Ozymandias

A ruined statue in the desert symbolizes the fleeting nature of power and the inevitable decay of human achievements. Time erodes even the mightiest empires and rulers’ legacies.

Study This Poem

London

A grim portrayal of urban life, highlighting oppression, poverty, and the corruption of institutions in late 18th-century London. Suffering pervades the city through systemic control and despair.

Study This Poem

Extract from The Prelude

The speaker reflects on a childhood experience, leading to a realization of nature’s overwhelming power and their own insignificance 

Study This Poem

Study This Poem

My Last Duchess

A Duke reveals his controlling and jealous nature while discussing a portrait of his late wife, whom he may have had killed. His obsession with dominance highlights toxic relationships and ego.

Study This Poem

The Charge of the Light Brigade

An account of the bravery and futility of a doomed cavalry charge during the Crimean War. The poem honours soldiers’ sacrifice despite leadership’s fatal strategic mistakes.

Study This Poem

Exposure

A vivid depiction of the brutal conditions faced by soldiers, emphasizing suffering, futility, and nature as an enemy. The cold, unrelenting environment adds to their endless torment.

Study This Poem

Storm on the Island

An exploration of a community’s struggle with the raw power of nature, focusing on its unpredictability and dominance. The islanders endure storms but remain resilient against natural forces.

Study This Poem

Bayonet Charge

The chaos and terror of a soldier’s charge in battle, reflecting instinctive survival over patriotism or reason. His physical and emotional struggle underscores war’s senseless violence.

Study This Poem

Remains

A soldier is haunted by the memory of killing a looter, exploring themes of guilt, trauma, and moral conflict. The mental scars linger long after the war ends.

Study This Poem

Poppies

A mother reflects on her child leaving for war, blending personal grief with the universal impact of loss. Her vivid memories contrast with her heartbreaking sense of absence.

Study This Poem

War Photographer

A war photographer grapples with the horrors they’ve documented and the public's indifference to the suffering. Their internal conflict reflects the emotional toll of their work.

Study This Poem

Tissue

A meditation on the fragility and resilience of human life, using paper as a metaphor for human connections and legacies. It celebrates transience as a vital aspect of existence.

Study This Poem

The Emigree

A displaced speaker fondly remembers their homeland, blending nostalgia with the darker realities of exile and conflict. The contrast between idealized memories and harsh realities creates tension.

Study This Poem

Checking Out Me History

A critique of Eurocentric historical narratives, celebrating cultural identity and the need to reclaim marginalized histories. The speaker demands recognition of neglected voices and shared heritage.

Study This Poem

Kamikaze

The story of a Japanese pilot who chooses to return home instead of completing a kamikaze mission, exploring themes of honour, shame, and family. His decision isolates him from his community forever.

Study This Poem