How do I love thee? Let me count the ways April 2, 2008

One of the first poems I recall hearing was James Welton Johnson’s “The Creation”. I remember my cousin Jeanette floating around my grandmother’s house arms outstretched (looking like Thelma Evans on Good Times) proclaiming “And God stepped out on space”. That poem (and Jen’s dramatic presentation) stayed in my memory bank, because fifteen years later I recited the same poem during the talent competition of a college pageant (I won, BTW).

Although I prefer to read novels, there are some poems and poets that stick in my mind. Most of the time, however, if I remember the poet, I can’t recall the poems they wrote or I can quote parts of the poem, but can’t tell you who wrote it. So in honor of National Poetry Month, I posting a little quiz to help you (I mean me) brush up on your poetry.

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Match the poet to his/her work (Answers at the bottom of this post—don’t cheat)

1. Edgar Allan Poe
2. Emily Dickinson
3. Gwendolyn Brooks
4. Langston Hughes
5. Maya Angelou
6. Paul Laurence Dunbar
7. Phillis Wheatley
8. Rita Dove
9. Robert Frost
10. Walt Whitman

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A. We Wear the Mask
B. The Raven
C. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
D. Phenomenal Woman
E. On Being Brought From Africa To America
F. Captain! My Captain!
G. Dream Deferred
H. Because I could not stop for Death
I. Ballad of Rudolph Reed
J. Adolescence II

 

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ANSWERS: 1B; 2H; 3I; 4G; 5D; 6A; 7E; 8J; 9C; 10F