Narrative Poems

"Epic tales in verse, where stories unfold line by line, drawing readers into worlds beyond."

TitleAuthorType of Poem
A Ballad Of The Kind Little CreaturesRichard Le GallienneNarrative Poem
A Ballad Of The Town WaterRobert Fuller MurrayNarrative Poem
A Ballad Of The Two KnightsSara TeasdaleNarrative Poem
A Ballad With A Serious ConclusionJames Whitcomb RileyNarrative Poem
A Ballad, Shewing How An Old Woman Rode Double, And Who Rode Before Her.Robert SoutheyNarrative Poem
A Ballade Of The Unborn DeadElla Wheeler WilcoxNarrative Poem
A Ballade Of Waiting.Archibald LampmanNarrative Poem
A Bear FamilyJames Whitcomb RileyNarrative Poem
A BeatriceCharles BaudelaireNarrative Poem
A Belgian ChristmasMadison Julius CaweinNarrative Poem

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.