Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
2,602 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 Ægle and the elf, a fantasy, Zophiel and Zephyrs. 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.
- 2,602
- books
Level C2PoetrySongs of the Silent World, and Other PoemsExplore profound reflections on love, loss, and the unseen bonds that transcend death through evocative poems that give voice to the silent world beyond life’s reach.
Level C1PoetrySongs of the Sea and Lays of the LandDive into vivid ballads capturing the adventurous spirit of old sailing mariners and eccentric post-war American life, blending authentic sailors’ lore with tales of shipwrecks, di…
Level C1HistoricalSongs of the RidingsExplore the vivid lives and dialects of Yorkshire peasants and artisans through dramatic monologues that capture their unique outlooks, habits, and voices—bringing to light a vibra…
Level C1PoetrySongs of the Mexican SeasVenture into a mysterious, untamed land where the sea and forest hold secrets of ancient nature and fierce human struggles, unveiling a world untouched by law or civilization, shap…
Level C2PoetrySongs of the Glens of AntrimImmerse yourself in the heartfelt songs and vivid landscapes of Ireland’s Glens of Antrim, where love, longing, and the rhythms of rural life unfold in the local dialect and tender…
Level C2PoetrySongs of the Common Day, and, Ave!: An Ode for the Shelley CentenaryImmerse yourself in vivid sonnets celebrating the rhythms of common outdoor life, alongside a stirring ode honoring the spirit of Shelley’s birth centenary.
Level C2PoetrySongs of the Army of the NightA passionate collection of poems captures the harsh realities of labor, poverty, and social injustice across England, Australia, and beyond, giving voice to the dispossessed and th…
Level C1HistoricalSongs of love and empireExplore a collection of stirring poems that weave together themes of love, honor, and empire, capturing moments from Trafalgar to Waterloo and reflections on peace and loyalty to t…
Level B2PoetrySongs of a SavoyardWitty and sharp, these poems offer a satirical glimpse into human nature, society, and identity—from stubborn English pride to the quirks of disagreeable men—blending humor and ref…
Level C1PoetrySongs of WomanhoodExplore the delicate phases of life through evocative verses that celebrate childhood, girlhood, and womanhood, weaving tender moments and inner reflections into a lyrical journey…
Level C1PoetrySongs of Ukraina, with Ruthenian poemsImmerse yourself in the vivid landscapes and stirring history of Ukraina, where ancient gods, Cossack warriors, and timeless folk songs weave a tapestry of freedom, nature, and end…
Level C2PoetrySongs of Two NationsA powerful vision of freedom and nationhood unfolds as a mysterious, radiant figure embodies hope and truth, inspiring a stirring call to awaken from despair and embrace the enduri…
Level C2PoetrySongs of TwoA dreamer reflects on love, loss, and memory through heartfelt verses that explore the delicate balance between giving and receiving, joy and sorrow, life and death.
Level C1PoetrySongs of Travel, and Other VersesWander through stirring verses that celebrate the call of the open road, youthful passion, and the fleeting nature of love, capturing the restless spirit of a traveler seeking free…
Level C1PoetrySongs of Three Counties, and Other PoemsExplore a vivid collection of poems rooted in the English countryside, blending timeless themes of nature, faith, and human experience.
AdventureSongs of Sea and SailImmerse yourself in the captivating songs and tales that celebrate the spirit of the sea, from legendary battles to the quiet moments aboard ships.
Level C1PoetrySongs of Labor, and Other PoemsAmid the relentless roar of factory machines, a worker’s soul wrestles with dehumanizing labor and fleeting moments of hope.
Level C2PoetrySongs of Labor and Reform: Part 5 From Volume III of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore powerful poems that confront slavery, labor struggles, and social reform through the steady voice of conscience and faith, revealing the timeless fight for justice and huma…
Level C1PoetrySongs of KabirExplore the passionate, syncretic mysticism of a 15th-century Indian poet who bridges Hindu and Muslim traditions, revealing a divine unity beyond creed through heartfelt, timeless…
Level C2PoetrySongs of Innocence and of ExperienceJourney through a world where innocence meets experience, as playful songs and tender reflections reveal the joys, sorrows, and mysteries of childhood and nature in vivid, heartfel…
Level B2HistoricalSongs of Heroic DaysAmid the turmoil of war, powerful poems honor heroes like King Albert of Belgium and reflect on the devastation of battle, blending patriotism with poignant reflections on courage,…
Level C1PoetrySongs of Angus and More Songs of AngusDiscover the stirring voices of Angus through heartfelt Scots vernacular poetry, where longing, humor, and nature intertwine in vivid songs of exile and memory, capturing the essen…
Level C1PoetrySongs of ActionVivid ballads evoke the valor of English bowmen and Irish soldiers defending Cremona against overwhelming odds, weaving history with stirring calls to courage and loyalty.
PoetrySongs from the SouthlandImmerse yourself in evocative Southern landscapes and heartfelt reflections through a collection of poems capturing the region’s history, nature, and spirit in vivid, lyrical verse…
Level C2PoetrySongs from VagabondiaUnleash your spirit with a vibrant celebration of freedom, friendship, and the joy of wandering.
Level C1PoetrySongs from BooksDiscover a rich collection of verses and chapter-headings drawn from diverse stories, weaving together themes of nature, time, and human endeavor in stirring songs that echo throug…![Cover of Songs for the Little Ones at Home by Mary O. [Compiler] Ward](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabmo909638s73a307v0.webp)
PoetrySongs for the Little Ones at HomeA heartfelt collection of gentle songs and poems invites children to explore love, family, faith, and the beauty of nature through simple, soothing verses perfect for home and bedt…
Level B2PoetrySongs for All Seasons, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of heartfelt poems reflecting on faith, life's challenges, and the enduring hope found in spiritual devotion.
Level C2PoetrySongs at the StartExplore a rich collection of evocative poems capturing moments of history, nature, and human emotion—from battlefields to serene harbors—woven with vivid imagery and timeless refle…
Level B2PoetrySongs and rhymes of a lead minerExperience the gritty life of a lead miner through heartfelt songs and rhymes that capture the struggles, joys, and resilience of a working-class Scottish community during the earl…
Level C1PoetrySongs and SatiresExplore the profound silences that shape human experience—from love and loss to war and spiritual crises—in a collection of evocative poems that reveal what words often fail to exp…
Level C1PoetrySongs and Other VerseWitty and heartfelt, these verses explore the clash between lively spirit and solemn tradition, blending humor, warmth, and a longing for genuine connection in a world bound by rig…
Level C1HistoricalSongs and Ballads of the Southern People: 1861-1865Explore the passionate songs and ballads that capture the spirit, struggles, and sentiments of the Southern people during the Civil War years of 1861-1865, preserving their voices…
PoetrySongs YsameExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and memories through evocative poems that journey from cherished childhood moments to the quiet reflections of twilight, capturing the essence o…
Level C2PoetrySongs UnsungDive into vivid poetic scenes where myth, history, and human passion intertwine—from ancient legends and wild landscapes to haunting visions of love and fate—each poem a luminous g…
Level C2PoetrySongs Of The RoadJourney through stirring hymns, bold songs, and vivid tales of honor and adventure, capturing the spirit of empire and the enduring bond between man and steed on the open road.
Level C2PoetrySongs Before SunriseA soul embraces freedom and the passage of time, seeking strength not in dreams but in the earth’s enduring truths.
PoetrySong-SurfImmerse yourself in a rich collection of evocative poems that traverse themes of nature, love, and spiritual reflection, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes and cultures, f…
Level C1HistoricalSong and Legend from the Middle AgesExplore the rich tapestry of European medieval literature from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, revealing the shared spirit and themes of chivalry, faith, and political life a…
Level C2PoetrySome VersesExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections through sonnets and poems that ponder love, nature, ambition, and the passage of time, each verse inviting you into moments of b…
Level C1PoetrySome Poems of Roger CasementA tender-hearted soul haunted by Ireland’s fate, this collection reveals the poignant reflections and quiet compassion of a man whose life was shaped by deep love for his homeland…
Level C1PoetrySome PoemsAmid the clash of Napoleonic wars, a haunting vision unfolds within an ancient Spanish tower, revealing ominous prophecies and stirring heroic hopes amid the shadows of battle and…
Level B2PoetrySome One Like YouA heartfelt tribute to a steadfast companion whose presence turns life’s hardships into joys, this poem celebrates unwavering loyalty, genuine friendship, and the simple happiness…
Level C2PoetrySome Longer Elizabethan PoemsStep into the Elizabethan age with richly woven poems celebrating dance, heroism, and the soul’s immortality, where elegant verse blends classical inspiration and vivid imagery to…
Level C1HistoricalSome Diversions of a Man of LettersExplore the shifting tides of literary taste and the elusive nature of poetic beauty as a seasoned critic reflects on changing generations, contested reputations, and the quest for…
Level B2PoetrySome Broken TwigsExplore the beauty and challenges of life through heartfelt poems that reflect on nature’s wonders and the lessons hidden in both bright days and broken twigs.
HistoricalSoldiers of the lightStep into poignant moments of history through evocative poems that illuminate the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who fought in America’s defining battles.
Level C1PoetrySoldier Songs and Love SongsImmerse yourself in stirring verses that alternate between the valor of soldiers and the tender strains of love, capturing historic battles, heartfelt farewells, and timeless oaths…