Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
2,580 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 Winona, a Dakota Legend; and Other Poems, Wings of youth and Wings of silver. 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.
- 2,580
- books
Level C2PoetryNo Abolition of Slavery: Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poemIn a provocative poetic address to West-India planters, the poem defends the slave trade as a necessary step toward civilization and happiness, challenging abolitionists with sharp…
Level C1PoetryNirvana DaysStep into a world where ancient Druids, fierce warriors, and doomed maidens collide on the mist-shrouded isle of Mona, as a queen’s deadly command sets a tragic ritual into motion…
Level B2PoetryNight Fall in the Ti-TreeStep into a tranquil world where night descends softly upon the ti-tree, captured through delicate woodcuts and poetic whispers that invite reflection and wonder under the fading l…
Level C1PoetryNiels Ebbesen, and Germand Gladenswayne: Two BalladsAmidst the clash of banners and fierce rivalries, Niels Ebbesen navigates treacherous allegiances and deadly threats in medieval Denmark, where honor, loyalty, and survival hang by…
Level C1PoetryNiagara, and Other PoemsExplore a vivid collection of poems capturing moments of history, personal reflection, and public celebration, from presidential tributes to intimate glimpses of life and legacy.
PoetryNew York Nocturnes, and Other PoemsExplore the vibrant pulse and quiet shadows of New York City through evocative nocturnes and reflective poems that capture the city's moods, from bustling streets to solitary momen…
Level C1PoetryNew Thought PastelsExplore a transformative dialogue between mortal struggle and spiritual guidance, where inner strength, love, and self-realization become the keys to overcoming despair and finding…
Level C1PoetryNew Poems, and Variant ReadingsDiscover intimate and sincere verses that reveal hidden depths of love, faith, and human experience, preserved through a life of wandering and longing.
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsExplore a world where dreams, nature, and the human spirit converge in vivid verse—from the haunting beauty of an unreachable city to the relentless hope found at every hilltop's c…
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsExplore vivid moments of urban life and nature through evocative imagery and deep emotion, as voices wrestle with love, loss, and longing in a world both tender and turbulent.
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsVenture into a secret garden where a mysterious Lady weeps and sings a haunting song of vision, sorrow, and ancient truths.
Level C1HistoricalNew House That Jack Built. An Original American VersionIn a stirring allegory of labor, freedom, and patriotism, a determined figure named Jack builds a vast national house founded on equality and free labor, battling the forces of opp…
Level C1PoetryNew Collected RhymesStep into a world of loyal memories, stirring ballads, and vivid historical scenes—from battlefield anthems to chivalrous tales—woven through evocative poetry that resurrects past…
Level C2PoetryNets to Catch the WindDive into a vivid collection where wild beauty and haunting nature intertwine through evocative poems, from soaring eagles to mysterious ponds, capturing the untamed spirit and del…
Level C1PoetryNestlings: A Collection of PoemsTender poems celebrate childhood’s innocence, exploring themes of love, growth, and faith through delicate imagery and heartfelt reflections on life’s earliest steps and the protec…
Level C1HistoricalNegro Poets and Their PoemsDiscover the rich legacy and vibrant voices of Black poets who transform pain and hope into powerful verse, tracing a new era of African American poetry that speaks to both literar…
Level C1PoetryNegro Folk Rhymes: Wise and Otherwise: With a StudyImmerse yourself in the rich rhythms and heartfelt stories of a people forging beauty from hardship, as traditional Negro folk rhymes reveal their imaginative simplicity, humor, an…
Level C1PoetryNeghborly Poems and Dialect SketchesExperience the heartfelt simplicity of rural life through genuine dialect poems that capture the music of everyday moments, nature’s beauty, and the pure emotions of an uneducated…
Level C1PoetryNeedwood ForestImmerse yourself in the rich landscapes and history of Needwood Forest, where ancient groves, royal decrees, and local legends intertwine amidst the beauty of winter scenes and tim…
Level C2PoetryNear Nature's Heart; A Volume of VerseImmerse yourself in vivid verses that celebrate the beauty and mystery of nature, capturing the songs of birds, the charm of wildlife, and the timeless rhythms of the natural world…
Level C1HistoricalNaval songs and balladsExplore the vivid world of British naval history through ballads that capture sailors' exploits, popular opinion, and maritime life from the 16th to 19th centuries, blending histor…
Level C1PoetryNaughty PuppiesDelight in a charming collection of playful poems and colorful illustrations that capture the mischievous adventures of naughty puppies, perfect for young children’s imaginations a…
Level C1PoetryNational Rhymes of the NurseryDelve into a charming collection of nursery rhymes that blend history, folklore, and playful jingles, revealing how simple verses transform over time into timeless melodies and tal…
Level C1PoetryNational EpicsExplore the origins and evolution of epic poetry, tracing heroic legends from ancient tribal hymns to grand national narratives.
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (first series) for use in the Lower SchoolStep into a world where history and heartfelt emotion intertwine through carefully selected narrative and lyric poems, exploring tales of friendship, love, and legendary heroism se…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (Second Series) for Use in the Lower SchoolIn a rugged coastal village, three childhood friends—Enoch, Annie, and Philip—navigate the tides of love and rivalry, as Enoch strives to build a home and secure a future amid the…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Legendary Poems, Complete: Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore a rich tapestry of narrative and legendary poems that weave tales of human rights, freedom, and heartfelt struggle, capturing the spirit of past ages with earnest passion a…
Level B2RomanceNancy MacIntyre: A Tale of the PrairiesOn the vast prairie, a shy farmer wrestles with newfound feelings for Nancy MacIntyre, whose arrival stirs jealousy, rivalry, and tender moments.
Level C1PoetryNala and Damayanti and Other PoemsEmbark on a journey through ancient Indian epic poetry, where the timeless tales of mythological bards unfold in a unique blend of Homeric simplicity and profound beauty, revealing…
Level C1PoetryMyth and Romance: Being a Book of VersesDive into a lush tapestry of nature, myth, and romance, where vivid imagery and classical elegance bring to life timeless dreams, ancient legends, and the delicate beauty of the na…
Level C1RomanceMyra's Well: A Tale of All-Hallow-E'enOn All-Hallow-E’en, a mysterious well sets the stage for a haunting romance where secrets buried in the past resurface, challenging love and fate under the moonlit night.
PoetryMy betrothed, and other poemsExplore a heartfelt collection of poems that delve into love, passion, self-reflection, and human connection, capturing the intimate and universal moments that define our emotional…
PoetryMy Valued Ruby: PoemsExplore heartfelt verses that weave stories of identity, resolve, and heritage through poignant poetry, inviting readers into a world rich with emotion and cultural reflection.
Level C1PoetryMy RubaiyatDiscover a unique poetic journey that embraces imperfection and innovation, blending fragmentary moods with vivid pictorial imagery and subtle rhythms to evoke a broken melody humm…
Level C1PoetryMy Lattice, and Other PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of poems that delve into history, myth, love, and valor, including the stirring saga of Dion of Syracuse—a noble warrior whose courage and tragedy shape an…
Level B2PoetryMy Flower-pot: Child's Picture BookDiscover the simple wonder of flowers through charming verses and illustrations, inviting young readers to explore nature’s beauty and the stories behind each bloom.
Level B1PoetryMy First Picture Book: With Thirty-six Pages of Pictures Printed in Colours by KronheimEnter a colorful world where a resourceful Little Old Woman and her many children transform a giant shoe into their home, embarking on a daring quest to rescue their father from a…
PoetryMy Dog TrayDelight in a charming collection of colorful nursery rhymes and stories celebrating the playful world of dogs and childhood, brought to life through vivid illustrations and gentle…
Level C1PoetryMy Beautiful Lady. Nelly DaleA soul pierced by a ray from heaven wrestles with a profound, silent sorrow that dulls the joy of life and duty.
Level C2PoetryMusic, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey where music becomes a divine force that soothes sorrow, revives childhood joy, and leads the soul through restful sleep, exhilarating hunts, a…
PoetryMuse and MintExplore a rich tapestry of poems that celebrate nature, memory, faith, and everyday life, weaving heartfelt reflections with vivid imagery and timeless themes that inspire and upli…![Cover of Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896] by John Stephen Farmer](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daekmr8e1ofc73dh6oug.webp)
Level C2PoetryMusa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]Explore three centuries of vibrant canting songs and slang rhymes, revealing the colorful language and culture of English street life from 1536 to 1896 through a rich anthology of…
Level C2PoetryMundus Foppensis: The Fop Display'dA witty burlesque defending women's fashion and vanity against a critical pamphlet, blending satire, classical references, and sharp commentary on changing styles and societal expe…
Level C2RomanceMucedorusA noble prince embarks on a quest to win the heart of a radiant princess, navigating courtly intrigue where mirth clashes with envy, and comedy battles tragic fate.
Level C1PoetryMrs. Turner's Cautionary StoriesDiscover a collection of spirited, rhymed tales that teach lessons through the misadventures of children—where kindness, politeness, and caution guide the way amid mischievous pran…
Level C1PoetryMrs. Leary's Cow: A Legend of ChicagoA spirited cow’s kick overturns a lamp, igniting the blaze that devastates Chicago.
Level C2PoetryMountain Pictures, and other poems: Part 2 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierImmerse yourself in vivid mountain landscapes and serene natural scenes where waterfalls laugh and sunsets glow, capturing the quiet strength and beauty of the wilderness.
Level C1PoetryMountain Idylls, and Other PoemsExperience a heartfelt collection of poems inspired by the majestic mountains of Colorado, composed through resilience and memory after the author's sudden blindness.