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Selected Poems

theodore roethke

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From the recollections of his youth in Michigan to the visionary longings of the poems written just before his death, Theodore Roethke embarked on a quest to restore wholeness to a self that seemed irreparably broken. In the words of editor Edward Hirsch, “He courted the irrational and embraced what is most vulnerable in life.”

Hirsch’s selection and perceptive introduction illuminate the daring and intensity of a poet who, in poems such as “My Papa’s Waltz” and “The Lost Son,” reached back into the abyss of childhood in an attempt to wrest self-knowledge out of memory. Roethke’s true subject was the unfathomable depths of his own being, but his existential investigations were always shaped and disciplined by an exacting formal stringency, as equally at ease with Yeats’ vigorous cadence (“Four for Sir John Davies”) as with the spacious Whitmanian idiom on display in the virtuoso efforts of  The Far Field.  This gathering of Roethke’s works also includes several of his poems for children, and a generous sampling from his notebook writings, offering a glimpse of the poet at work with the raw materials of language and ideas.

About the American Poets Project
Elegantly designed in compact editions, printed on acid-free paper, and textually authoritative, the American Poets Project makes available the full range of the American poetic accomplishment, selected and introduced by today’s most discerning poets and critics.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1969

This edition

Format
200 pages, Hardcover
Published
April 7, 2005 by Library of America
ISBN
9781931082785
ASIN
1931082782
Language
English

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About the author

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theodore roethke

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American poet Theodore Roethke published short lyrical works in The Waking (1953) and other collections.

Rhythm and natural imagery characterized volumes of Theodore Huebner Roethke. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1954 for his book, The Waking. Roethke wrote of his poetry: The greenhouse "is my symbol for the whole of life, a womb, a heaven-on-earth." From childhood experiences of working in floral company of his family in Saginaw, Roethke drew inspiration. Beginning is 1941 with Open House, the distinguished poet and teacher published extensively; he received two National Book Awards among an array of honors. In 1959, Yale University awarded him the prestigious Bollingen Prize. Roethke taught at Michigan State College, (present-day Michigan State University) and at colleges in Pennsylvania and Vermont before joining the faculty of the University of Washington at Seattle in 1947.

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 27 votes)
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
liviz-library
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Michigan native, specifically from Saginaw, and a fellow enthusiast of education, I discovered that I was more captivated by the life of Roethke than by his poems, as noted in the foreword written by Edward Hirsch.

To be honest, for my personal taste, this collection contained an excessive number of nature poems.

It seems that the focus on nature in these poems might have overshadowed other aspects that could have potentially interested me more.

However, I do understand that nature has been a common and rich theme in poetry, and many readers might find great joy and inspiration in these nature-centered works.

Perhaps if I had a greater appreciation for the beauty and significance of nature in poetry, I would have a different perspective on this collection.

Nonetheless, I still respect the artistry and effort that went into creating these poems, and I look forward to exploring more of Roethke's works in the future to see if my understanding and enjoyment of his poetry will grow.
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Ta-Ro
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Selected Poems is a remarkable collection that encompasses poems from six different collections by Theodore Roethke. These include Open House, The Lost Son & Other Poems, Praise to the End!, The Waking: Poems: 1933 - 1953, Words for the Wind: The Collected Verse, and The Far Field.


Each collection offers a unique perspective into Roethke's poetic world. For example, in Open House, we find the poem "Long Live the Weeds" which celebrates the unholy and wild aspects of the universe. The poem "Weed Puller" from The Lost Son & Other Poems describes the indignity of being down in the fetor of weeds while everything above is blooming.


The collection also includes Roethke's Poems for Children and excerpts from his Notebooks. The Notebooks provide a fascinating glimpse into his thoughts and musings, covering a wide range of topics such as the nature of art, the self, and the struggle against oblivion.


Overall, Selected Poems is a rich and diverse collection that showcases Theodore Roethke's talent and creativity as a poet. It is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry and the works of this great American poet.

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PhthaloEmerald
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had read bits and pieces of Roethke's poetry, but now I have a much broader sense of him.

In terms of subject matter, he can be compared to Whitman, with his connection to the land and all that it implies. However, he is more formal, perhaps more in the vein of Yeats. He also likes to compare himself to figures like Christopher Smart and John Clare.

His influences are indeed an eclectic set, but it often yields good results. In my mind, he is a classic minor poet. There are no poems that completely blow me away, but his work is consistently of good quality.

His poems may not have the immediate impact of some of the greats, but they have a quiet charm and a certain depth that makes them worth reading and rereading.

Overall, I have come to appreciate Roethke's poetry more fully through this deeper exploration of his work.
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Zesyph
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Recently, I have been exploring a collection of new poems. Some of them have truly amazed me and have quickly become my new favourites. The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking deep emotions. Each line is carefully crafted, carrying a weight and significance that lingers in my mind long after I have finished reading.


However, not all of the poems have had the same impact on me. There are others that I find rather lukewarm. They lack that certain spark or originality that makes a poem truly stand out. While they may be well-written, they fail to capture my attention or touch my heart in the way that the amazing ones do.


Despite this, I still appreciate the effort and creativity that goes into writing each and every poem. It is a form of art that allows the poet to express their thoughts and feelings in a unique and powerful way. And even if some poems don't resonate with me, they may touch someone else's soul and become their new favourite.

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phereia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Roethke's writing has a certain quality that has an incredibly profound impact on me. Whenever I find myself in a rut, feeling stuck and unmotivated, something about his words manages to jolt my soul loose from its foundations. It's as if his writing has the power to break through the barriers that hold me back and set my spirit free.


I really like his stuff for this very reason. His works are like a breath of fresh air, constantly challenging me and keeping me on my toes. They force me to think differently, to look at the world from a new perspective, and to question my own beliefs and assumptions.


Roethke's writing is not only beautiful and engaging but also deeply meaningful. It speaks to the human condition in a way that few other writers can. His words have the power to inspire, to comfort, and to heal. They are a source of strength and inspiration for me, and I am truly grateful to have discovered his work.

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Sarrb
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent collection that truly catches one's attention.

After going through it once, I have this strong feeling that I should read it a second time.

The content within it seems to hold a certain allure that makes me eager to explore it further.

Each piece in the collection appears to have its own unique charm and message.

Perhaps on the second reading, I will be able to uncover more hidden details and gain a deeper understanding.

I believe that this collection has the potential to offer new perspectives and insights with each successive reading.

It is definitely a worthwhile piece of work that I look forward to delving into again.

Overall, I am highly impressed with this collection and cannot wait to embark on my second reading journey.

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randog23
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I knew a woman, lovely in her bones.

Her beauty was not just on the surface but resided deep within her very essence. It was a beauty that shone through in her every word and action.

Sometimes, a poet has the remarkable ability to speak directly to our souls. Their words have the power to touch us in ways we never thought possible, to reveal hidden aspects of ourselves that we may have overlooked.

And that's exactly what Theo did for me. His poetry was like a guiding light, highlighting the most precious and profound parts of my being, inviting me to gaze into them time and again.

Thank you, Theo, for being such a fabulous poet. Your words have truly made a difference in my life.

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Ghyffiano
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was truly so beautiful.


My favorite poems include:


- "The Lost Son", which takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and longing.


- "Words for the Wind", a piece that seems to dance with the breeze, carrying emotions and thoughts.


- "The Far Field", painting a vivid picture of a distant and perhaps mysterious place.


- "The Rose", a classic symbol of beauty and love, explored in a unique way.


- "In a Dark Time", delving into the depths of human emotions during difficult moments.


- "The Sequel", which perhaps offers a continuation or new perspective on a previous theme or story.


Each of these poems has its own charm and power, captivating the reader and leaving a lasting impression.

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