The Most Beautiful Poem Ever Written, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the poem you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:19
Poetry often captures the essence of human experiences, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Yet, with countless poems elegantly woven through the tapestries of various cultures and epochs, it becomes a challenge to single out the ones that touch the soul like no other. This is why a communal approach to ranking poems can illuminate preferences and sentiments, reflecting a broad spectrum of human emotion and thought.
By participating in this voting process, you contribute to a more dynamic and comprehensive understanding of what resonates with people today. Each vote serves to shape our continuously updated list, ensuring it best represents the collective admiration for poetic beauty. Your input is invaluable, as it not only celebrates the art of poetry but also deepens our collective connection to this form of expression.
What Is the Most Beautiful Poem Ever Written?
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150votes
W. J. Neatby (1860-1910) · Public domainThis poem is a beautiful exploration of the themes of mortality, nature, and the power of the imagination. The imagery is rich and evocative, and the language is lyrical and musical."Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful poem about death
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232votesThis modernist masterpiece is a haunting meditation on the nature of time, consciousness, and identity. The poem is marked by Eliot's vivid imagery, complex syntax, and allusive style.The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is a complex and introspective love poem written by T.S. Eliot. It explores the inner thoughts and fears of Prufrock, a middle-aged man who contemplates confessing his love or forever remaining silent.
- Publication Year: 1915
- Length: 131 lines
- Structure: Free verse
- Narrative Style: Stream of consciousness
- Themes: Love, time, aging, societal expectation
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful love poem
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult poem
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335votes
William Wordsworth · Public domainThis classic romantic poem is a celebration of nature's beauty and power. The poem is marked by Wordsworth's vivid descriptions of the daffodils, and his use of simple, musical language. -
419votes
"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot
T.S. EliotThis epic poem is a complex, fragmented exploration of modernist themes such as disillusionment, despair, and the fragmentation of the self. The poem is notable for its use of mythic and literary allusions, and its complex, layered structure.The Waste Land is a modernist poem written by T.S. Eliot. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential poems about death. The poem reflects the disillusionment, despair, and fragmented nature of post-World War I society.- Publication Date: 1922
- Genre: Modernist Poetry
- Structure: Five sections: The Burial of the Dead, A Game of Chess, The Fire Sermon, Death by Water, and What the Thunder Said
- Length: Around 433 lines
- Allusions: Referencing various myths, legends, religions, and literary texts, including the Bible, Greek mythology, and Shakespeare.
"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult poem
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful poem about death
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514votes
Lawrence Ferlinghetti (source) · Public domain"Howl" by Allen Ginsberg
Allen GinsbergThis beatnik classic is a raw, powerful expression of the countercultural spirit of the 1950s and 60s. The poem is marked by Ginsberg's intense, stream-of-consciousness style, and his vivid, often shocking imagery.Howl is a highly influential and powerful poem written by Allen Ginsberg. It was first published in 1956 as part of the collection 'Howl and Other Poems.' Ginsberg's poem is considered a cornerstone of the Beat Generation literary movement and a pivotal work in American literature.- Publication date: 1956
- Literary movement: Beat Generation
- Form: Free verse
- Structure: Three-part structure
- Subject matter: Exploration of social, political, and personal themes, including sexuality, mental health, and the struggles of the contemporary American society
"Howl" by Allen Ginsberg in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult poem
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619votesThis powerful poem is a plea to resist death and to fight for life with all one's strength. The poem is marked by Thomas's powerful use of repetition and his passionate, emotional language."Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" is a powerful and emotional poem written by Dylan Thomas. It explores the theme of death and encourages readers to fight against it rather than accepting it passively. The poem urges the reader to embrace life and resist the inevitability of death. With its vivid imagery and intense emotions, it has become one of Thomas's most renowned works.
- Title: Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
- Published: 1952
- Length: 19 lines
- Form: Villanelle
- Themes: Death, Life, Resilience
"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful poem about death
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713votes
Edgar Allan Poe, "Annabel Lee", 1849 fair copy. · Public domainThis haunting poem is a tribute to the beauty and tragedy of love. The poem is marked by Poe's use of vivid imagery and his musical, almost hypnotic language."Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful love poem
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811votes
Robert Frost · Public domainThis classic poem is a meditation on the choices we make in life and the paths we take. The poem is marked by Frost's use of simple, clear language and his memorable, evocative imagery. -
97votes
John Tenniel · Public domain"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan PoeThis classic poem is a haunting exploration of the themes of loss, grief, and madness. The poem is marked by Poe's use of vivid, atmospheric language and his use of repetition and rhyme.The Raven is a narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1845. It is considered one of Poe's most famous and best-recognized works. The poem tells the story of a distraught lover who is visited by a talking raven that slowly drives him to madness.- Publication Year: 1845
- Genre: Narrative poem
- Themes: Death, grief, loss, madness
- Length: 108 lines
- Rhyme Scheme: Trochaic octameter with internal rhyme
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1011votesThis modernist masterpiece is a haunting meditation on the nature of time, consciousness, and identity. The poem is marked by Eliot's vivid imagery, complex syntax, and allusive style.The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is a complex and introspective love poem written by T.S. Eliot. It explores the inner thoughts and fears of Prufrock, a middle-aged man who contemplates confessing his love or forever remaining silent.
- Publication Year: 1915
- Length: 131 lines
- Structure: Free verse
- Narrative Style: Stream of consciousness
- Themes: Love, time, aging, societal expectation
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful love poem
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult poem
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Ranking factors for beautiful poem
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Imagery and Descriptive LanguageA beautiful poem typically creates vivid and memorable images through its use of descriptive language and figurative devices such as metaphor, simile, and symbolism. This allows the reader to visualize and connect with the content emotionally.
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Emotional ResonanceThe poem should evoke a strong emotional response in the reader. This may include feelings of joy, sadness, nostalgia, or any other emotion that the poem is meant to convey.
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Depth of MeaningA beautiful poem usually has layers of meaning, which can be interpreted differently by each reader. This depth encourages multiple readings and discussions, as each person brings their own emotions and experiences to their understanding of the poem.
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Structure and FormThe way a poem is structured can contribute to its beauty. This includes elements such as stanza arrangement, rhyme scheme, and meter. A well-crafted structure and form can create a sense of harmony and balance in the poem.
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Originality and CreativityA beautiful poem should offer a unique perspective or insight on its subject matter. This could be through the use of a fresh or innovative metaphor, an unexpected twist in the narrative, or through a new approach to a familiar theme.
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Musicality and RhythmThe sound of a poem is often just as important as its meaning. A beautiful poem should have a musical quality, with rhythmic patterns and devices such as assonance, alliteration, and consonance that contribute to the overall sound and flow of the words.
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TimelessnessA truly beautiful poem should stand the test of time and remain relevant to readers from different generations and cultural backgrounds.
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UniversalityThe themes and emotions expressed in a beautiful poem should be relatable and accessible to a wide range of readers, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
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Impact and MemorabilityA beautiful poem is one that leaves a lasting impression and remains memorable long after the reader has finished reading it.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful poem ever written. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or poem is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2728 views
- 188 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each poem once every 24 hours. The rank of each poem is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful poem ever written
Poetry has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with poets creating works that capture the beauty of the world around us, explore the depths of human emotion, and convey profound messages about life and the human experience. From the epic poems of ancient Greece and Rome to the sonnets of Shakespeare and the haikus of Basho, poets have created a rich and diverse body of work that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
When it comes to the question of what is the most beautiful poem ever written, there is no easy answer. Beauty is subjective, and what one person finds beautiful may not resonate with another. However, there are certain poems that have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated for their beauty and power.
From the romantic sonnets of Elizabeth Barrett Browning to the mystical imagery of William Blake's "The Tyger," there are countless poems that have captured the hearts and minds of readers throughout the ages. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a haiku or the grandeur of an epic poem, there is sure to be a work of poetry that speaks to your soul and resonates with your sense of beauty.
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