15+ Must-Read Poems about Fighting

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

Poems about fighting explore the complexities of the human spirit, the scars left by struggle, and the transformative power of resilience. They inspire individuals to find their inner strength, stand up against injustice, and fight for a more just and compassionate society.

Poems about fighting also explore internal battles, the fight against personal demons, and the struggles of self-discovery. They delve into themes of resilience, personal growth, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

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Two Armies

by Stephen Spender

‘Two Armies’ by Stephen Spender describes two armies on a devastating battlefield where every individual is suffering. Their common humanity is highlighted.

Fighting is something unavoidable in this poem. The soldiers can't get away from it.

Deep in the winter plain, two armies

Dig their machinery, to destroy each other.

Men freeze and hunger. No one is given leave

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At the Bus Station

by Julius Chingono

‘At the Bus Station’ by Julius Chingono offers advice on how to survive the selfish pandemonium of a bus commute.

Both the poem's diction and imagery envision the act of boarding the bus as an aggressive free-for-all. One in which you might be strangled, lose buttons, have your shoes thrown clean off, or even completely undressed. Some of these are hyperbolic but that doesn't change the fact that if you want to get on the bus you'll have to make it through a fight without the help of anyone else.

When you arrive

at the bus station

pull down your tie

or remove the tie

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Fuzzy-Wuzzy

by Rudyard Kipling

‘Fuzzy-Wuzzy’ is claimed to be a humorous piece written by the famous British poet Rudyard Kipling. It speaks on the gallantry of Hadendoa warriors who are referred to by the derogatory term Fuzzy-Wuzzy.

This poem is filled with descriptions of close combat and battlefield encounters. The speaker remembers fighting against several different groups, but focuses most on the Hadendoa warriors who were difficult to defeat. He describes their surprise attacks, their use of traditional weapons, and how they broke the British infantry square. These memories create a picture of how intense and dangerous the fighting was, especially when the British forces were caught off guard by unexpected tactics.

We've fought with many men acrost the seas,

An' some of 'em was brave an' some was not:

The Paythan an' the Zulu an' Burmese;

But the Fuzzy was the finest o' the lot.

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Opportunity

by Edward Rowland Sill

‘Opportunity’ by Edward Rowland Sill is a narrative poem that describes an imagined or real battle and a unique opportunity that presents itself.

Fighting in the poem is used as the main action, illustrating a literal and metaphorical battle. It's not just about physical combat but also about fighting one's fears and doubts. The poem uses fighting to symbolize the struggles we face in life and how we respond to them.

This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:--

There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;

And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged

A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords

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The Spires of Oxford

by Winifred Mary Letts

‘The Spires of Oxford’ by Winifred M. Letts is a memorial war poem that explores the loss of innumerable men from Oxford. The poet expresses her hope these men are in Heaven.

Fighting is central to the poem as it describes the young men’s involvement in World War I. The poem conveys the bravery required to leave their peaceful lives for the battlegrounds. It reflects on the physical and emotional battles that these soldiers endure, illustrating the harsh conditions of war and the personal sacrifices made.

I saw the spires of Oxford

As I was passing by,

The gray spires of Oxford

Against the pearl-gray sky.

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Frederick Douglass

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Written in the aftermath of Frederick Douglass’ death, this poem that bears his name shows the author’s clear admiration for the man as he describes the huge influence he had on his people. It ends on a hopeful note as the author believes that Douglass’ influence will continue to be felt among his people.

A lot of this poem deals with the fights that Douglass faced his entire life. While these were not physical fights the image of a battle is presented several times to give the reader the image of a real fight that he was engaged in against his enemies. The battle that Douglass waged against these people is shown as a righteous crusade.

A hush is over all the teeming lists,

And there is pause, a breath-space in the strife;

A spirit brave has passed beyond the mists

And vapors that obscure the sun of life.

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If We Must Die

by Claude McKay

‘If We Must Die’ by Claude McKay powerfully encourages the reader to stand up for and with the Black community. One should show strength in the face of discrimination, he says.

The poem is about fighting against discrimination. McKay uses vivid imagery to demonstrate the struggle - packs of dogs, spilled blood, blows, graves. He tells the oppressed that they will have to face a thousand blows but he believes that they can stand against these and gain a victory against their foes.

If we must die—let it not be like hogs

Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,

While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,

Making their mock at our accursed lot.

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Jabberwocky

by Lewis Carroll

A nonsense poem filled with wordplay, ‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll tells the story of the hero’s quest to slay the Jabberwock.

The battle between the hero and the Jabberwocky is a central moment in the poem, underscoring themes of conflict and bravery. Fighting is a common theme in literature, reflecting the human experience of conflict and struggle.

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

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A Nation’s Strength

by William Ralph Emerson

‘A Nation’s Strength’ by William Ralph Emerson asks readers to consider what it is that makes a country great and why countries fail.

Fighting for a country, through leadership and forethought, is incredibly important, this poem says.

What makes a nation's pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

#10

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The Flag Goes By

by Henry Holcomb Bennett

‘The Flag Goes By’ by Henry Holcomb Bennett is a patriotic American poem that focuses on the symbolism of the American flag. It encourages those reading to respect the flag as a symbol.

Fighting is a key topic because the poem describes battles. It talks about fighting to protect and save the nation. These fights are seen as part of America's strength. The topic emphasizes the physical and moral challenges involved in combat. It is linked closely with the themes of war and sacrifice.

Hats off!

Along the street there comes

A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,

A dash of color beneath the sky:

Hats off!

The flag is passing by!

#11

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The Measures Taken

by Erich Fried

‘The Measures Taken’ by Erich Fried is a powerful piece about war and loss. The reader is asked to consider their concepts of good, evil, and who deserves to live throughout the poem.

Fighting is a central theme in this poem, as the text reflects on how individuals and communities respond to conflict and violence. The poem suggests that fighting can take many forms, including physical violence, resistance, and protest. It also suggests that the decision to fight is a complex and often difficult and can have far-reaching consequences.

The lazy are slaughtered

the world grows industrious

The ugly are slaughtered

the world grows beautiful

#12

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Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb

by Toi Derricotte

‘Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb’ by Toi Derricotte reflects on the impact of witnessing the devastating events of Hiroshima through a photograph.

Fighting is an implicit theme in the poem, reflecting on the destructive power of warfare. It highlights the futility and devastating consequences of engaging in violent conflict. The poem invites reflection on the human capacity for violence and the urgent need for peaceful resolutions.

Why did such terrible events

catch my eye? After Hiroshima,

I turned the picture in Life around

in circles, trying to figure out this huge

#13

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Character of the Happy Warrior

by William Wordsworth

‘Character of the Happy Warrior’ by William Wordsworth is a poem about what it means to be a “happy warrior” and what the elements of this kind of person’s life would be.

Fighting, and it means to fight for what is right, is a very important part of this poem. Wordsworth asserts that fighting valiantly is not enough. One must have the right ideals in mind.

Who is the happy Warrior? Who is he

That every man in arms should wish to be?

—It is the generous Spirit, who, when brought

Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought

Upon the plan that pleased his boyish thought:

#14

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The Badger

by John Clare

‘The Badger’ by John Clare is a narrative poem that portrays the cruelty and danger that animals face in the natural world.

Fighting is another key theme in the poem, as the badger is forced to defend itself against the men who are determined to kill it. The poem's description of the badger's fight is vivid and intense, adding a sense of urgency to the narrative.

When midnight comes a host of dogs and men

Go out and track the badger to his den,

And put a sack within the hole, and lie

Till the old grunting badger passes by.

#15

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The Wound-Dresser

by Walt Whitman

‘The Wound-Dresser’ is a powerful poem that weighs the lofty reasons given to wage war with the bloody realities of its cost to human life.

While this poem doesn't dwell on the fighting itself it does show the aftermath of fighting and the damage that it does to those who participate.

An old man bending I come among new faces,

Years looking backward resuming in answer to children,

Come tell us old man, as from young men and maidens that love me,

(Arous’d and angry, I’d thought to beat the alarum, and urge relentless war,

Home » Collection » Poems about Fighting

15+ Must-Read Poems about Fighting

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

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15+ Must-Read Poems about Fighting

(15 to start, 40+ to explore)

by Stephen Spender

by Julius Chingono

by Rudyard Kipling

by Edward Rowland Sill

by Winifred Mary Letts

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

by Claude McKay

by Lewis Carroll

by William Ralph Emerson

by Henry Holcomb Bennett

by Erich Fried

by Toi Derricotte

by William Wordsworth

by John Clare

by Walt Whitman

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