Gothic Poems: 16 Creators Embrace the Somber Side of Art
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”
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
Nikita Gill, “Lessons From Hephaestus”
Books from Nikita Gill: Great Goddesses: Life Lessons From Myths and Monsters, Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul
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”
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”
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!