Poems About the News: Capturing the Essence of Current Events

In a world inundated with news headlines and updates, it can be challenging to navigate the constant influx of information. However, some poets have found solace and inspiration in the world of news. Through their art, they have managed to encapsulate the essence of current events, shedding light on both the triumphs and tragedies of our time. These poems serve as a powerful reminder of the impact news has on our lives and the emotions it evokes. Join us as we explore a selection of poignant poems about the news.

1. "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

These iconic lines from "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus have become synonymous with the struggles and aspirations of immigrants. Originally written in 1883, this poem found renewed relevance as it was engraved on a bronze plaque and placed at the base of the Statue of Liberty in 1903. Lazarus's words remind us of the profound impact the news can have on society, shaping our perceptions and influencing our collective actions.

2. "The War Works Hard" by Dunya Mikhail

The war works hard,
Day and night.
It turns life into a death sentence
In the eyes of a child,
In the eyes of a mother,
In the eyes of a shoe,
In the eyes of a door,
And in the eyes of a cockroach,
It works hard!

Dunya Mikhail's "The War Works Hard" offers a stark portrayal of the devastating consequences of war. Through vivid imagery, Mikhail illustrates the all-encompassing nature of conflict and its ability to permeate every aspect of life. With each line, she forces us to confront the harsh reality behind the news headlines and bear witness to the immense suffering endured.

3. "The Los Angeles Times" by Billy Collins

Reading the newspaper on Sunday morning,
I saw a picture of a man dropping in
on a wave that had to be at least forty feet high,
and I thought to myself,
Well,
that was brave.
But then I noticed that he was riding
the wave on one of those long, skinny boards,
the kind with a little curl at the end,
and I immediately revised my opinion—
No, that was foolish.

Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, often blends wit and contemplation in his poetry. In "The Los Angeles Times," he demonstrates how the news can shift our perceptions and evoke a range of emotions. Collins's observations remind us of the subjective nature of news and the different interpretations we bring to the stories we consume.

4. "The Mushroom Cloud's a Rose" by Fatimah Asghar

The mushroom cloud’s a rose
for a moment outside
the window where
we once held hands.
Now
we have the beautiful
disarray
of our bodies
broken apart.

In "The Mushroom Cloud's a Rose," Fatimah Asghar explores the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe. Through her haunting words, she highlights the devastating consequences of such events. Asghar poignantly captures the fragility of life and the irreversible damage caused by news events that shape our world.

Poems about the news provide a unique lens through which we can view and understand the world around us. From Emma Lazarus's timeless call for compassion to Dunya Mikhail's powerful portrayal of the devastation of war, these poems capture the essence of current events with remarkable clarity. As we delve into these poetic expressions, we are reminded of the impact news has on our lives and the importance of seeking deeper understanding beyond mere headlines. Through poetry, we can engage with the news on an emotional level and foster empathy and connection with the events that shape our world.