Poetry

Postcards for National Poetry Month

Poetry Postcards Header Image with Featured Images

April is National Poetry Month and The New York Public Library is celebrating with poems that capture the spirit of the city we’ve called home for 125 years. 

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My true-love clasped me by the hand,  	And from our garden alley, Looked o’er the landscape seamed with sea 	And rich with hill and valley, And said, “We’ve found a pleasant place 	As fair as thine and my land A calm abode, a flowery home,  	In sunny Stat
Statue of Liberty with Staten Island Ferry in foreground. Image from NYPL Digital Collections, ID: 105188
Far down, down through the city’s great gaunt gut       The gray train rushing bears the weary wind; In the packed cars the fans the crowd’s breath cut,       Leaving the sick and heavy air behind. And pale-cheeked children seek the upper door       To gi
Looking Out, Looking In. Old Man in Russian Hat: Black Woman in White Headscarf and Coat. Image from NYPL Digital Collections,  ID: 5038732
One morning, headed for the Avenue,  	On Thirty-second Street, the big green Bus,  	Blocked by the traffic there, drew up to us,  And from it looked a pretty girl in blue.  (My friendly Boss was whistling like a bird, 	While factory-men were loading up fo
Woman standing on front stoop. New York, NY.  Image from NYPL Digital Collections, ID: 5761828
With the man I love who loves me not, I walked in the street-lamps' flare; We watched the world go home that night In a flood through Union Square.  I leaned to catch the words he said That were light as a snowflake falling; Ah well that he never leaned t
Manhattan: Union Square - [Union Square Park.]. Image via NYPL Digital Collections, ID: 723584F
    The trees along this city street,        Save for the traffic and the trains,      Would make a sound as thin and sweet        As trees in country lanes.       And people standing in their shade        Out of a shower, undoubtedly      Would hear such
George Washington Bridge, Riverside Drive and 179th Street, Manhattan. Image from NYPL  Digital Collections, ID: 482785

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