Most Famous Classic Poems of All Time - Audio Poems Collection

The most famous classic poems pose a question for us. Why them? Of the plethora of poems from centuries of rhyming thought, why have these emerged as the best loved, best remembered? There is no single common denominator to the most famous classic poems of all time. Some are love poems, others sad poems, or narrative tales that cast their charm over us with witty scenes or haunting metaphors. The one requirement for inclusion in this audio poems collection was that each of these poems is so famous that even people who know nothing of poetry have heard of them. And, what's more, that even people who generally dislike poetry, like these famous classic poems. Read the short description accompanying each famous audio poem for a little information, then click and listen. No download is necessary for any of the ten audio poems.

If, by Rudyard Kipling

If by Rudyard Kipling is perhaps the most famous poem in this collection, and best loved by modern audiences in every country, across every age group. Written when Kipling was only 31 years-old, if is enchanting in its wise portrait of possibilities. Capturing a conversation between a parent and a child, this poem epitomizes the struggle that each human being encounters through life, regardless of time or place. And in that study is reflected the way to greatness, and the cost. Filled with Rudyard Kipling's view of man as a heroic being, If is the ultimate inspirational poem, to be shared by people all over the world.

The Daffodils Poem, by William Wordsworth

I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud, by William Wordsworth, is best known as The Daffodils Poem. One of Wordsworth's most famous poems, this beautiful audio poem speaks of a moment of inspiration, when the poet encounters a magical scene as if straight from a fairytale dream. And in this exquisite moment, all the world is dancing and beautiful. Such a dream remains in the poet's mind, to keep him company in moments of pensive relaxation. Listen and let the magic of The Daffodils Poem carry you to that dream-scene by the shimmering lake. This delightful, rhyming inspirational poem has become one of the most famous poems of all time, because in its simplicity it weaves a web of musical thought.

Ode to a Nightingale, by John Keats

Perhaps the most famous poetic poem in the world, Ode to Nightingale is certainly one of the most beautiful poems ever written. So many of its lines have been quoted that often people no longer remember that once these words had belonged to a poem. One line in particular has been quoted in titles of television shows and in radio conversations, that line about the "charmed magic casements". Discover those casements for yourself and what scene they open upon. And remember that this poem has become so famous for the beauty of its language. It is an exercise in beauty for beauty's sake.

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?, by William Shakespeare

Of all the sonnets ever written, this Shakespearian love sonnet is the most famous, and indeed one of the most famous poems of all time. Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? encapsulates the ideal of love, emotions that endure all, that see the beloved as more perfect than perfection, more sunny than the sun, more lovely than a summer's day. With Shakespeare's incomparable weaving of language and revelations of man's soul, this sonnet has become one of The Bard's best remembered love poem.

Death Be Not Proud, by John Donne

Death Be Not Proud is perhaps the most famous Death poem of all time. Written by Shakespeare's famous contemporary, John Donne, this is Donne's most famous poem, and the one most often quoted. And perhaps the magic of this famous death poem lies in that it offers no grief, no pain. Instead it is a poem of challenge, questioning the very strength upon which Death lords over us. For if death is but a short sleep from which we wake to eternal bliss, why then should Death be proud? This audio poem will prove inspirational to anyone who believes in the afterlife. And for those who don't, still this poem may give inspiration and comfort in challenging Death, and stripping it of its power. Ridicule, after all, is often the best form of defense against evil.

The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe poems are treasured by poetry lovers, but the most famous poem of them all is TheRaven, which has become the most famous dark poem of all time. This haunting narrative poem tells the tale of a man sitting in the dark of night, in a shadow-filled room, when all at once a tap sounds at his door. Filled with fear and lamentation of a lost love, the poem has enchanted readers for generations. In this audio recording, TheRaven is read with the spirit of Poe's poetic style in mind, lingering over the fearful passages and gasping at the horror of the raven that can speak one word alone, as if outpouring his very soul in the utterance.

The Walrus and the Carpenter, by Lewis Carroll

Perhaps the most famous children's poem of all time, The Walrus and the Carpenter, from Alice in Wonderland is full of the wry wit and clever settings that Lewis Carroll is famous for. Children will love the funny tale and voices, and adults will relish the political undertones as the Walrus weeps for the Oysters while sorting those of the largest size in preparation for the feast.

How Do I Love Thee?, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Perhaps the most famous love poem written by a woman, How Do I Love Thee?, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, has become one of the most famous love poems of all time. Finding perfect love in her own life, Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote this poem to her beloved, the poet Robert Browning. A handsome, eligible batcher, Robert Browning nonetheless fell in love with the quite poetess, despite her weak constitution and illness, which had taken their toll on her youth and beauty.

We'll Go No More A-Roving, by Lord Byron

Perhaps the most famous break-up love poem of all time, We'll Go No More A-Roving, by Lord Byron is still as witty and charming today as 200 years ago when it was first published. Offering a much wittier way of saying, "It's not you, it's me," this famous love poem speaks of the end of love without it ever ending. For the cause to love is still there in the moonlit night, and in the heart of the one that wishes the affair to go on. But to the other, "the heart must pause to breath, and love itself have rest."

The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore

The most famous Christmas poem of all time is the tale of St. Nick's visit on the night before Christmas. Delightful, cheerful, full of the holiday ambiance, this wonderful narrative, holiday poem has become a favorite the world over. Originally titled, A Visit From St. Nicholas, The Night Before Christmas is filled with rhymes, wit and wonder to entertain the young and old alike.