Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
981 poetry books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best poetry classics to read in English as a learner?
The best poetry classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, Myth and Romance: Being a Book of Verses and Myra's Well: A Tale of All-Hallow-E'en. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
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Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, PurgatoryJourney through the second realm where souls purge their sins and prepare for Heaven’s ascent, guided by celestial beings and ancient wisdom.
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, ParadiseJourney through the celestial spheres guided by Beatrice, as the soul ascends beyond mortal sight to witness divine order and eternal light.
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, HellLost in a dark, forbidding forest, a weary traveler encounters three terrifying beasts blocking his path and meets the ancient poet Virgil, who offers to guide him through a harrow…
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, CompleteLost in a dark forest, the narrator confronts terrifying beasts blocking his path and encounters the ancient poet Virgil, who offers to guide him through a harrowing journey across…
Level C2PoetryDivine Adventures: A Book of VerseEmbark on a lyrical journey through love, nature, and myth, where poetic musings bring to life timeless tales and heartfelt reflections.
Level C1PoetryDiscoveries Made Upon Men and Matter and Some PoemsExplore a rich collection of sharp observations on human nature, fortune, and wisdom, woven with poetic insight and timeless counsel from one of England’s most astute minds, whose…
Level C1HistoricalDiscourses on Satire and on Epic PoetryDive into a rich dialogue on the art of satire and epic poetry, where critical debates, literary aspirations, and the poet's own reflections unfold against the backdrop of 17th-cen…
Level C1PoetryDickens in CampA heartfelt poetic tribute channels the spirit of Dickens through the rugged camp life of California, blending sincere admiration with vivid imagery of the wild outdoors.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 34, August 23, 1914A young boy experiences the joy of his first store-bought suit and a mischievous kitten that mysteriously lights up the house, while a lonely girl faces the sting of exclusion at a…
Level B2PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 18, May 3, 1914On a rainy May afternoon, young Francis learns to find joy within himself, inspired by a singing robin and his mother's gentle wisdom.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 17, April 26, 1914Twins Toby and Nancy discover a mysterious boat stranded among the rocks at low tide, only to find a frightened kitten hiding inside—sparking a heartfelt adventure of kindness and…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 16, April 19, 1914Children's wonder blooms as ten fluffy chicks hatch unexpectedly on a warm engine room shelf, sparking delight and inventive care at home.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 10, March 8, 1914A young boy longs to bring a new friend to Sunday school, where each newcomer is celebrated like a fish caught in a shining river.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 07, February 15, 1914A young boy discovers the joy of painting and creating homemade valentines, planning thoughtful gifts for friends and family while learning about kindness and creativity.
Level C1PoetryDevotional Poetry for the Children. Second PartA heartfelt collection of devotional poems invites children to explore themes of kindness, prayer, and the wonders of nature, nurturing a gentle spirit and faith through simple, in…
Level C1PoetryDerby Day in the Yukon, and Other Poems of the "Northland"Vivid poems capture the rugged spirit and wild adventures of the Yukon frontier, from thrilling Derby Day races to tales of loyalty and survival in the Northland’s harsh wilderness…
Level C2HistoricalDepartmental ditties and Ballads and Barrack-room balladsExplore the ironies and intrigues of colonial life through sharp, satirical verse that reveals the timeless struggles of ambition, favoritism, and bureaucracy within the British Em…
Level C2PoetryDemocritus PlatonissansDive into a profound poetic exploration where faith and reason intertwine, as the soul's immortality and the divine nature of existence are passionately debated and celebrated thro…
Level C1PoetryDeirdre wed and other poemsStep into ancient Ireland where Deirdre's forbidden love for Naois, one of the three sons of Usnach, unfolds through haunting voices of bards and vivid landscapes steeped in myth a…
Level C1PoetryDebris: Selections from PoemsIn a crumbling, haunted mission by the sea, a mysterious guide reveals a chilling tale of love, loss, and ghostly faces at a cursed window—where the past and present collide in sha…
Level A2PoetryDeborah Dent and Her Donkey and Madam Fig's Gala: Two Humorous TalesDive into two charmingly illustrated humorous tales that bring to life the quirky adventures of Deborah Dent with her donkey and the whimsical happenings at Madam Fig’s gala.
Level C1PoetryDebits and creditsIn a world shaped by divine forces and cosmic struggles, the creation of Adam unfolds amid celestial commands, earthly lamentations, and the cunning of dark forces.
Level A2PoetryDeath and Burial of Poor Cock RobinDiscover the delicate art of remembrance as the sorrowful tale of poor Cock Robin unfolds through heartfelt poetry, capturing the rituals of death and burial with tender grace and…
Level C1HistoricalDe Libris: Prose and VerseExplore the rich history and curious associations behind rare books, from Bacon’s reflections on life to the artistic legacy of Thomas Bewick, uncovering captivating stories that l…
Level C2PoetryDays and Dreams: PoemsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey of longing, conversation, and song, where voices intertwine in a poetic dance of dreams and reflections across time and mood.
Level C1PoetryDarkey Ways in DixieImmerse yourself in poignant and vibrant verses capturing the rhythms, struggles, and everyday life of African American communities in the South.
Level C2PoetryDark of the MoonExplore a luminous collection of poems that capture the shifting moods of nature, seasons, and the human heart, from starlit nights to autumnal reflections and midsummer dreams.![Cover of Danish ballads by E. M. [Translator] Smith-Dampier](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da92bfdnmvfc73bikctg.webp)
Level C1PoetryDanish balladsAncient Danish ballads come alive with metrical fidelity and rich cultural insight, revealing a world where dance and song blend communal tradition with individual genius in mediev…
Level B2PoetryDame Trot and Her CatDame Trot’s gentle cat surprises her by preparing tea, keeping the house spotless, and even teaching the dog to dance—but her fondness for fashionable dress leads to a charming, mi…
Level A2PoetryDame Duck's First Lecture on EducationFollow Dame Duck as she teaches her lively ducklings how to waddle, swim, and thrive in their new world, blending gentle guidance with charming lessons in this delightful poetic ta…
Level C1PoetryDalziels' Illustrated GoldsmithStep into the turbulent world of 18th-century literature, where a young Irishman confronts the fading era of patronage to forge his own path as a writer, guided by honesty and gene…
PoetryDaisy Dare, and Baby Power: PoemsExplore a charming collection of poems that capture the playful spirit of childhood and the gentle power of innocence through vivid, heartfelt verses.
Level C1PoetryDaddy Do-Funny's Wisdom JinglesAn aging ex-slave known as Daddy Do-Funny shares his sharp, playful wisdom and vivid stories from plantation life, captivating children and neighbors alike with his unique blend of…
Level C1PoetryCuster, and Other Poems.Explore the stirring depths of human spirit and transformation through vivid, heartfelt poems that challenge fate, celebrate kindness, and reveal the undiscovered country within th…
Level A2PoetryCurious CreaturesWhimsical poems bring animals to life, from a talented giraffe musician to mischievous dogs and adventurous pigs, capturing their playful antics and charming personalities in a del…
Level C1PoetryCricket SongsCelebrate the timeless spirit of cricket through vivid, lyrical poems that capture the game's charm, camaraderie, and the thrill of the pitch.
PoetryCradle SongsDelight in a collection of gentle, whimsical lullabies and poems that capture the tender moments of childhood, from playful birds to sleepy lullabies, inviting young readers into a…
Level C1PoetryCowperExplore the life of a sensitive poet caught between the fading elegance of 18th-century verse and the stirring currents of religious revival and social reform.
Level C1PoetryCowley's EssaysExplore the early life and poetic development of a young scholar whose passion for verse blooms amidst the fields, friendships, and academic trials of 17th-century England.
Level C1PoetryCowboy songs, and other frontier balladsExperience the rugged spirit of the American frontier through authentic cowboy songs and ballads that capture the life, challenges, and legends of the Old West, preserved with care…
Level A2PoetryCousin Hatty's Hymns and Twilight StoriesGentle hymns and tender tales guide children through lessons of kindness, obedience, and gratitude, blending heartfelt prayers with simple stories that celebrate family, faith, and…
Level B2HistoricalCountry Life in the Poetry of John ClareAmid the sweeping enclosures of 18th-century England, rural communities face upheaval as traditional farming lands are consolidated and fenced off, transforming small farmers and l…
Level C2PoetryCottage PoemsA humble poet’s rustic muse paints simple, heartfelt scenes of nature, faith, and human struggles, weaving meditations on life’s storms and heavenly hope.
Level C2PoetryCosmosJourney through the ages as humanity grapples with the mysteries of life, death, and the cosmos, challenging old creeds and seeking truth beyond superstition and science.
Level C1PoetryCornish Catches, and Other VersesImmerse yourself in vivid Cornish life through lyrical verses that capture the rhythms of the sea, local characters, and timeless traditions, all brought to life with heartfelt war…
Level C1PoetryContrasted SongsExplore a rich tapestry of poems that journey from the sea to the fields, weaving themes of remembrance, nature, and patriotism with heartfelt reflections and legendary tales rende…
Level C2PoetryConnected PoemsExplore a series of interconnected poems that delve into idealized societies and celestial virtues, inspired by philosophical reflections on humanity, friendship, and divine love.
PoetryConfessions of a CaricaturistStep into a witty world where iconic figures from Napoleon to Shakespeare are playfully sketched through verse, revealing unexpected insights and humor.