Poetry & Analysis
Selected Poems
Inspirational PoemsThe Destruction of Sennacherib
The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and forever grew still!
And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride;
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!
Overview Short Summary
The poem tells of a powerful army suddenly destroyed, turning glory into silence overnight.
Performance Note Why It Works as Spoken Word
This is a strong performance poetry example because the rhythm moves quickly and the images are bold. Keep the pace energetic but clear.
Core Ideas Main Themes
- War: A key idea that supports the poem’s spoken word impact.
- Power: A key idea that supports the poem’s spoken word impact.
- Sudden downfall: A key idea that supports the poem’s spoken word impact.
FAQs
FAQs About Spoken Word Poetry
What is spoken word poetry?
Spoken word poetry is poetry created for performance. It depends on voice, rhythm, pauses, emotion, body language, repetition, storytelling, and direct connection with listeners.
What are good spoken word poetry examples for students?
Good spoken word poetry examples for students include poems with a strong voice, clear message, and emotional delivery. Poems such as “Invictus,” “If—,” “We Wear the Mask,” “If We Must Die,” and “The Bridge Builder” work well for classroom reading and performance practice.
What topics are best for spoken word poetry?
Strong spoken word poetry topics include identity, mental health, love, heartbreak, family, friendship, social justice, bullying, confidence, anxiety, growing up, hope, community, and personal change.
How do you start a spoken word poem?
Start with one honest sentence, one memory, one question, or one image that matters to you. Spoken word usually works best when the opening sounds direct, personal, and easy to hear aloud.
What is the difference between spoken word poetry and slam poetry?
Spoken word poetry is a broad performance style. Slam poetry is usually spoken word performed in a competition where judges or audience members score the performance.
How can I perform spoken word poetry better?
Practice reading aloud, mark your pauses, slow down important lines, vary your tone, use clear body language, and make eye contact. The goal is not only to recite words but to make listeners feel the meaning.
Can classic poems be used as spoken word poetry examples?
Yes. A poem does not need to be modern to work as spoken word. Classic poems with strong voice, rhythm, repetition, dramatic address, social themes, or emotional storytelling can work very well in spoken performance.
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Related Poems & Articles
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