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Gothic Poems: 16 Creators Embrace the Somber Side of Art

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Gothic poems stand for more than darkness! On one hand, the word gothic embodies everything macabre about humanity. Indeed, orators expressing a darker theme stands alongside light-hearted topics! On the other, darkness is multilayered. Writing is truly a companion to everyone’s life.

Gothic Poetry’s Roots

During the 19th century, Edgar Allen Poe gave gothic poetry a voice. Pieces such as “Annabel Lee” and “The Raven” conveys loss and heartbreak. His sadness speaks to many who searches for kindred spirits to listen. Christina Rossetti was another poet with gothic roots. Her piece “Goblin Market” is well renowned, warnings of goblin men creeping in orchards on summer days.

Gothic Poems: Expressive and Emotional

As time moved on, the definition of gothic broadened. For example, the term specifically defines a foreboding of bad omens. This could describe either a paranormal experience or a traumatic event in life. Poets express somber times in a variety of instances. Despite its horror origins, gothic poems reflect both an appreciation of the eccentric and a yearning for acceptance.

16 Gothic Poems From Talented Artists

This group features poets unashamed of their dark side! These artists use music and spoken word to share their unique outlook on life. Despite their departure of sunny passages, their words represent power.

Rios de la Luz: “Itza”

Books by Rios De La Luz: Itza

Lanf Leav, “Sunday Best”

Books by Lang Leav: Memories (Volume 3), Sad Girls

Donna Lynch, “My Girls Are Always”

Books by Donna Lynch: Daughters of Lilith, Ladies and Other Vicious Creatures

Dua Saleh, “Pins and Needles”

Dua Saleh’s website

Nayo Jones, “Healing”

More Info about Nayo Jones: Poetry/Pedagogy Profile

Joanna Valente, “Lake of Blood”

Books by Joanna Valente: Marys of the Sea, Sexting Ghosts

PJ Harvey, “On a Dirt Road”

Books by PJ Harvey: The Hollow of the Hand

Christina Rosettie, “An October Garden”

Books by Christina Rosetti: The Complete Poems, Goblin Market and Other Poems

amanda lovelace, “to make monsters out of girls”

Books by amanda lovelace: To Make Monsters Out of Girls, The Witch Doesn’t Burn In This One, The Mermaid’s Voice Returns In This One

Edgar Allan Poe, “The Raven”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcqPQXqQXzI

Books by Edgar Allen Poe: Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe

Alfred Tennyson, “The Lady of Shalott”

Books by Alfred Tennyson: The Complete Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson, Idylls of the King

Pablo Neruda, “Tonight I Can Write The Saddest Lines”

Books by Pablo Neruda: The Poetry of Pablo Naruda, Odes to Common Things

W.S. Merwin, “Thanks”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU0gNKgJX5w

Books by W.S. Merwin: The Essential W.S. Merwin, The Moon Before Morning

Rupi Kaur, “Excerpt From Milk and Honey

Books by Rupi Kaur: Milk and Honey, The Sun and Her Flowers

Trista Mateer, “What I Would Tell You If I Were Not Stubborn”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mncxp-X445I&t=36s

Books by Trista Meteer: Honeybee, Aphrodite Made Me Do It

Gothic Poems: Additional Links

Want more expressive material? 25 Dark Poems for When You Want to Explore the Shadows has what you need! 14 Gorgeous Poems Written and Performed by Poets of Color also highlights strong talent!