15+ Must-Read Poems about Choices

(15 to start, 50+ to explore)

Poems about choice explore the concept of decision-making and the consequences that result from the choices we make in life. These poems often delve into the complexities of human existence, contemplating the paths we take, the possibilities we encounter, and the dilemmas we face along the way.

Some examples of this topic include ‘The Road Not Taken‘ by Robert Frost, which reflects on the diverging paths we encounter in life, and ‘If I can stop one heart from breaking‘ by Emily Dickinson, which emphasizes the power of individual choice to make a positive impact on others.

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The Road Not Taken

by Robert Frost

Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ explores life’s choices, opportunities, and the ensuing lingering regret of untaken paths.

The poem presents the intricate dynamics of choice that shape our lives while delving into the psychological turmoil of choice and the inevitability of choice-making in human existence. Every choice entails a sense of loss and the perpetual dilemma of what could have been; for instance, despite selecting a path based on perceived uniqueness, the speaker realizes the similarity between the roads later. Moreover, they imagine attributing meaning to the choice in the future that makes it sound right, resonating with the universal experience of choice-making and reflecting on past decisions in hindsight.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

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Odysseus’ Decision

by Louise Glück

‘Odysseus Decision’ offers a fresh and original depiction of one of literature’s most enigmatic figures, the Greek hero Odysseus.

As the title suggests, this poem is concerned with a moment of choice. Curiously though, the decision already appears to have been made by the time the poem begins and the actual options are never truly explained to the reader, even if they can deduce that it was between leaving and remaining mortal, or staying with Calypso and living forever.

The great man turns his back on the island.
Now he will not die in paradise
nor hear again
the lutes of paradise among the olive trees,

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The Death of the Hired Man

by Robert Frost

‘The Death of the Hired Man’ by Robert Frost delves into human relationships, compassion, and the passage of time through the interactions of its characters and the evocative imagery of a rural setting.

The poem explores the effect of choices one makes through Silas' choices. Warren and Mary reflect on the choices he made after his death. The poem contemplates how choices make an impact on the meaning of life and the significance of the decisions individuals make during their lifetime.

Warren returned—too soon, it seemed to her,

Slipped to her side, caught up her hand and waited.

‘Warren,’ she questioned.

‘Dead,’ was all he answered.

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The River

by Sara Teasdale

‘The River’ by Sara Teasdale narrates the poignant merging of the river in the sea from the personified river’s perspective.

This poem emphasizes the significance of every choice we make and how one wrong choice can transform life as, more often, it is irreversible, and one has to walk on the chosen path bearing the consequences. The river's one choice of moving to the sea changes the course of her life or alters its existence, individuality, and identity, causing despair, regret, and pain. Thus, the river represents the wrong choices made in naivety that can gravely impact one's existence while showing the psychological and emotional turmoil or the dire consequences a wrong choice can entail, leading to perpetual disillusionment and regret.

I came from the sunny valleys

And sought for the open sea,

For I thought in its gray expanses

My peace would come to me.

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The Soul selects her own Society

by Emily Dickinson

Dickinson’s ‘The Soul selects her own Society’ depicts a Soul that isolates herself and selectively chooses one companion.

The topic of choice is central as the Soul makes deliberate and resolute decisions regarding her companions and lifestyle. The soul makes independent choices, showing strong autonomy and self-awareness while dodging all the distractions to stay steadfast in her choices. By prioritizing authenticity over conformity, the poem inspires readers to make choices aligned with their true values and desires, echoing the significance of personal choice in shaping one's destiny.

The Soul selects her own Society —

Then — shuts the Door —

To her divine Majority —

Present no more —

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On Her Loving Two Equally

by Aphra Behn

‘On Her Loving Two Equally’ by Aphra Behn is a portrayal of a woman’s heart torn between two lovers, clearly illustrating the agony and indecision that accompany such deep, conflicting emotions.

The poem explores deeply the complex emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise when one is faced with choosing between two lovers. The poem examines the process of decision-making in matters of the heart, highlighting the difficulties and pain involved in determining where one's true affections should lie.

How strongly does my Passion flow,

Divided equally ’twixt two?

Damon had ne’er subdued my heart,

Had not Alexis took his part;

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An Ancient Gesture

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

‘An Ancient Gesture’ explores timeless sorrow through parallels between modern tears and those of mythic figures Penelope and Ulysses.

Choice is present through Penelope's decision to wait faithfully for Ulysses' return despite the passage of time and uncertainty. Her choice to endure reflects her unwavering commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, the poem implies Ulysses' choice to perform a gesture rather than verbally express his emotions, highlighting the power of choice in communication and emotional expression.

I thought, as I wiped my eyes on the corner of my apron:

Penelope did this too.

And more than once: you can't keep weaving all day

And undoing it all through the night;

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The Annunciation

by Elizabeth Jennings

‘The Annunciation’ is a deeply thoughtful depiction of the moment Mary learned she’d carry the son of God.

The poem talks about choice, or rather how Mary doesn’t have a choice in becoming the mother of God’s child. It shows how decisions are made for her and how she must accept her new role. This topic highlights Mary’s lack of control over her life. It makes us think about free will and divine plans.

Nothing will ease the pain to come

Though now she sits in ecstasy

And lets it have its way with her.

The angel’s shadow in the room

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Little Red Cap

by Carol Ann Duffy

‘Little Red Cap’ by Duffy is a feminist retelling of the classic tale, exploring the empowerment and growth of the little girl.

The topic of choice is central in ‘Little Red Cap,’ as the protagonist decides to enter the woods and engage with the wolf. Each decision she makes – from ignoring warnings to confronting the wolf – reflects the autonomy of shaping one’s destiny. The poem emphasizes that every choice comes with consequences, reinforcing the weight of personal responsibility in one’s journey of growth.

At childhood’s end, the houses petered out

into playing fields, the factory, allotments

kept, like mistresses, by kneeling married men,

the silent railway line, the hermit’s caravan,

#10

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The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein explores unconditional love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet journey of giving without expecting anything back.

‘The Giving Tree’ addresses the theme of choice through the boy’s decisions, often guided by his desires. Initially, he chooses to take what the tree offers without understanding its consequences. Later, his choices reflect his changing needs, such as wanting rest rather than material things. This theme suggests that our choices shape our relationships for better or worse.

Once there was a tree....

and she loved a little boy.

And everyday the boy would come

and he would gather her leaves

#11

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When I Was Fair and Young

by Queen Elizabeth I

The poem ‘When I Was Fair and Young’ by Queen Elizabeth I describes pride’s consequences, regret, and redemption through the intervention of love.

It becomes apparent that the topic of choice is appreciated through the use of past experiences by the speaker. This brings out the aspect of her pride that makes her reject those who wanted to court her showing the outcomes of the decisions she made. A theme that the poem comprises is the influence of personal autonomy and accountability within one's free decision-making process, hence portraying how this impacts one’s family and interpersonal relationships.

When I was fair and young, then favor graced me.

Of many was I sought their mistress for to be.

But I did scorn them all and answered them therefore:

Go, go, go, seek some other where; importune me no more.

#12

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Bloody Men

by Wendy Cope

‘Bloody Men’ by Wendy Cope is a short, contemporary poem by a British award-winning author. It uses a metaphor to compare men to buses.

Choosing the right bus, or the right man, is at the heart of this poem.

Bloody men are like bloody buses—

You wait for about a year

And as soon as one approaches your stop

Two or three others appear.

#13

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Circe’s Torment

by Louise Glück

‘Circe’s Torment’ delves into Circe’s emotional struggles, exploring themes of power, desire, and loneliness while challenging traditional mythological portrayals.

The poem explores the consequences of Circe's choices. While she initially transforms men into beasts, she chooses a different path with Odysseus, offering him love and passion. The line "As you loved my body" implies a consensual relationship, yet the pain of losing him suggests a price paid for this choice. Circe's decision to show compassion has resulted in her heartbreak.

I regret bitterly

The years of loving you in both

Your presence and absence, regret

The law, the vocation

#14

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Down, Wanton, Down!

by Robert Graves

‘Down, Wanton, Down!’ is a direct address to “wanton” or the urge to have unrestrained sexual relationships. The speaker rebukes the desire/person by describing the value of “Love” and “Beauty.”

The speaker in the poem continuously challenges the wanton, urging a choice between uncontrolled lust and the nobler pursuit of love. This emphasis on choice stresses the importance of decisions in shaping moral outcomes, presenting a clear call to reject baser instincts in favor of virtues that elevate human experience and personal growth.

Down, wanton, down! Have you no shame

That at the whisper of Love’s name,

Or Beauty’s, presto! up you raise

Your angry head and stand at gaze?

#15

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Rabbi Ben Ezra

by Robert Browning

In ‘Rabbi Ben Ezra’ by Robert Browning, aging wisdom urges surrender to divine plan, embracing life’s imperfections for spiritual refinement.

'Rabbi Ben Ezra' navigates the topic of choice through the protagonist's reflections on life's decisions and their consequences. Browning's poem emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful choices that align with one's values and aspirations. Through the protagonist's musings, the poem explores the complexity of decision-making, urging readers to consider the long-term implications of their actions and embrace the freedom to shape their destiny.

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

Our times are in His hand

Home » Collection » Poems about Choice

15+ Must-Read Poems about Choices

(15 to start, 50+ to explore)

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15+ Must-Read Poems about Choices

(15 to start, 50+ to explore)

by Robert Frost

by Louise Glück

by Robert Frost

by Sara Teasdale

by Emily Dickinson

by Aphra Behn

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

by Elizabeth Jennings

by Carol Ann Duffy

by Shel Silverstein

by Queen Elizabeth I

by Wendy Cope

by Louise Glück

by Robert Graves

by Robert Browning

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