This list of the best poems for girls is a compilation of poems that will empower and inspire young women. From love poems to motivational poems, these works of art will help remind girls that they are capable of so much more than they might believe. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult woman, these poems are sure to touch your heart, and help you to see yourself in a new light.
1. I, being born a woman and distressed by Edna St. Vincent Millay
My scorn with pity,—let me make it plain:
I find this frenzy insufficient reason
For conversation when we meet again.
In I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed, the speaker, a woman, reflects on the conflicting emotions and desires that she experiences as a result of being attracted to someone. On the one hand, she is drawn to the person’s physical presence and desires to be close to them, even to the point of feeling a “certain zest” to bear their weight on her breast. On the other hand, she recognizes that these feelings are “insufficient reason / For conversation when we meet again” and decides to remember the person with love or to season her scorn with pity.
The poem speaks to the complex and often conflicting emotions that can be involved in relationships and attraction, and it challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. It is a thought-provoking and powerful meditation on desire and the human experience.
2. Perfect Woman by William Wordsworth
She was a phantom of delight
When first she gleam’d upon my sight;
A lovely apparition, sent
In Perfect Woman, William Wordsworth celebrates the many facets of the woman he is describing, portraying her as a complex and multifaceted being. He speaks of her beauty, with her “eyes as stars of twilight fair” and her “dusky hair,” and of her grace and freedom of movement. At the same time, the speaker recognizes that she is more than just a beautiful physical presence, describing her as a “Spirit, yet a Woman too.”
The poem illustrates the woman as a perfect being, one who embodies both physical and spiritual beauty and who is able to embody many different roles and qualities. Wordsworth’s language is full of praise and admiration for this woman, and he portrays her as a source of inspiration and delight.
3. The Good-Natured Girls by Jane Taylor
Two good little children, named Mary and Ann,
Both happily live, as good girls always can;
And though they are not either sullen or mute,
They seldom or never are heard to dispute.
The Good-Natured Girls describes two children, Mary and Ann, who are always well-behaved and never argue or fight. If one of the children wants something that the other has, they do not argue or fight, but instead willingly give up their own desire in order to avoid conflict. Moreover, they do not argue or dispute about who should do what, but instead, immediately run to help when their parents have a job to be done.
The poem presents the two little girls as role models for kindness and cooperation. It encourages readers to follow their example and strive to be obliging and kind in their own lives. The poem suggests that by yielding to others and giving up our own way, we can create a harmonious and happy life.
4. The Little Match Girl by William Topaz McGonagall
In that mighty city of London, wherein is plenty of gold –
But, alas! their charity towards street waifs is rather cold.
But I hope the match girl’s in Heaven, beside her Saviour dear,
A bright reward for all the hardships she suffered here.
The Little Match Girl by William Topaz McGonagall tells the story of a young girl who is struggling to survive on the streets of London. She is impoverished and faced with harsh conditions, and she is completely alone and without any support or protection. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering and inequality that can exist in society, and the importance of showing kindness and compassion toward those in need.
The Little Match Girl reflects on the tragedy of the match girl’s death and the lack of charity and compassion shown towards her by the people of London, a city full of wealth and prosperity. The girl has found a better reward in death, as she is now with her savior in heaven. The poem highlights the vulnerability and disadvantaged position of girls and women in society, particularly those who are poor and marginalized.
5. Sonnet 130: My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun by William Shakespeare
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
This poem is a sonnet written by William Shakespeare, and it is often referred to as Sonnet 130 or My Mistress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun. In the poem, the speaker is describing their mistress and comparing her to various idealized images of beauty. However, rather than trying to elevate her to the level of these ideals, the speaker is deliberately pointing out the ways in which she falls short.
Despite these apparent flaws, the speaker declares their love for their mistress and asserts that it is just as rare and valuable as any love that is “belied with false compare.” In other words, they are saying that their love is not based on superficial ideals of beauty, but rather on something deeper and more genuine. The speaker indicates that their mistress is just as worthy of love and admiration as any goddess, despite not fitting the typical standards of beauty.
6. I’m “wife” — I’ve finished that — by Emily Dickinson
I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that—
That other state—
I’m Czar—I’m “Woman” now—
It’s safer so—
I’m “wife” – I’ve finished that, written by Emily Dickinson, reflects on the experience of marriage and the transition from being a single woman to being a wife. The speaker states that they have “finished” the “other state,” or the state of being single, and that they are now a “Woman,” specifically a wife. They express the sense that this change has created a sense of safety and comfort for them, and that it is a welcome change from the pain and uncertainty of the “other kind” of life.
In conclusion, the poem suggests that the speaker sees their identity as a wife as a central and defining aspect of their life, and that they are content with this role. They suggest that this transition might be similar to how earth looks to people in heaven, implying that marriage marks a significant shift in one’s experience of the world. They are comfortable in their new identity and do not feel the need to compare or contrast it with their previous life as a single woman.
7. For Women Who Are Difficult to Love by Warsan Shire
and if he wants to leave
then let him leave
you are terrifying
and strange and beautiful
something not everyone knows how to love.
For Women Who Are Difficult to Love touches on themes of love, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. It suggests that loving someone who is “difficult” requires a certain level of openness and willingness to embrace their complexity and uniqueness, and that these qualities should be seen as strengths rather than weaknesses. Warsan Shire encourages these women to embrace their own power and to not try to change themselves in order to fit someone else’s expectations or ideals.
The poem is an illustration of the complexities of love and the ways in which intense feelings can challenge and change us. It explores the theme of vulnerability and the difficulties of loving and being loved, and the idea that sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships do not work out.
8. “What Do Women Want?” by Kim Addonizio
I want. When I find it, I’ll pull that garment
from its hanger like I’m choosing a body
to carry me into this world, through
the birth-cries and the love-cries too,
and I’ll wear it like bones, like skin,
This poem, titled “What Do Women Want?”, explores themes of desire, self-expression, and femininity. The speaker also wants to wear the dress as she walks down the street, past the everyday sights and sounds of the community, as if to announce her presence and assert her sexuality. She imagines herself as the only woman on earth, able to have her pick of men, and wants the red dress to confirm the worst fears about her and show her independence and self-interest.
The speaker sees the dress as a powerful symbol of her identity and desires, and wants to wear it like bones or skin, as if it were a part of her very being. She even imagines being buried in the dress, emphasizing its importance and meaning to her. Overall, Kim Addonizio celebrates the power of self-expression and desire, and the way in which clothing can be used as a means of asserting one’s identity and femininity.
9. Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Maya Angelou describes herself as a “phenomenal woman,” and lists various physical and emotional qualities that contribute to this identity. The speaker asserts that these qualities are not traditionally valued by society, but are instead her own unique strengths. Phenomenal Women suggests that the speaker is comfortable with herself and proud of who she is, and does not feel the need to conform to societal standards of beauty or femininity.
The poem could be further analyzed for themes of self-acceptance, self-love, and the importance of celebrating and embracing one’s own unique qualities. The speaker also claims herself to be the luckiest girl to have the supportive and loving friends she has, and that these relationships contribute to her sense of self-worth and confidence. The poem’s message on the importance of being true to oneself and accepting one’s own strengths and beauty can be summed up as being strong and inspirational.
10. Black Girl Magic by Mahogany L. Browne
You black girl wonder
You black girl shine
You black girl bloom
You black girl black girlAnd you turning into a beautiful black woman right before OUR eyes.
Black Girl Magic addresses the societal expectations and limitations placed on Black girls and women. Mahogany L.Browne speaks to the ways in which Black girls are often not allowed to express themselves or be themselves, and are instead told what they can and cannot do. The speaker challenges these expectations and encourages Black girls to love and embrace themselves, to embrace their Blackness and their femininity, and to resist the notion that they must be “still” or silent.
The poem also celebrates the resilience and strength of Black girls and women and the ways in which they can break free from these societal constraints and expectations. It also addresses self-love and self-acceptance, as well as the importance of valuing and celebrating the diversity and richness of Black culture. In conclusion, the poem is a powerful and inspiring message of empowerment and self-love for Black girls and women.
Final thoughts
With this beautiful collection of poems, young girls can find inspiration, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. These verses celebrate the unique and wonderful qualities that make being a girl such a special experience. From exploring the natural world to delving into emotions and relationships, these poems offer something for every girl to relate to and cherish. May they continue to inspire and uplift girls everywhere for years to come. We hope that you have had a good read, and feel free to check out more poetry on Poem Home:
- 7+ Touching Godparents Poems Everyone Should Read
- 10 Comforting Poems About Guardian Angel Watching Over You
- 8+ Best Poems About Touch For Every Loving Couple Out There
Thomas Dao is the guy who created Poem Home, a website where people can read about all things poetry related. When he’s not busy working on his next project, you can find him reading a good book or spending time with family and friends.
