Are you looking for a poem to liven up your next in-class lesson? Why not try introducing one of the many talented poets from Illinois! From classic pieces by Carl Sandburg and Gwendolyn Brooks, to modern-day spoken word creations by Kevin Coval and Nate Marshall, it’s easy to find inspiring works produced right here in the Prairie State.
Read on to find out more about these influential literary figures, and discover why they deserve recognition in any teacher’s classroom!
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Illinois here.
Carl Sandburg
Carl Sandburg, who lived from 1878 to 1967, was an influential American poet known for his realistic and straightforward style. His famous poem, “Chicago,” captures the raw energy and spirit of the city. Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and the Midwestern landscapes and working-class life greatly inspired his work. He wrote primarily free verse poetry, often focusing on themes of labor, war, and nature.
Angela Jackson
Angela Jackson is a distinguished African American poet recognized for her lyrical and poignant style. Her renowned poem, “Dark Legs and Silk Kisses,” explores themes of race, gender, and love. Jackson hails from Chicago, Illinois, where her experiences in the vibrant Black arts community significantly influence her work.
She favors writing in free verse and often incorporates elements of African American vernacular and culture into her poetry.
Related: For more, check out our article on Famous Poets From Wisconsin here.
Kevin T. Stein
Kevin T. Stein is a celebrated American poet known for his profound and thought-provoking work. His famous poem, “American Ghost Roses,” delves into themes of memory, loss, and resilience.
Stein lives in Illinois, and his poetry reflects his deep connection to the state’s rural landscapes. He primarily writes lyrical poetry, skillfully using rhythm and sound to convey a wide range of emotions.
Sam Greenlee
Sam Greenlee (1930–2014) was a notable American poet whose work often addressed racial and political issues. His famous poem, “I’m a Black American,” offers a powerful commentary on identity and race relations.
Greenlee was born in Chicago, Illinois, and his experiences as a Black man in America heavily influenced his poetry. His work is characterized by its direct and confrontational style, challenging societal norms and injustices.
Related: For more, check out our article on Famous Poets From North Carolina here.
Quraysh Ali Lansana
Quraysh Ali Lansana is an acclaimed African American poet recognized for his vivid and compelling style. His popular poem, “Mystic Turf,” explores themes of identity, community, and history. Lansana grew up in Oklahoma and now resides in Chicago, Illinois. Both places have greatly shaped his poetry. He favors writing narrative and lyric poetry, often drawing upon personal experiences and cultural heritage to illuminate broader social issues.
Leslie Ullman
Leslie Ullman is an esteemed American poet known for her richly textured and introspective work. Her famous poem, “Natural Histories,” reflects her fascination with the natural world and the human psyche. Ullman lives in Taos, New Mexico, where the breathtaking landscapes inspire her poetry. She primarily writes lyrical poetry, exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and the self.
Mildred Plew Merryman
Mildred Plew Merryman (1892–1944) was a respected American poet known for her evocative and heartfelt style. Her renowned poem, “The Tree of Life,” beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and renewal. Merryman lived in Illinois, and her work often draws upon her observations of everyday life. She favored traditional forms of poetry, masterfully using rhythm and rhyme to express complex emotions.
Helen West Heller
Helen West Heller (1872–1955) was a notable American poet and artist whose work often blurred the lines between visual and verbal expression. Her famous poem, “In the House of Night,” is a testament to her imaginative and symbolic style. Heller lived in various parts of the United States, including New York and Illinois, and her travels greatly influenced her poetry. She wrote largely in free verse, creating vivid and dreamlike images with her words.
Sherwood Ross
Sherwood Ross (1933–2018) was a distinguished American poet known for his insightful and compassionate style. His well-known poem, “Cages,” offers a poignant critique of societal injustices. Ross was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, a city whose diverse cultures and pressing social issues greatly impacted his work. He wrote primarily narrative poetry, telling stories that shed light on the human condition.
Tina De Rosa
Tina De Rosa (1944–2007) was a renowned American poet known for her evocative and deeply personal style. Her famous poem, “Paper Fish,” explores themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience. Born and raised in Chicago’s Little Italy, De Rosa’s work was heavily influenced by her Italian-American heritage and the vibrant urban landscape of her youth. She primarily wrote in free verse, creating vivid and emotionally resonant images with her words.
Tom Clark
Tom Clark (1941–2018) was a celebrated American poet recognized for his sharp wit and keen observational skills. His well-known poem, “Light & Shade,” showcases his ability to find beauty and meaning in everyday life. Clark lived in California, where the state’s diverse cultures and stunning landscapes inspired his poetry. He wrote primarily in free verse, often incorporating elements of humor and social commentary into his work.
Margaret Taylor-Burroughs
Margaret Taylor-Burroughs (1915–2010) was a significant figure in African American literature, known for her powerful and uplifting poetry. Her famous poem, “What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black?” addresses themes of race, resilience, and empowerment. Taylor-Burroughs lived in Chicago, Illinois, where she co-founded the influential South Side Community Art Center. Her poetry often reflects her commitment to celebrating Black culture and challenging racial injustice.
Luix Overbea
Luix Overbea (died 2010) was an influential African American poet whose work often tackled social and political issues. His notable poem, “In the Heart of the Beast,” offers a poignant critique of societal injustices. Overbea lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and his experiences as a journalist in the city greatly informed his poetry. He favored narrative poetry, using storytelling to shed light on overlooked aspects of the human experience.
Michael C. Ford
Michael C. Ford is a respected American poet known for his innovative and thought-provoking style. His famous poem, “Emergency Exits,” delves into themes of chaos, survival, and the human condition. Ford resides in California, where the dynamic cultural scene fuels his creativity. He primarily writes in free verse, often experimenting with form and language to create a unique poetic voice.
Elaine Equi
Elaine Equi is a celebrated American poet recognized for her concise and playful style. Her well-known poem, “Ripple Effect,” showcases her ability to find depth and complexity in simplicity. Equi lives in New York City, and the city’s bustling energy and diversity greatly inspire her work. She favors writing in free verse, often incorporating elements of wit, whimsy, and surrealism into her poetry.
Bertha Jaques
Bertha Jaques (1863–1941) was a notable American poet and artist known for her lyrical and contemplative style. Her famous poem, “On the Edge of the Marsh,” beautifully captures the tranquility of nature. Jaques lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the natural beauty of the Midwest greatly influenced her work. She wrote primarily in traditional verse, often focusing on themes of nature and spirituality.
Edgar Lee Masters
Edgar Lee Masters (1868–1950) was a renowned American poet acclaimed for his realistic and compassionate portrayal of small-town life. His famous work, “Spoon River Anthology,” is a collection of epitaphs from the fictional town of Spoon River. Born in Garnett, Kansas, and later residing in Illinois, Masters’ poetry was inspired by his observations of rural American life. He favored narrative poetry, creating complex and relatable characters through his verses.
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) was a groundbreaking African American poet known for her profound and evocative style. Her famous poem, “We Real Cool,” explores themes of youth, rebellion, and identity. Brooks was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and her experiences in the city’s South Side community greatly shaped her work. She wrote in a variety of forms, from sonnets to free verse, often addressing issues of race, gender, and social justice in her poetry.
Illinois is a state with no shortage of poets, and these five are only scratching the surface of what the state has to offer. Langston Hughes’s poems have been championing black rights for generations, Carl Sandburg’s works have become cultural staples for Americans everywhere, Gwendolyn Brooks’s words celebrate the experience of African-Americans living in Chicago, Kenneth Rexroth was one of the first voices to popularize Japanese poetic forms like haiku in America, and Marilyn Nelson highlights just how beautiful history can be if we look at it from different perspectives.
Their varying backgrounds and their contribution to literature history further prove that every person’s story matters. One thing holds: there aren’t many states as cultivated a literary culture as Illinois. Why not take some time out of your day to read some poems from acclaimed poets born in this great midwestern state? And if you liked this article, don’t forget to read our other articles!
