Writing poetry is like trying to catch a black cat in a darkened room.

Robert Greacen

The Poetry Archive depends on donations from our visitors. Please help us to expand and improve the site.

Good poems are flashes of light in the darkness of the heart and mind.

Brendan Kennelly

Prose is walking; Poetry is flying.

Galway Kinnell

Resources

Teachers
Bring poetry to life in your school! These pages are specially designed to help you and your students to get the most out of the Poetry Archive.

Students
The Poetry Archive is a great place for students to research and learn about poetry.

Librarians
Support and practical ideas to help you and your readers enjoy the Archive.

New to Poetry?
Tips on using the Archive for less confident readers, and for those who are unfamiliar with reading poetry.

Many of the books and recordings featured in the Archive can be bought at the Poetry Bookshop Online

Guided Tours

Tour by:
Clive James

The writer and broadcaster Clive James introduces a few of his favourite poems in the Poetry Archive.

Clive James's tour

Other Guides

The Children's Archive

This part of the Archive is full of poems chosen specially for children. Meet old favourites and make new discoveries.

U A Fanthorpe

Use the player below to hear poems by this poet.

Alternatively, you can click Lucky Dip for a different poet.

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Glossary of poetic terms

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