title(s): Psalm 23 Subject(s): Animals; Bombs; Family Life; Horses; Sweden; World War Ii; Relatives; Second World War THE COMING DAY, by EAMON GRENNAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Up as usual in the dark Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE CONTRAST, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: See yonder wretched little girl Last Line: "we'll pray, ""god bless the temperance dwelling." Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Family Life; Temperance; Drunkards; Alcohol Abuse; Relatives; Prohibition THE CRUEL BROTHER (1), by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: There were three ladies played at the ba' Subject(s): Brothers & Sisters;family Life;marriage;murder; Relatives;weddings;husbands;wives THE DAY THAT WAS THAT DAY, by AMY LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The wind rose, and the wind fell Subject(s): Women; Despair; Loveless; Poisons & Poisoning; Family Life; Relatives THE DEATH OF SUALTEM, by FRANCIS LEDWIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: After the brown bull passed from cooley's fields Last Line: And all about him waves the heavy gorse. Subject(s): Death; Family Life - Ireland; Love; War; Dead, The THE DOLL, by AGNES LEE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's something strange about the child tonight Last Line: When she comes looking, and it isn't here! Alternate Author Name(s): Freer, Otto, Mrs. Subject(s): Dolls; Family Life; Poverty; Toys; Relatives THE DOODLE-BUGS'S CHARM, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When uncle sidney he comes Last Line: "come up an' git some bread!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Gardens & Gardening; Insects; Relatives; Bugs THE END, by MARGUERITE WILKINSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My father got me strong and straight and slim Last Line: "I am the end." Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY, by ROBERT CREELEY Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY, by KATHERINE MANSFIELD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hineoa, tui, maina, / all of them born together Last Line: "get them!"" but I wouldn't let you." Alternate Author Name(s): Murry, John Middleton, Mrs.; Beauchamp, Kathleen Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY FOOL, by WILLIAM SCHWENCK GILBERT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh! A private buffoon is a light-hearted loon Last Line: They don't blame you—so long as you're funny! Alternate Author Name(s): Gilbert, W. S. Subject(s): Family Life; Fools; Humor; Relatives; Idiots THE FAMILY LARAMIE, by WILLIAM HENRY DRUMMOND Poem Text First Line: Hssh! Look at ba-bee on de lettle blue chair Last Line: Will help bring dem back to me. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY MEETING, by CHARLES SPRAGUE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We are all here Last Line: We 're all — all here! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY'S HOMELY MAN, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There never was a family without its homely Last Line: To smooth the little troubles out and drive the cares away. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 1. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: High as my heart! The quip be mine Last Line: My solace and its ornament! Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers & Daughters; Relatives THE FAMILY: 2. THE DAUGHTER, TEUILA, NATIVE NAME FOR ADORNER, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Man, child, or woman, none from her Last Line: Matron and child, my friend and scribe! Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Daughters; Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 3, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: About my fields, in the broad sun Last Line: And digs like a demented beast. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 4, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tall as a guardsman, pale as the east at dawn Last Line: -- and for his music, too, exacts applause. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 5, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The adorner of the uncomely - those Last Line: Raise my dictating voice on high. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 6, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What glory for a boy of ten Last Line: Rides off downhill into the wood. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 7, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old lady (so they say) but I Last Line: In roaring tree, round whistling clift. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 8, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I meanwhile in the populous house apart Last Line: That pipes in the grey eve. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FAMILY: 9, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These rings, o my beloved pair Last Line: It I have kissed and blessed you both. Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Family Life; Jewelry & Jewelers; Relatives THE FARMER'S WIFE, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My husband is a good, hardworking man Last Line: "and john's come in. ""yes, I'll have supper soon!" Subject(s): Family Life; Freedom; Love - Marital; Marriage; Relatives; Liberty; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE FEARFUL CHILD, by CAROL FROST Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a child I parleyed with animals, stuffed and real. Subject(s): Children; Pets; Family Life; Fear; Childhood; Relatives THE FINGER, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Father/and mother Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE FIRESIDE, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "the hearth was clean, the fire clear" Last Line: I ask no more of heaven Subject(s): Family Life;happiness; Relatives;joy;delight THE FLAT-HUNTER'S WAY, by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: We think we'll stay another year. Alternate Author Name(s): F. P. A. Subject(s): Family Life; City Snd Town Life; Wity And Humor; Apartments; Central Park, New York City; Relatives THE FOOTSTEPS, by DONALD HALL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the kitchen of the old house, late Subject(s): Fathers; Past; Family Life; Relatives THE FORTUNATE SPILL, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well! Johnnie thinks. He has his nerve! Last Line: As they fall for each other, and for me Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; African Americans; Courtship; Luck; Love; Relatives THE FOUNDRY GARDEN, by STANLEY PLUMLY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Fathers; Family Life; Relatives THE FREEBORN, by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: God made the man and bid him multiply Last Line: When this free man comes forth, what must he do? Alternate Author Name(s): Sigerson, Dora; Shorter, Mrs. Clement Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Family Life; Fathers; Hunger; Poverty; Relatives THE GARDEN, by MARK STRAND Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It shines in the garden Subject(s): Gardens & Gardening; Family Life; Relatives THE GEATE A-VALLEN TO, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the zunsheen ov our zummers Last Line: The geäte a-vallèn to. Subject(s): Children; Country Life; Family Life; Fences; Childhood; Relatives THE GHOST, by BLANCHE C. HARDY Poem Text First Line: The poor ghost stood by the window Last Line: "shut that door,"" said the master." Subject(s): Family Life; Ghosts; Supernatural; Relatives THE GLASS HAMMER, by ANDREW HUDGINS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's knickknack crystal hammer Last Line: Who hammered me goddamn 'er Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE GLASS HOUSE, by JANE MILLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I enter at dusk Last Line: Not that, she says, anything but that. Subject(s): Family Life; Houses; Modern Man; Relatives THE GOLDEN SHOVEL, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Of hunger, we end too soon Subject(s): Family Life; Youth; Relatives THE GONE YEARS, by ALICE FULTON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Night pockets the house Last Line: Swith his long wool arms Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE GOOD OLD DAYS AT HOME SWEET HOME, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On monday my mother washed. Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Relatives THE GOSPEL WOMEN: 1. THE MOTHER MARY, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mary, to thee the heart was given Last Line: His life from hers he drew. Subject(s): Bible; Drinks & Drinking; Family Life; Grief; Jesus Christ; Mary. Mother Of Jesus; Mothers; Women - Bible; Wine; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness; Virgin Mary THE GRANDMOTHERS, by ROBERT WRIGLEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He thought, this is the way they all are Last Line: The long, long night they must swim through Subject(s): Grandparents; Cancer (disease); Family Life; Mortality THE GRAVE OF A NIGGER, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "'yes, it's true that's the grave of a nigger" Last Line: Where foam-waters gurgled their way.' Subject(s): "aborigines, Australian;death;family Life;heroism;horse Racing;" "dead, The;relatives;heroes;heroines; THE GREAT AUNTS OF MY CHILDHOOD, by ALICE FULTON Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Buns harden like pomanders Last Line: With harsh yellow soap Subject(s): Family Life; Aunts; Relatives THE GROSS CLINIC, by CAROL FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have a sister who takes care of animals, whose artistry is flesh Subject(s): Gross, Samuel D. (1805-1884); Surgery; Family Life; Relatives THE HAPPIEST DAY, by LINDA PASTAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was early may, I think Subject(s): Family Life; Happiness; Relatives; Joy; Delight THE HIVE, by ELLEN BRYANT VOIGT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: To do something with it: to make something of it Subject(s): Family Life; Human Behavior; Relatives; Conduct Of Life; Human Nature THE HOARDER, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is something there Last Line: "I am not an idler Subject(s): Family Life; Dolls THE HOLE WE'VE BEEN DIGGING, by MICHAEL TEIG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Since I've come home, put on all my shoes, Subject(s): Homecoming; Family Life; Relatives THE HOMESTEADER, by ISABEL ECCLESTONE MACKAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wind-swept and fire-swept and Last Line: "I've found a bigger meaning for the little word called ""home." Subject(s): Family Life; Homesteaders; Relatives THE HOUSE, by GENEVIEVE BUCKLEY STARR Poem Text First Line: When mother looks at me and says Last Line: And not mom's little son. Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Relatives THE HOUSE AT EVENING, by WILLIAM ROSE BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the school-ground it would start Last Line: Dim worlds aflame. Subject(s): Family Life; Houses; Relatives THE HOUSE IN WHICH WE NOW LIVED WAS OLD, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Youth; Fear; Household Employees; Relatives; Servants; Domestics; Maids THE HOUSE ON MOSCOW STREET, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full 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 HOUSE WAS JUST TWINKLING IN THE MOONLIGHT, by GERTRUDE STEIN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography Subject(s): Babies; Family Life; Infants; Relatives THE IMPRISONED INNOCENTS (OR THE COMPLAINT OF A PHILOSOPHER OF FAMILY), by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One morning I said to my wife Last Line: Of heirs to adam's sin! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE INVADERS, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Through dim mysterious, darkened halls Last Line: You cannot keep the children out. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives THE INVESTMENT, by ROBERT FROST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Over back where they speak of life as staying Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives THE JOURNEY AND OBSERVATIONS OF A COUNTRYMAN: A DEATHBED, by JOHN HAWTHORN Poem Text First Line: A little house there stood within a glen Last Line: Before a wretch that used his parents ill.... Subject(s): Family Life; Ingratitude; Poverty; Relatives; Ungratefulness THE KEEPER'S SON, by ANDRE THEURIET Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Black is the night and as though in fight Last Line: The son of the keeper had breathed his last! Subject(s): Death - Children; Family Life; Fathers & Sons; Poaching; Death - Babies; Relatives THE LABORER, by RICHARD DEHMEL Poem Text First Line: We have a bed, and a baby too Last Line: Only time! Subject(s): Family Life; Fields; Harvest; Labor & Laborers; Time; Relatives; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers THE LAST OF THE FAMILY, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What, gregory! You are come, I see, to join us Last Line: God make us ready, gregory, when it comes. Subject(s): Aging; Faith; Family Life; Funerals; God; Belief; Creed; Relatives; Burials THE LEAF PILE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now here is a typical children's story Last Line: The mark of my hand a blush on my son's cheek Subject(s): Family Life; Mothers; Sons; Relatives THE LESSON, by ELLEN BRYANT VOIGT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The earnest are the easiest deceived Subject(s): Tadpoles; Family Life; Truth; Relatives THE LIBRARIAN, by CHARLES OLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: The landscape (the landscape!) again: gloucester Subject(s): Gloucester, Massachusetts; Librarians & Libraries; Poetry Readings; Homecoming; Family Life; Library; Librarians; Relatives THE LITTLE BROTHER POEM, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I keep seeing your car in the streets Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE LITTLE THINGS AROUND THE HOUSE, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The little things around the house are what will / hurt the most Last Line: The little things around the house are what will help the most. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Dead, The; Relatives THE LOEHRS AND THE HAMMONDS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hey, bud! O bud!' rang out a gleeful call Last Line: Taffy and pop-corn -- so with cheers they went. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives THE LOVE POEMS OF MARICHIKO: 3, by KENNETH REXROTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh the anguish of these secret meetings Last Line: Words with not connection Subject(s): Family Life; Fear; Man-woman Relationships; Secrets; Relatives; Male-female Relations THE MARRIED MAN, by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There's an old pard of mine that sits by his door Last Line: When I'm tired from the wind and the sun. Alternate Author Name(s): Clark, Badger Subject(s): Cowboys; Family Life; Relatives THE MARTYR, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My wife and seven daughters,' said g Last Line: Gravel carters, that girls may have a treat! Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers & Daughters; Relatives THE MCCARTHY HEARINGS, by IRA SADOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Everything's under suspicion Subject(s): Army-mccarthy Hearings (1954); Family Life; Relatives THE MEAL, by SHARON OLDS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mama, I never stop seeing you there Subject(s): Food & Eating; Mothers; Family Life; Relatives THE MELON, by CHARLES SIMIC Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There was a melon fresh from the garden Subject(s): Melons; Death; Hornets; Family Life; Dead, The; Relatives THE MESSAGE, by MATHILDE BLIND Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: From side to side the sufferer tossed Last Line: Fell back, sir, and was dead. Alternate Author Name(s): Lake, Claude Subject(s): Mothers; Homecoming; Dreams; Family Life; Longing; Death; Nightmares; Relatives; Dead, The THE MILLENNIUM, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the basement Subject(s): Christmas; Family Life; Holidays; New Year; Nativity, The; Relatives THE MINIATURE CITY, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The aging family life fades out, subsides Subject(s): Family Life; Transience; Relatives; Impermanence THE MOONLIGHT'S DREAM, by ROBERT PENN WARREN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why did I wake at night, all the house at rest? Subject(s): Family Life; Sleep; Dreams; Night; Relatives; Nightmares; Bedtime THE MUSIC ONE LOOKS BACK ON, by STEPHEN DOBYNS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In early autumn, there's a concerto Last Line: And geese, geese flying flying south out of winter Subject(s): Guests; Family Life; Friendship THE MYSTERY OF THE CAVES, by MICHAEL WATERS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I don't remember the name of the story Subject(s): Caves; Child Molesting; Danger; Family Life; Heroism; Parents; Caverns; Child Abuse; Relatives; Heroes; Heroines; Parenthood THE NIGHT BEFORE LEAVING, by LINDA GREGG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We sit at the kitchen table Subject(s): Farewell; Family Life THE OLD BARK HUT, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: In an old bark hut on the mountainside Last Line: And broken a woman's heart Subject(s): Crimes & Criminals;death;family Life;fathers & Sons;hunting;waiting; "dead, The;relatives;hunters; THE OLD MASS SHANDRYDAN, by P. J. HARTIGAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I can see it in my dreaming o'er a gap of thirty years Last Line: When I saw it o'er the tail-board of the old mass shandrydan. Alternate Author Name(s): O'brien, John+(2) Subject(s): Christianity; Family Life; Mass; Relatives THE OLD STORY, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Although he didn't / love me, I loved him Last Line: She wept for him Subject(s): Love Unrequited; Family Life THE OLD-TIME FAMILY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It makes me smile to hear 'em tell each other Last Line: I never heard my father or my mother wish for less. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE ORDEAL, by JOHN DAVIDSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Between the golden city and the sea Last Line: Across the sounding threshold of the sea. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Family Life; Justice; Longing; Love; Marriage; Rites & Ceremonies; Torture; Tragedy; Unfaithfulness; Violence; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Infidelity; Adultery; Inconstancy THE PATCHWORK QUIZ, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In sheen of silken splendor Last Line: When mother dear was there. Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Clothing & Dress; Family Life; Fashion; Mothers; Quilts; Relatives THE PENTECOSTAL, by DAVID BOTTOMS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: A few miles north of thompson falls Last Line: Their twelve-year-old witness, their runaway daughter. Subject(s): Family Life; Hallucinations & Illusions; Montana; Relatives THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He isn't a religious man Subject(s): Neighbors; Family Life; Fatners; Transience; Mortality; Happiness; Relatives; Impermanence; Joy; Delight THE PHOTOS, by DIANE WAKOSKI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My sister in her well-tailored silk blouse hands me Subject(s): Family Life; Photography & Photographers; Relatives THE PICTURE-BOOK, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The black walnut logs in the chimney Last Line: And bearing the gold on his back. Subject(s): Family Life THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 123, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wealth and position attract distant kin Last Line: Even leather shoes wear thin Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Family Life; Poverty; Wealth; Relatives; Riches; Fortunes THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 21, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My parents stayed busy enough Last Line: Woodcutters often stop by Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Family Life; Idleness; Relatives; Laziness; Sloth; Indolence THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 240, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I have six brothers Last Line: Everybody praises Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Brothers; Chinese Literature; Family Life; Punishment; Shame; Half-brothers; Relatives THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 241, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I see people everywhere Last Line: End your attachment to form Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Buddhism; Chinese Literature; Family Life; Parents; Buddha; Buddhists; Relatives; Parenthood THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 31, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A mountain man lives under thatch Last Line: A shelf full of nothing but books Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Books; Chinese Literature; Family Life; Mountains; Reading; Relatives; Hills; Downs (great Britain) THE POEMS OF PICKUP: 11, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A son demands a wife Last Line: But not in your book of crimes Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Family Life; Marriage; Wealth; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Riches; Fortunes THE PORTSMOUTH SAILOR, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come back, o magical evenings Last Line: To stories of over sea! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): Family Life; New Hampshire; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Sailing & Sailors; Story-telling; Relatives THE RAINS, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The river rises / and the rains keep coming. Subject(s): Rain; Fear; Family Life; Relatives THE RIGHT FAMILY, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With time our notions allus change Last Line: She'd vow her fam'ly was jus' right! Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE RUNAWAY BOY, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wunst I sassed my pa, an' he Last Line: I won't run away no more! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Family Life; Punishment; Wandering & Wanderers; Relatives THE SADNESS OF PARENTS, by BARBARA RAS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sadness of fruit is like the sadness Subject(s): Mothers; Family Life; Grief; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness THE SEAGULL; CHEKHOV AT YALTA, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: A winter evening at the cottage by the bay Last Line: "I will write that we have departed for france, for italy." Subject(s): Chekhov, Anton (1860-1904); Family Life; Funerals; Gardens & Gardening; Graves; Tuberculosis; Relatives; Burials; Tombs; Tombstones; Consumption (pathology) THE SECOND CONCESSION OF DEER, by WILLIAM WYE SMITH Poem Text First Line: John tompkins lived in a house of logs Last Line: Of his own domain in deer. Subject(s): Change; Family Life; Houses; Old Age; Relatives THE SELF-UNSEEING, by THOMAS HARDY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here is the ancient floor Last Line: Yet we were looking away! Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE SINGING SCHOOL, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First they asked you to step through the many rooms Last Line: Your own story Subject(s): Family Life; Schools; Singing & Singers; Relatives; Students THE SKY, by JOSEPH ENZWEILER Poem Text First Line: The screen door closes at 2 a. M Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Relatives THE SPANISH GYPSY: BOOK 3, by MARY ANN EVANS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Quit now the town, and with a journeying dream Last Line: Where we have found each other, my fedalma. Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, George; Cross, Marian Lewes; Evans, Marian; Ann, Mary Subject(s): Christianity; Family Life; Inquisition; Man-woman Relationships; Moors (land); Moors (people); Spain; War; Relatives; Male-female Relations THE SPOILED CHILD, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cause herbert graham's a' only child Last Line: "wuz I there, ma? Wuz I there, ma?" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Childhood; Relatives THE STEIN FAMILY, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "there's a wonderful family, called stein" Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE STEPMOTHER, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First she come to our house Last Line: She's purt' nigh good as mother was! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Love; Mothers; Stepmothers; Dead, The; Relatives THE STICK-TOGETHER FAMILIES, by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The stick-together families are happier by far Last Line: Come you back unto the fireside and be comrade with your kin. Alternate Author Name(s): Guest, Eddie Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE STORY AFTER THE STORY, by MARIE PONSOT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: N bubbles to the elbow, on my knees Subject(s): Story-telling; Family Life; Children; Absence; Disappointment; Relatives; Childhood; Separation; Isolation THE STRENGTH OF THE WEAK, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Last chris'mus, little benny Last Line: "you skeer me thataway!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Christmas; Family Life; Gifts & Giving; Childhood; Nativity, The; Relatives THE STWONEN STEPS, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thease stwonen steps a-zet so true Last Line: O' veet trod vu'st the steäirs? Subject(s): Family Life; History; Mortality; Stairs; Time; Relatives; Historians THE SUBJECT MATTER, by IRA SADOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How elusive - what we want Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Relatives THE SWING, by JOHN FREEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was like floating in a blessed dream to roam Last Line: So wide a sky, so great a tree. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Fields; Home; Trees; Relatives; Pastures; Meadows; Leas THE TEA-PARTY, by JULIA WARD HOWE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am not with you, sisters, in your talk Last Line: Turned as they fled, and left me charity. Subject(s): Family Life; Food & Eating; Life; Parties; Sisters; Tea; Relatives THE TENTH MUSE: THE FOUR AGES OF MAN, by ANNE BRADSTREET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lo now four other act upon the stage Last Line: And in that hope I bid you all farewell. Variant Title(s): The Four Ages Of Man Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Home; Life; Marriage; Middle Age; Old Age; Puritans; Sickness; Childhood; Relatives; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Illness THE THREAT, by DENISE DUHAMEL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother pushed my sister out of the apartment door with an empty Subject(s): Family Life; Drugs & Drug Abuse; Relatives; Narcotics; Opium; Cocaine; Crack; Heroin THE UNKNOWN BROTHERS, by LOUIS V. LEDOUX Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Singing band by song united Last Line: But they triumph though they fail. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE UNVEILING, by JANE MILLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wind stirs the gauze from the stone Last Line: The thing you find so precious is all over town Subject(s): Family Life; Funerals; Mourning; Relatives; Burials; Bereavement THE VACANT LOT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And letting them out again. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THE WANDERER, by LLOYD SCHWARTZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm talking about what isn't there anymore, Subject(s): Friendship; Family Life; City & Town Life; Farewell; Love; Relatives; Parting THE WIFEBEATER, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There will be mud on the carpet tonight Last Line: And the wife and daughter knit into each other / until they are killed Subject(s): Women Abused; Family Life; Theology THE WRITER, by RICHARD WILBUR Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: In her room at the prow of the house Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers & Daughters; Relatives THE YOUNG OLD MAN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mamma is a widow: there's only Last Line: "good morning!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Christmas; Family Life; Mothers; Widows & Widowers; Nativity, The; Relatives THEIR DIVORCE & THE REMAINING LANDSCAPE, by KATE NORTHROP Poem Source First Line: Suddenly it was silent--the snow Last Line: When we walk in the continuing snow. Subject(s): Divorce; Family Life; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Snow THELMA, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: She walks with me in search of bargains Last Line: The summer still racing ahead of us, frisky Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland THERE IS SO MUCH, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: And hug %daddy %in the street Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness THERE STANDS THERE GREEN, by FRIEDERIKE MAYROCKER Poem Source First Line: There stands there green, he said, bound Last Line: A chair conjuring fire, he said Subject(s): Family Life; Memory; Pictures THEY HOIST IT, SHINING, THEY SUPPORT IT, UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS,, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: A boy to the ring of killers. They bring him, crying. Her throat leaps Subject(s): Family Life THINKING OF MY FAMILY ON AN AUTUMN DAY, by YANG WENLI Poem Source First Line: Wet is the jade dew that borders the flowers Last Line: My heart chasing wild geese that soar toward the south Subject(s): Family Life THIRTY SENTENCES FOR NO ONE, by PETER GIZZI Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives THIS DOWNTOWN CORNER WASN'T SO DIFFERENT 20 YEARS AGO, by KAREN HOLDEN Poem Source Last Line: Silent ways then why didn't he want us? Subject(s): Children; Family Life THIS IS HERE, IT IS NOW, by JOHN ISLES Poem Source First Line: Always the glittering mineral mountain Last Line: Here, an egret would launch into a shell of sky Subject(s): Family Life; Time THIS LITTLE PIGGY CRIED WEE WEE WEE ALL THE WAY HOME, by LUDWIG DETSINYI Poem Source First Line: Little piggy was playing with the piggies next door Last Line: I really had to go!' Subject(s): Family Life; Pigs THIS LITTLE PIGGY HAD NONE, by LUDWIG DETSINYI Poem Source First Line: One day momma piggy went shopping and came home Last Line: Okay,' said momma piggy. 'you can have spots, too.' Subject(s): Family Life; Pigs THIS LITTLE PIGGY HAD ROAST BEEF, by LUDWIG DETSINYI Poem Source First Line: Little piggies, come and eat,' called momma piggy Last Line: That's not slops. That's %roast beef!' Subject(s): Family Life; Pigs THIS LITTLE PIGGY STAYED HOME, by LUDWIG DETSINYI Poem Source First Line: Splash! %little piggy spilled his juice Last Line: I'm going to school.' Subject(s): Family Life; Pigs THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO MARKET, by LUDWIG DETSINYI Poem Source First Line: Little piggy, will you go to market? We need eggs and milk Last Line: And here's a great big bug for my silly piggy wiggy.' Subject(s): Family Life; Pigs THIS POEM, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: This poem is the chronicle of the ruthless Last Line: This poem is my mouth in splinters %chew it well brother Subject(s): Family Life - India THOMAS THE PRETENDER, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tommy's alluz playin' jokes Last Line: "an' grease the welts, ""pore pa! Pore pa!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Jokes; Childhood; Relatives THOSE PAPERWEIGHTS WITH SNOW INSIDE, by MOLLY PEACOCK Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dad pushed my mother down the cellar stairs Last Line: The house I became as the glass ball stormed Subject(s): Family Life THOSE WINTER SUNDAYS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Sundays too my father got up early Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Fathers; Home; Men; Sabbath; Winter; Childhood; Relatives; Sunday THOSE WINTER SUNDAYS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sundays too my father got up early Last Line: What did I know, what did I know %of love's austere and lonely offices? Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Fathers; Home; Men; Sabbath; Winter THOUGHTS OF THE SEA, by PAUL CLAUDEL Poem Source First Line: The boat makes her way between the Last Line: The exile that follows it Subject(s): Change; Family Life; Life Change Events; Sea; Travel THOUGHTS UPON A WALK WITH NATALIE, MY NIECE, by HAROLD TROWBRIDGE PULSIFER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Here is the same familiar land Last Line: On this frail ship forevermore? Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Relatives THREAT OF FLOWERS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Nobody spoke of the second war Last Line: Was the toll of the angelus Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland THREE FACES, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In half profile, one behind the other Last Line: And to their partial spectrum the white light Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Faces; Family Life; Trinity, The THREE KITCHENS, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I pace a friend's house. On the walls, Subject(s): Kitchens; Family Life; Relatives THREE MEN IN A TENT, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My one blood-uncle laughs Last Line: One of us %to four %of them. %I sure missed %my old buddies.%I even missed %ol'corbon Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY; AFTER INGMAR BERGMAN, by NORMAN DUBIE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They are out bathing in the sea at night Last Line: Who escort us to and from shock therapy... Subject(s): Bergman, Ingmar (b. 1918); Family Life; Happiness; Night; Sea; Relatives; Joy; Delight; Bedtime; Ocean THURSDAY EVENING BEDTIME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afraid of the dark / is afraid of mom Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives THURSDAY EVENING BEDTIME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afraid of the dark %is afraid of mom Last Line: Says ebony %everett %anderson Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life TIDAL MARSHES, AUGUST, by JAMES WILLIAMS Poem Source First Line: Gray rain. Old gravity Last Line: What a family does not speak of Subject(s): Family Life; Secrets; Summer TIGERS, ESTRANGEMENTS, ELEPHANTS AND LIES, by RISHI AGRAWAL Poem Source First Line: One of my uncles that I never met Last Line: His son has been trampled by elephants Subject(s): Elephants; Family Life TIME AS MEMORY AS STORY, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Time; Native Americans; Family Life; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Relatives TIMES AIN'T WHAT THEY WAS, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: When pa an' ma was married in the days long gone and dead Last Line: An' boys an' girls grow bigger - an' I'm glad to see the day Subject(s): Family Life;modern Man;time;west (u.s.); Relatives;southwest;pacific States TINKER WOMAN, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Walking in the january light Last Line: She carried the bottle home Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland TO A DEAD CHILDHOOD, by RUDOLFO HINOSTROZA Poem Source First Line: My father's loud call like a crest of feathers Last Line: Waiting for my father's next brilliant move Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life TO BETTY LEE, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Dear betty lee, my thought for you Last Line: "to pen this sentence, ""I love you." Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Love; Relationships; Relatives; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers TO MARKET, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the long way from jamaica Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives TO MARKET, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All the long way from jamaica Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life TO MY BLOOD SISTER, by CHRISTINE E. HEMP Poem Source First Line: Yes, I was the head of our halloween horse Subject(s): Family Life TO MY BROTHER, WHO DIED BEFORE I WAS BORN, by MICHAEL T. YOUNG Poem Source First Line: You're everything I strive to say but can't Last Line: To name this spirit before it is gone Subject(s): Brothers; Family Life TO MY CHILDREN, FEARING FOR THEM, by WENDELL BERRY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Terrors are to come. The earth Last Line: Though the pain of them is on me Subject(s): Family Life; Parents; Relatives; Parenthood TO MY CHILDREN, FEARING FOR THEM, by WENDELL BERRY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Terrors are to come. The earth Last Line: Your eyes turning toward me, %can I wish your lives unmade %though the pain of them is on me Subject(s): Family Life; Parents TO MY DAUGHTER GOING OFF TO COLLEGE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: One day it will not be enough Last Line: And with your whole heart %you'll know where you've come. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TO MY FATHER AT EIGHTY-TWO, by GERALDINE CONNOLLY Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Where has your neatness gone Last Line: You once lived %on the far side of ruin Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers And Daughters TO MY FRIEND, ON LOSING HIS MOTHER, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: When it seems the field will stay yellow Last Line: To be licked, sound asleep, the memory %coming near enough to touch. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TO MY HOME, by DALIA SABBAGH Poem Source First Line: To my dear home Last Line: Its time to let you go Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Home TO PAULA, ON HER BIRTHDAY, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Today on your 45th birthday, you wish to be Last Line: Your leg was bleeding, and you hadn't even been aware. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TO THE BUST OF MY SON CHARLES, by DAVID MACBETH MOIR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fair image of our sainted boy Last Line: Farewell!—dear boy, farewell! Alternate Author Name(s): Delta Subject(s): Boys; Children - Lost; Death; Family Life; Farewell; Heaven; Dead, The; Relatives; Parting; Paradise TONIGHT THE HEART-SHAPED LEAVES, by JAN HELLER LEVI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've smoked thirteen cigarettes today: I'm breathless Subject(s): Italy; Family Life; Italians; Relatives TOWARD THE WOODS, by CAROLYN D. WRIGHT Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The ones who were there stood Last Line: They are draped in a sarong or toga %their penises scored with age Alternate Author Name(s): Wright, C. D. Subject(s): Death; Family Life TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. THE BABE, by EDWARD CARPENTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The trio perfect: the man, the woman, and the babe Last Line: And herein all creation. Subject(s): Babies; Creation; Family Life; Love; Infants; Relatives TRAVEL ALARM, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because everything still bears Last Line: Of green. Subject(s): Clocks; Family Life; Time; Travel; Relatives; Journeys; Trips TRAVELING AS A FAMILY, by CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In the desert of itabira Last Line: The family, itabira, the rest Subject(s): Family Life; Grandparents; Silence TRIBAL GODDESS, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: The circassian eye lashes %of this goddess Last Line: Leaving me to smudges %of noise without a name Subject(s): Family Life - India TRIBUTE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: All the ingredients we need: Last Line: Waiting with spring flowers scarce as hen's teeth, %our hearts beating like mad. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love TRILINGUAL, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: I can talk %black Last Line: So no %one %understands Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness TRIMMING THE CHRISTMAS TREE, AFTER YOUR MOTHER'S STROKE, by JEANNE EMMONS Poem Source First Line: We are looking for a small tree. If we stand it Last Line: From on high, inaudible as a dog whistle Subject(s): Christmas Trees; Family Life; Holidays TRISTAN, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In all sorts of weather tristan Subject(s): Sea; Children; Desire; Friendship; Family Life; Ocean; Childhood; Relatives TRUANTS, by CARMELITA A. LECLAIR Poem Text First Line: The moonbeams live, pulsate, and dance Last Line: To a punishment they had earned. Subject(s): Absence; Babies; Family Life; Separation; Isolation; Infants; Relatives TRYING, by LEONARD EDWARD NATHAN Poem Source First Line: He has, by his wife's reckoning, failed so often Last Line: No one but he can see the good he's done Subject(s): Family Life TULIP FIELDS, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: It could be the netherlands here Last Line: That follow the tractor-plough, %like odd white tulips %in seas of red Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland TURNING YOUR DEATH INTO RALPH LAUREN, by MARILYN KALLET Poem Source First Line: In hell I'll be wearing ralph lauren Last Line: Have hanging in your closet now? Subject(s): Clothing And Dress; Death; Family Life; Psychoanalysis TUSKEGEE AIRFIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These men Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life; Relatives TUSKEGEE AIRFIELD, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: These men Last Line: The instructor grinned. %boy, if your ass %is as hard as your head, %you'll go far in this world Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Family Life TWILIGHT TIME, by MILDRED SOUTHWORTH BRYAN Poem Text First Line: When the sun has gone behind the hill Last Line: When we can all be together! Subject(s): Evening; Family Life; Sunset; Twilight; Relatives TWO WOMEN, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: The answer to all loneliness %may yet swallow us Last Line: At an upward point %of the vanishing ascent Subject(s): Family Life - India TWO-RIVER LEDGER, by KHALED MATTAWA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Joke used to be: / if you don't like it Subject(s): Rivers; Pollution; Houses; Family Life; Relatives TWO-SEATER, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Johnnie and rufus before bedtime Last Line: They laugh again, %then wipe, %pull up their pajamas %and race in to bed Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life UNCLE CLAUDE, by DAVID ALLAN EVANS Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life UNCLE WILLIAM'S PICTURE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Uncle william, last july Last Line: Smile, and wipe my eyes. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; July; Uncles; Dead, The; Relatives UNDER GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE, by JEANNE EMMONS Poem Source First Line: Beneath the house of my father's childhood Last Line: Dried and crumbled, grain by grain, in the night breezes Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Grandparents UNDER THE ROOF OF MEMORY, by PETER DAVISON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Please help us keep your memory alive Last Line: We longed to keep a ravenous world at bay %by gazing down its glare and speaking well Subject(s): Family Life UNHAPPY FATHER, by WALT MASON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It makes poor father's spirit sad, when he Last Line: "thy victory, oh, death, where is thy sting?" Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers; Grief; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness UNTAMED LOVE, by TERRY MULERT Poem Source First Line: We meet in grandma's Last Line: Against the screen Subject(s): Family Life; Love UNTIL SOLD DO US PART, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Joanna & george, married, mangled, %have bought the house next door Last Line: Marriages may come apart %but a house keeps its equity Subject(s): Family Life - India UNTITLED, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: I come from a rich family Last Line: And you must meet them before I can follow you home Subject(s): Family Life; Relationships UPPER CRUST, by DICK HAYMAN Poem Source First Line: Breeding is important Last Line: Is thoroughly well-bred Subject(s): Blood; Family Life UPPER PENINSULA LANDSCAPE WITH AUNTS, by PAMELA GEMIN Poem Source First Line: Home from casino or fish fry Last Line: Through needles' eyes %to the shimmering kingdom of heaven Subject(s): Aunts; Family Life; Women UPPER-TEN, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Big annie washed white people's linen Last Line: Chief wright's laughter %rang back from the mirrors. %pomp atwood's only son %was a man Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Family Life UPPITY WOMAN IN FEBRUARY, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: She lives on a blue ridge with a wrap-around view Last Line: With more to come Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina VACANCIES, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Out of my body %I take my loneliness Last Line: I've anchored bone %to a family of mirrors Subject(s): Family Life - India VAN GOGH'S EAR, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Think of his ear shooting swiftly %through the century Last Line: The seams of its scream %pulled apart like a zipper Subject(s): Family Life - India VERNAL EQUINOX, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: While all the while I anguish Last Line: Birth was like that, a blue beginning Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland VIEW FROM MY FATHER'S PORCH, by CELESTE TURNER WRIGHT Poem Source First Line: Five hundred guests upon a summer's day Subject(s): Family Life VIEWPOINT, by NANCY S. YOUNG Poem Source First Line: Pa passed away ten years ago Last Line: Eyes closed in tearless sockets, %altering the past Subject(s): Death; Family Life VIGIL, by CAROL S. WESTBERG Poem Source First Line: I'll find no other life. This friday is no rehearsal Last Line: At this meal - so sweet and sharp, so fleeting Subject(s): Accidents; Change; Children; Family Life VIOLIN SONGS: BEDTIME, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, children, put away your toys Last Line: Coming to carry us to bed. Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Sleep; Childhood; Relatives VISIT, by VIC COCCIMIGLIO Poem Source First Line: Here, in my parents' home Subject(s): Family Life; Parents VISIT HOME, by WILLIAM FABRYCKI Poem Source First Line: In her picnic basket Last Line: In the old farmhouse of my father. %it is my visit Subject(s): Family Life; Home VISITING MY MOTHER'S FAMILY CHURCH, by DEBRA JANE KAUFMAN Poem Source First Line: The women wear black stockings Last Line: Amen. Amen. Now we can eat Variant Title(s): Visiting My Mother's Family's Churc Subject(s): Churches; Family Life; Service VISITOR, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: In a life narrowed to beans and rice Last Line: On a first date Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina VOYAGES, by G. S. SHARAT CHANDRA Poem Source First Line: Someone while we sleep %in the soft hues of our longing Last Line: Having felt nothing %outside of our thoughts Subject(s): Family Life - India WAITING FOR THE TRAIN, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: These phantoms down the street, don't tell me Last Line: The train's in, northbound, where cold begins Subject(s): Family Life - China WAKE, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A casket that couldn't care less Subject(s): Family Life; Funerals; Relatives; Burials WAKE, by PETER JOHNSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A casket that couldn't care less Last Line: Heavy black doors opening and closing Subject(s): Family Life; Funerals WALLS, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: There's nothing beyond my windows! Last Line: It all, as I grow old Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina WARNING, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: She sits in my lap Last Line: Is truly the scary part? Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina WASHING THE DARLINGS, by PAMELA GEMIN Poem Source First Line: Mornings he wasn't crocked on ripple Last Line: And rinse %till the water came sparkling Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Home; Schools WASHING THE ELEPHANT, by BARBARA RAS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Circus; Confession; Religion; Family Life; Elephants; Theology; Relatives WASHING WINDOWS, by PETER WILD Poem Source First Line: All day we make our clockwise circle around the house Subject(s): Family Life WATCHING JOANN CASTLE PLAY, by DEBRA MARQUART Poem Source First Line: Saturday nights before mom and dad Last Line: Shes even been to new orleans Subject(s): Entertainers; Family Life; Television; Welk, Lawrence (1903-1992) WAY I SEE ANY HOPE FOR LATER, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: Stop looking. %start loving Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness WAY WEST, by MICHAEL HERRERNAN Poem Source First Line: I hitched a ride to cork from cappoquin Last Line: Toward patrick street, the thirtieth of may Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland; Friendship; Hitchhikers; St. Patrick's Day; Travel WAYS TO SEE, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: A waterfall is one way river sheds its skin Last Line: And to know, oh, the sad ways the heart boils dry Subject(s): Family Life; History WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source First Line: We are talking about %the ones who pick their friends Last Line: Golden from the %inside %out Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness WE DID NOT FEAR THE FATHER, by CHARLES FORT Poem Source First Line: We did not fear the father as the barber who stood Last Line: We did not fear our father until he stooped in the dark Subject(s): Change; Family Life; Fathers WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST, by JUDITH HEMSCHEMEYER Poem Source First Line: They're still my grown-ups Subject(s): Family Life WEDDING, by SUSAN RONEY-O'BRIEN Poem Source First Line: How could I know all ten Last Line: We climbed the stairs and closed the door Subject(s): Family Life; Love; Marriage WEEK-END INDIAN, by ANITA ENDREZZE-DANIELSON Poem Source First Line: In red wool jacket and earflaps Last Line: Thinking it to be only %the grave of an animal Subject(s): Family Life; History WEEKEND VISIT, by SUE SANIEL ELKIND Poem Source First Line: I think of nothing Subject(s): Family Life WELCOME TO THE OTHER SIDE, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: This christmas you came all the way Last Line: Yours from this day forward, to have %and to hold. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love WEST OF BLUE, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: Someone said you just got tired Last Line: Full of all your empty things Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland WHAT ARE WE RAISING, by DOUGLAS MALLOCH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You know how it is, what with children around Last Line: But what are we raising here? Children, or grass? Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives WHAT GRIEVING WAS, by LYNN EMANUEL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That was not the summer of aspic Subject(s): Family Life; Grief; Relatives; Sorrow; Sadness WHAT HE SAW, by ROBERT CURRIE Poem Source First Line: Yarrow hears the scream Subject(s): Family Life WHAT KEEPS US ALIVE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Is someone who knew you Last Line: I'll see you again Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ancestors And Ancestry; Family Life; Memory WHAT TIME WILL GIVE US, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: What time will give us, if we take it, Last Line: Work lost, when one touch would clear the way, %when one time would save the day. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love WHAT WE HAVE, by RUTH STONE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the mountain / the neighbor's dog, put out in the cold Last Line: That I think, when looking back, was happiness. Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Happiness; Poverty; Retrospection; Relatives; Joy; Delight WHEN GRANDA LEFT, by CELIA BROWN Poem Source First Line: I had never seen him like that before Last Line: As if granda himself had come back Subject(s): Family Life - Ireland WHEN IT'S BEEN LONG BETWEEN POEMS, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: You speed through the day with your eye Last Line: Your grandmother singing o precious lord, %calling you in from the porch. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love WHEN THE AMBULANCE CAME, by ROBERT MORGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life WHEN THEY ASKED, by ARNOLD ADOFF Poem Source Last Line: I had the answers Subject(s): Family Life; Race Awareness WHERE DREAMS COME FROM, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A girl slams the door of her little room Subject(s): Universities & Colleges; Ambition; Family Life; Relatives WHERE I ONCE LIVED AS SHOWN TO A FRIEND, by TOM FRAZIER Poem Source First Line: My 'home-seat' is down there Last Line: As either an adult toy store or a pancake house Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Home WHERE WE LIVE NOW, by PHILIP LEVINE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We live here because the houses Subject(s): Home; Family Life; Relatives WHISTLER'S MOTHER, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My father said his mother bought it for him Last Line: It was the only art my father owned Subject(s): Paintings & Painters; Family Life WHITE AUTUMN, by ROBERT MORGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She had always loved to read, even Subject(s): Chairs; Family Life WHITE EYES, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Friends & relatives Last Line: & everybody was watching. Subject(s): Ancestry & Ancestors; Canada; Family Life; Travel; Canadians; Relatives; Journeys; Trips WHY DON'T YOU GET TRANSFERRED, DAD?, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Family Life; Likes & Dislikes; Moving; Relatives WHY I NEVER WENT INTO POLITICS, by RICHARD SHELTON Poem Source First Line: My son %I promised you a world and see Subject(s): Family Life WIDOW, by ALYCE PICKELSIMER NADEAU Poem Source First Line: The old dear had fished all his life Last Line: Then...That's it for today!' Subject(s): Family Life - North Carolina; Women - North Carolina WIDOW TO HER SON, by RODNEY THEODORE SMITH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I have taken up the dulcimer again Last Line: To say a heart is not a stone Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, R. T. Subject(s): Family Life WIG, by ANN LAUINGER Poem Source First Line: I hated that styrofoam skull, your faceless, white Last Line: This was war. But where could a daughter hide? Subject(s): Family Life; Hair WILD MAY, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aleta mentions in her tender letters Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives WINDOW IN A WALL, by MITCHELL LESCARBEAU Poem Source First Line: When with a pettiness derived Last Line: Of their claws, each to each Subject(s): Family Life; Marriage WINDOW VIEW FROM A SHANGHAI HOTEL, by STEPHEN SHU-NING LIU Poem Source First Line: The wind gives spasmodic moans this evening Last Line: Wept for me, and will not weep again? Subject(s): Family Life - China WITH MY MOTHER AND AUNTS IN THE KITCHEN, by DEBRA KANG DEAN Poem Source First Line: While the rest of us watch a football game Last Line: No on tells me to go, %so I sit in the empty chair and listen Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang Subject(s): Family Life; Happiness; Mothers WITHIN AND WITHOUT, by GEORGE MACDONALD Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Go thou into thy closet; shut thy door Last Line: The poet awakes from his dream. Variant Title(s): A Sonnet Sequence Subject(s): Abandonment; Children; Christianity; Clergy; Death; Escapes; Exiles; Family Life; Future Life; God; Humility; Marriage; Music & Musicians; Poetry & Poets; Poverty; Redemption; Regret; Revenge; Salvation; Unfaithfulness; Desertion; Childhood; Priests; Rab WITHOUT TONGUES: FAMILY STORIES, by SUSAN GRIMM Poem Source First Line: Under the sky, blue, gray, hazardous with rain Last Line: Say this is our home, let us stay Subject(s): Family Life WOMAN FROM CONNAUGHT, by ROBERT KELLY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My great-great-great-great-grandmother Last Line: Quiet women and their heavy gods Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Connaught, Ireland; Family Life - Ireland; Grandparents WOMAN IN THE PETER PAN COLLAR, by BROOKE HORVATH Poem Source First Line: It is 1953, and my mother stands, so young, slim, in a calf-length woolen Last Line: Never be again Subject(s): Children; Family Life; Mothers And Sons WOMAN WHO MARRIED THE BEAR, by NORA MARKS DAUENHAUER Poem Source First Line: There were two women, sisters Last Line: Now that is the end Subject(s): Animals; Bears; Family Life; Hunting; Murder; Native Americans WORK OF THE LIVING, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: While you're so ill, I should take Last Line: In your rose bed, your kitchen, %your days filled to overflowing. Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love WORKS AND DAYS: NEIGHBOURS AND KINSFOLK, by HESIOD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Call him who loves you to your feast Last Line: But kinsmen dawdle o'er their gear. Subject(s): Family Life; Neighbors; Relatives WRIT IN A BOOK OF WELSH VERSE, by LIZETTE WOODWORTH REESE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is the house where I was bred Last Line: Old wars, old hungers, and old tears! Subject(s): Family Life; Home; Wales; Relatives; Welshmen; Welshwomen WRITER, by RICHARD WILBUR Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In her room at the prow of the house Last Line: I wish %what I wished you before, but harder Subject(s): Family Life; Fathers And Daughters WRITIN' BACK TO THE HOMEFOLKS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My dear old friends - it jes' beats Last Line: And madaline and mother. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): April; Family Life; Letters; Love; Relatives YELLOW, by LINDA PARSONS Poem Source First Line: Hunched on the grey back of winter, Last Line: What would we do with a crown %of such yellow? Subject(s): Death; Family Life; Friendship; Love YELLOW BAG, by MARY ELLEN CSAMER Poem Source First Line: Something broken Last Line: Knowing the need for risks %has led you to this one Subject(s): Family Life; Quarrels YELLOW POPPIES, by CHARLIE SMITH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm mortally impatient for the past to catch up to me Last Line: A way to make herself happy, for a time, out in the dark Subject(s): Family Life YESSIR MISTER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yessir mister mystery dwells in dese dose dem Subject(s): Family Life; Language; Relatives; Words; Vocabulary YIELDING TO THE PROPOSITIONS ALL LOVE IS CANNIBALISTIC, by BOB HICOK Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm placed atop an oak table cross- Last Line: Of my envy know I wonder %how many tasted better than this Subject(s): Dinners And Dining; Envy; Family Life YONOSA HOUSE, by RODNEY THEODORE SMITH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She stroked molten tones Last Line: Hear her chants in the thrush's song. Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, R. T. Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives YOU CAN'T SAY 'NO' TO DADDY, by NANCY DU PLESSIS Poem Source Subject(s): Family Life YOU HUM, by ALBERT GOLDBARTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My parents sleep with a flashlight Subject(s): Family Life; Relatives YOUNG, by ANNE SEXTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A thousand doors ago Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Family Life; Relatives ZERO, by ANDREW HINTON Poem Source First Line: By now I should know everything but everything Last Line: I coo & whistle, I pour milk. Everything comes Subject(s): Family Life [IF MAMA / COULD SEE], by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): Mothers; Family Life; Relatives |
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