Poetry about Men

Poems about men explore various aspects of masculinity, identity, and experience. They reflect on themes such as strength, vulnerability, love, and societal expectations. These poems may celebrate menโ€™s roles in relationships, challenge stereotypes, or delve into personal struggles, offering nuanced perspectives on what it means to be a man.

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Frau Freud

by Carol Ann Duffy

‘Fra Freud’ is a poem about how Sigmund Freud’s wife counters one of his psychological theories with the use of humour and feminist philosophy.

Just as Sigmund Freud's theory of 'penis envy' focused on women, this poem concentrates primarily on men. To dissuade the belief that women long to be men, the speaker disparages men and their manhood. The main body of the poem consists of a series of euphemisms for the phallus, achieving a humorous effect while highlighting the humiliation of women in Freud's initial theory.

Ladies, for argument's sake, let us say

that I've seen my fair share of ding-a-ling, member and jock,

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The Forge

by Seamus Heaney

โ€˜The Forgeโ€™ elevates blacksmithing to a sacred act, blending the physical and spiritual in a vivid, non-traditional sonnet form.

Although the poem only refers to one man, the blacksmith, it gives a clear image of a certain kind of masculinity. He is strong, silent, focused, and tied to his work. His hands shape metal, his body is part of the forge, and he does not need to explain himself. Through this figure, the poem paints a respectful view of a working man who finds purpose in doing rather than talking, and whose presence carries weight without force.

All I know is a door into the dark.

Outside, old axles and iron hoops rusting;

Inside, the hammered anvilโ€™s short-pitched ring,

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