Sometimes, a good cry can be incredibly cathartic. Poetry, with its deep emotions and evocative language, often provides the perfect outlet for these moments. Here are five of the most beautiful poems to read when you need a good cry.
1. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
Themes of Grief and Defiance
This villanelle by Dylan Thomas is one of the most powerful poems dealing with loss and the struggle against death. Written for his dying father, Thomas implores him to “rage, rage against the dying of the light.” The repeated lines and emotional intensity make it a poignant read for anyone grappling with grief.
Memorable Lines:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
2. “Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden
Themes of Loss and Despair
Also known as “Stop all the clocks,” this poem by W.H. Auden captures the deep sense of loss and sorrow following the death of a loved one. Its stark imagery and straightforward language resonate deeply, making it a classic elegy for those mourning a profound loss.
Memorable Lines:
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.
3. “Remember” by Christina Rossetti
Themes of Memory and Letting Go
Christina Rossetti’s sonnet “Remember” addresses the delicate balance between holding onto memories and the necessity of moving forward. Written as a plea to be remembered with a mix of sorrow and acceptance, it poignantly explores the nature of remembrance and letting go.
Memorable Lines:
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
4. “I Carry Your Heart with Me” by E.E. Cummings
Themes of Love and Connection
E.E. Cummings’ poem is a heartfelt expression of love that transcends physical presence. Its tender and profound sentiments capture the essence of carrying a loved one’s heart within one’s own, offering solace and a sense of enduring connection, even in the face of separation or loss.
Memorable Lines:
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
5. “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats
Themes of Unrequited Love and Nostalgia
In “When You Are Old,” W.B. Yeats speaks to a former lover, inviting her to reflect on her past and the love they once shared. The poem’s wistful tone and Yeats’ longing for what might have been evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and melancholy, perfect for a reflective cry.
Memorable Lines:
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
Conclusion
These poems, with their evocative language and profound themes, provide a space to process deep emotions. Whether you’re dealing with loss, unrequited love, or simply need a moment to let your emotions flow, these poems offer a comforting and cathartic experience.
