15+ Must-Read Poems about Insecurity

(15 to start, 16+ to explore)

Poems about insecurity explore the complex emotions and self-doubt that arise from feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. These verses delve into the inner struggles of individuals grappling with their perceived flaws and vulnerabilities.

Poets use evocative language to capture the torment of insecurity and its impact on self-esteem and relationships. These poems may delve into the root causes of insecurity, such as comparison to others or past experiences, offering readers a glimpse into the internal battles faced by those who struggle with self-assurance.

Ultimately, these verses foster empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and find strength in vulnerability.

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 90/100

Tutto Sciolto

by James Joyce

‘Tutto Sciolto’ by James Joyce ruminates over the melancholic depths our lovelorn anxieties can sink us into.

A common motif in the relationships Joyce writes about in both his prose and poetry is the insecurity felt by a man who loves a beautiful (and especially sought-after) woman. Here, that anxiety and lack of confidence manifests itself as a gloomy afterthought. One that taints the speaker's vision of their beloved with the reminder that they might have given their love to someone else.

A birdless heaven, sea-dusk and a star

Sad in the west;

And thou, poor heart, love’s image, fond and far,

Rememberest:

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 84/100

“Why did you come” (#1 from Hermetic Definition: ‘Red Rose and a Beggar’)

by Hilda Doolittle

‘Why did you come’ by Hilda Doolittle is about love, self-criticism, aging, and the human inability to control judgments and desires.

In 'Why did you come,' Hilda Doolittle is very insecure about her age and romantic attraction to her unnamed visitor. She seems unsettled, criticizing herself for having romantic emotions and feelings and worrying about what other people will think. In addition, she never finds a resolution and, presumably, goes on pining and criticizing herself.

Why did you come

to trouble my decline?

I am old (I was old till you came);

the reddest rose unfolds,

PDF Guide

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Getting Back Together

Forms:

Genre:

"> 82/100

Don’t Go Far Off

by Pablo Neruda

‘Don’t Go Far Off’ by Pablo Neruda is an impassioned plea for the beloved’s constant presence, showing fear of separation.

The speaker's deep-seated insecurity surfaces through the lines as the urgency and desperation increase in his plea to the beloved. The poem seems to unveil a vulnerability as it shows the speaker's panic and restlessness, even at the thought of being left alone. The imagery of an empty station conveys desolation, connoting a fear of abandonment. The apprehension of desertion is usual in a romantic relationship; however, the speaker carries a heightened sense of insecurity that underpins his urgency, perturbation, and plea for the beloved's continuous presence.

Don't go far off, not even for a day, because --

because -- I don't know how to say it: a day is long

and I will be waiting for you, as in an empty station

when the trains are parked off somewhere else, asleep.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 74/100

I’m Nobody! Who are you?

by Emily Dickinson

Dickinson’s ‘I’m Nobody! Who are you?’ celebrates the nobodies of society while criticizing the mainstream and mocking the somebodies.

The somebodies always tell their name, meaning about themselves, or rather croak like frogs in public 'to an admiring bog,' implying murkiness, dullness, or senselessness of the audience. This public performance of somebodies, where they like to tell about themselves or rather create an image seeking public validation (which is meaningless, according to the speaker), reveals deeper insecurities in these somebodies as they constantly need external validation, lacking an understanding of the authentic self, a self-assured sense of self leading to low confidence, no self-belief, and reliance on others' opinions.

I'm Nobody! Who are you?

Are you – Nobody – too? T

hen there's a pair of us!

Don't tell! they'd advertise – you know!

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 70/100

Be Not Sad

by James Joyce

‘Be Not Sad’ is a short poem that explores the strength a relationship can achieve if they block out the noises from the outside.

The narrator's partner in particular seems very insecure due to the opinions of others. The narrator is comparatively belligerent and steadfast in their beliefs that nobody's opinions on the relationship matter aside from those in it.

Be not sad because all men

Prefer a lying clamour before you:

Sweetheart, be at peace again — -

Can they dishonour you?

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 61/100

Metamorphosis

by Peter Porter

‘Metamorphosis’ by Peter Porter draws attention to the transformation of the speaker into a hideous and unrecognizable character.

The speaker in this poem is so insecure, he goes on trying to show off, even to people who do not care. The thing is, he may try to lie to everyone else, but can he also lie to himself? Eventually, he starts coming to terms with the fact that he may have done too much. He then begins to compare himself with a beastly character straight out of a film.

As in a werewolf film I’m horrible, far

Below the collar – my fingers crack, my tyrant suit

Chokes me as it hugs me in its fire.

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 60/100

Mirror

by Sylvia Plath

‘Mirror’ by Sylvia Plath is told from a mirror’s perspective, giving an account of a woman’s experiences of looking into the mirror.

The woman’s reaction to her reflection shows that she does not feel sure about herself. Her tears, her nervous gestures, and her use of dimmer light all point to deep insecurity. She is not just reacting to what she sees, but also to how it makes her feel inside. The mirror reflects her image, but it also reflects her emotional discomfort. This quiet but constant lack of confidence places insecurity as a key topic in the poem.

I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.

Whatever I see I swallow immediately

Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.

I am not cruel, only truthful‚

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 60/100

Portrait of a Lady

by T.S. Eliot

The speaker of the poem observes the older lady to be callous as he hangs out with her, only to find out he himself is indeed emotionally desolate and callous.

The old lady refrains from making a connection with her young visitor due to the social constraints and class conventions imposed on women of her time. Throughout the poem, she evokes a sense of insecurity as the reader anticipates anything happening between the visitor and the lady. Moreover, modern readers might relate to the insecurity as societies still impose similar social constraints on women, especially older women.

Among the smoke and fog of a December afternoon

You have the scene arrange itself — as it will seem to do—

With 'I have saved this afternoon for you';

And four wax candles in the darkened room,

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 59/100

Pretty Ugly

by Abdullah Shoaib

‘Pretty Ugly’ by Abdullah Shoaib cleverly explores the ups and downs of self-worth, body image, and confidence. The poem is meant to inspire readers to love themselves for who they are.

The speaker’s feelings of self-doubt come from deep insecurities about their appearance and self-worth. They believe they are not good enough, and their mind is filled with negative thoughts. This is something many people deal with, especially when comparing themselves to others. The poem shows that insecurity can be powerful, but it also reminds readers that they have the ability to see themselves in a better way.

I'm very ugly

So don't try to convince me that

I am a very beautiful person

#10

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 58/100

& even the black guy’s profile reads ‘sorry, no black guys’

by Danez Smith

‘& even the black guy’s profile reads ‘sorry, no black guys” by Danez Smith explores racial rejection, self-love, and empowerment.

The poem navigates the theme of insecurity by portraying the rejection faced by a black individual, symbolized in the dating profile. The metaphor of the tulip shedding petals suggests internalized insecurities stemming from societal biases. The act of looking in the mirror and refusing self-love highlights the vulnerability and internal struggles associated with insecurity in the face of discrimination.

imagine a tulip, upon seeing a garden full of tulips, sheds its petals in disgust, prays some bee will bring its pollen to a rose bush. imagine shadows longing for a room with light in every direction. you look in the mirror & see a man you

#11

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 58/100

Say over again… (Sonnet 21)

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

‘Say over again…’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning delves into the speaker’s need for constant reassurance of love from her partner.

The speaker’s repeated need to hear “I love you” reveals a quiet sense of insecurity. She does not accuse or doubt her partner directly, but her emotional need to be reassured shows she is not fully at ease. Insecurity in this poem is subtle and internal. It shapes how she sees love—not as a feeling that stays fixed, but one that needs regular confirmation. Her words suggest that silence can quickly turn affection into uncertainty.

Say over again, and yet once over again,

That thou dost love me. Though the word repeated

Should seem "a cuckoo-song," as thou dost treat it,

Remember, never to the hill or plain,

#12

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 55/100

the bullet was a girl

by Danez Smith

‘the bullet was a girl’ critiques the devaluation of black lives, uses irony and metaphor to highlight society’s indifference to racism.

This poem reveals the deep insecurity many Black individuals feel about their safety and place in society. The idea that a bullet is already on its way when a boy is named reflects how fragile life can be when your identity is unfairly tied to danger. The poem suggests that this insecurity does not come from within but from the fear and mistrust placed on certain people by others. It presents insecurity as a social reality.

the bullet is his whole life.
his mother named him & the bullet

was on its way. in another life
the bullet was a girl & his skin

#13

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

Genre:

"> 54/100

Fame is a bee

by Emily Dickinson

‘Fame is a bee’ by Emily Dickinson uses a bee to describe the fleeting nature of fame. She uses clever images and original poetic writing throughout.

One of the reasons people desire fame is that they are insecure and they think fame will validate them and ease their worries. However, the poem clearly implies that fame is accompanied by scrutiny, much of it unwanted. The poet therefore appears to suggest that fame will not help with insecurities but may exacerbate them.

Fame is a bee.

It has a song—

It has a sting—

#14

PDF Guide

Darkness and Light

by Stephen Spender

‘Darkness and Light’ by Stephen Spender is a complex, abstract poem in which a speaker battles with two sides of himself.

To break out of the chaos of my darkness

Into a lucid day is all my will.

#15

PDF Guide

My Grandmother

by Elizabeth Jennings

‘My Grandmother’ by Elizabeth Jennings is a thoughtful poem about one person’s relationship with her grandmother and her grandmother’s passion—collecting antiques.

She kept an antique shop – or it kept her.

Among Apostle spoons and Bristol glass,

The faded silks, the heavy furniture,

Home » Collection » Poems about Insecurity

15+ Must-Read Poems about Insecurity

(15 to start, 16+ to explore)

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links

15+ Must-Read Poems about Insecurity

(15 to start, 16+ to explore)

by James Joyce

by Hilda Doolittle

by Pablo Neruda

by Emily Dickinson

by James Joyce

by Peter Porter

by Sylvia Plath

by T.S. Eliot

by Abdullah Shoaib

by Danez Smith

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

by Danez Smith

by Emily Dickinson

Narrow Your Search

We Look Deep into Poetry

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links