Welcome to the Granite State! In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful and inspiring poems that pay tribute to New Hampshire’s varied terrain, culture, people, and history.
From deep dives into its rolling hills and sparkling lakes to snapshots of life in classic New England villages, these poetic works will help you better appreciate all that makes up The Live Free or Die state.
So gather your students around the virtual campfire as we read through some memorable verses about this amazing place.
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About California here.
Five Free Verse Poems About New Hampshire
The Granite State
In the land of towering pines and granite hills,
Where the whispering winds carry tales
Of a thousand years, a rich history unfolds.
New Hampshire, proud and fierce, stands tall.
Like a maple in autumn, you blaze and burn,
Your colors an ode to the passage of time.
In winter, your snow-capped peaks shimmer,
A testament to your resilience and grace.
Monadnock’s Majesty
Monadnock, solitary sentinel,
Rising above the New Hampshire landscape,
A beacon of hope and strength, unyielding.
From your slopes, a panorama unfolds,
A quilt of green and gold, stitched with rivers,
Bound by the hands of time and memory.
You have watched generations pass,
Their stories etched upon your face,
And still, you stand, Monadnock’s majesty.
Echoes of the Lakes
In the quiet of the morning,
The lakes of New Hampshire awaken,
Their waters a mirror to the sky.
Each ripple a memory,
A reflection of laughter and love,
Families gathered at their shores.
The loons cry out in harmony,
Their songs the echoes of the past,
A chorus of life and legacy.
The Old Man of the Mountain
Once he stood, a stoic guardian,
His face etched in stone, a symbol of strength,
The Old Man of the Mountain, steadfast and true.
Though he has fallen, his spirit remains,
In the hearts of those who call New Hampshire home,
A reminder of the endurance of nature.
We honor his memory,
A monument to the passage of time,
And we carry on, as he would have wished.
Beneath the Stars of the White Mountains
In the shadow of the White Mountains,
Beneath a canopy of stars,
I find solace and serenity.
The air is crisp, the night alive,
With the songs of crickets and owls,
A symphony of life, hidden from view.
New Hampshire, you cradle me,
In your embrace of granite and green,
And I am home, at last, beneath your stars.
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Colorado here.
Five Haiku Poems About New Hampshire
Autumn’s Embrace
Golden leaves descend,
New Hampshire’s autumnal dance,
Nature’s warm embrace.
Mountain’s Breath
White Mountains exhale,
Snowy peaks pierce the heavens,
Eternal guardians.
Lakeside Serenity
Calm waters reflect,
New Hampshire’s tranquil beauty,
Lakeside serenity.
Forest Whispers
Pines sway, whispering,
Ancient secrets of the land,
New Hampshire listens.
Granite Resilience
Granite heart endures,
Through seasons’ ever-changing,
New Hampshire stands strong.
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Connecticut here.
Five Limerick Poems About New Hampshire
The Granite State’s Grace
In a state where the granite does dwell,
Lies beauty that none can dispel.
With mountains and lakes,
And charm that it makes,
New Hampshire’s grace casts a spell.
Monadnock’s Climb
There once was a hiker, quite daring,
Who took on a mountain’s preparing.
To Monadnock he went,
His energy spent,
But the view left him breathless and staring.
Maple Magic
A maple tree stood tall and grand,
In the heart of New Hampshire’s land.
Its syrup, so sweet,
Was a popular treat,
Bringing joy to both child and man.
A Lakeside Tale
By a lake in New Hampshire, so clear,
A loon sang a tune we could hear.
Its voice, pure and bright,
Filled the air with delight,
As we gathered around, drawing near.
Winter’s Kiss
In the depths of a New Hampshire winter,
The cold winds would howl and splinter.
Yet the snow-covered sight,
Glistening pure white,
Made the season a magical hinter.
Five Sonnet Poems About New Hampshire
The Granite State’s Embrace
In New Hampshire’s arms, I find my peace,
Amidst the granite hills and verdant green.
Her beauty, bound by nature’s sweet release,
Enchants my heart, a sight to be seen.
The lakes that shimmer ‘neath the golden sun,
Their waters cool and clear, a breath of life.
The mountains high, their peaks in union,
A testament to strength, unyielding strife.
In autumn’s hues, the leaves of red and gold,
A symphony of colors, vibrant, bold.
In winter’s grasp, the snow upon the earth,
A silent hush, a world of pure rebirth.
New Hampshire’s lands, forever in my heart,
A love that’s true, from which I’ll ne’er depart.
The Call of Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock stands with silent grace,
A monolith of strength, a beacon tall.
Its slopes invite the weary to embrace
The challenge, and to heed adventure’s call.
With every step, the summit drawing near,
The rocky trails and forests left behind.
The trees give way, revealing skies so clear,
A panorama vast, a view refined.
From heights unknown, the world below unfolds,
A tapestry of green and blue combined.
The wind whispers secrets long untold,
A solace found within the mountain’s shrine.
In New Hampshire’s heart, Mount Monadnock lies,
A siren’s call to those who dare to rise.
A Dance with the Piscataqua
The Piscataqua, a river’s song,
Its waters swift and strong, a dance of life.
Through history’s path, it winds along,
A witness to both joy and bitter strife.
Upon its banks, the cities rise and fall,
Their stories etched in time, a lasting mark.
The river’s voice, a siren’s gentle call,
Enchants the souls who linger after dark.
In moonlit nights, reflections on the waves,
A mirror to the stars that grace the sky.
The Piscataqua, a force that saves,
A sanctuary where weary hearts can lie.
New Hampshire’s river, ever-flowing grace,
A dance with life, in its eternal embrace.
The Enchantment of the Seacoast
New Hampshire’s seacoast, narrow yet divine,
A precious gem, a jewel upon the shore.
Its beauty calls to those who seek a sign,
A touch of heaven, something to adore.
The sands that stretch along the water’s edge,
A canvas for the dreams of young and old.
The waves that crash, a symphony alleged,
A harmony of nature’s song untold.
The lighthouses that stand like sentinels,
Their beams of light a guide through darkest night.
The ocean’s depths, a world of miracles,
A realm of wonder, hidden from our sight.
New Hampshire’s coast, a treasure to be found,
A love affair with nature, tightly bound.
The White Mountains’ Majesty
The White Mountains rise, a fortress grand,
Their peaks adorned with snow, a crown of white.
A testament to time, they proudly stand,
A symbol of New Hampshire’s endless might.
Within their folds, the valleys lush and green,
A haven for the creatures who reside.
The rivers flow, their waters pure and clean,
A gift from nature’s heart, a source of pride.
The trails that weave, a labyrinth of dreams,
A challenge for the hiker’s soul to bear.
The vistas earned, a sight that gently gleams,
A solace found in mountain’s crisp, cool air.
The White Mountains’ majesty, a sight,
A tribute to New Hampshire’s boundless light.
Five Ode Poems About New Hampshire
Ode to the Granite State
From mountain peaks to valleys low,
New Hampshire’s beauty ever grows.
The Granite State, so strong and true,
A land of dreams for me and you.
Through forests deep and rivers wide,
Her spirit’s felt both far and wide.
In autumn’s glow or winter’s snow,
New Hampshire’s charm will always show.
Majestic Mount Washington stands tall,
A beacon for us one and all.
The Old Man of the Mountain’s face,
Though gone, still holds a sacred place.
In Portsmouth’s streets and Hampton’s shore,
New Hampshire’s history we’ll explore.
Monadnock’s peak against the sky,
A poet’s muse that never dies.
So let us sing our praises high,
For New Hampshire’s love will never die.
The Lakes Region’s Serenade
Oh, Winnipesaukee, fair and vast,
Your tranquil waters hold stories past.
With shores that stretch and islands green,
A haven for the soul serene.
Sunapee, Squam, and Newfound too,
Each glistening gem of sparkling blue.
Their placid waves and sandy shores,
A paradise for hearts that soar.
On golden days with skies so bright,
We sail and swim in pure delight.
And as the sun begins to set,
A painted sky we won’t forget.
Through every season’s change, we find,
The Lakes Region’s magic intertwined.
Our love for these waters forever bound,
In New Hampshire’s heart, their beauty’s found.
Merrimack’s Melody
By river’s edge, the mills once stood,
A testament to progress, strong and good.
The Merrimack, whose currents flowed,
A lifeline for a world it sowed.
From Manchester to Nashua’s reach,
Its waters hold the tales they teach.
A symbol of New England’s might,
The Merrimack shines in the light.
Through history’s lens, the river’s seen,
The dreams and hopes of those who’ve been.
A steadfast force that never bends,
To New Hampshire’s tale, it lends.
So let us raise our voices high,
For Merrimack’s song will never die.
White Mountains’ Whisper
Upon the peaks where eagles soar,
New Hampshire’s spirit we’ll explore.
The White Mountains, grand and bold,
A timeless treasure to behold.
From Presidential Range to Franconia’s crest,
Each summit holds a secret quest.
To stand atop the world and see,
The beauty of this land so free.
In autumn’s hues or winter’s grace,
The White Mountains hold their place.
A canvas painted by nature’s hand,
An inspiration for this land.
Oh, White Mountains, ever strong,
In New Hampshire’s heart, you belong.
Seacoast’s Symphony
By ocean’s edge, where salt air flows,
New Hampshire’s seacoast beauty shows.
A tapestry of sand and sea,
A testament to nature’s decree.
From Hampton Beach to Rye’s embrace,
The seashore’s charm we’ll always chase.
With lighthouses that guide our way,
And seaside towns where hearts can sway.
The crashing waves and gulls that cry,
Create a symphony in the sky.
A harmony of land and sea,
That tells the tale of history.
Oh, Seacoast, with your beauty vast,
Your song will echo through ages past.
Five Villanelle Poems About New Hampshire
A Land of Granite and Trees
In the heart of New England, it stands tall
New Hampshire, a land of granite and trees
Among the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls
The autumn leaves paint a colorful sprawl
A sight to behold, a memory to seize
In the heart of New England, it stands tall
In winter’s grasp, snow blankets all
Skiing and ice fishing, a cold, crisp breeze
Among the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls
In spring, the green returns to enthral
Life renewed, the blossoms bloom with ease
In the heart of New England, it stands tall
Summertime warmth brings lakeside thrall
Swimming and hiking, a time of peace
Among the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls
Throughout the seasons, its beauty enthralls
New Hampshire, a land of granite and trees
In the heart of New England, it stands tall
Among the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls
The Old Man of the Mountain
Once upon a cliff face, he did dwell
The Old Man of the Mountain, a legend in stone
His granite gaze, a tale to tell
A symbol of strength, his presence compels
Echoes of history, a state’s backbone
Once upon a cliff face, he did dwell
Proud and stoic, a natural sentinel
The face of a father, a guardian known
His granite gaze, a tale to tell
Through storms and sunshine, he held his cell
A testament to perseverance, a spirit grown
Once upon a cliff face, he did dwell
Then one fateful day, his visage fell
Nature’s course, his time had flown
His granite gaze, a tale to tell
Though gone, his memory we still hold well
The Old Man of the Mountain, forever shown
Once upon a cliff face, he did dwell
His granite gaze, a tale to tell
Mount Washington’s Majesty
Mount Washington’s majesty, a sight divine
A towering peak, where earth and sky unite
For those who climb, the summit is the prize
Its weather fierce, a challenge for the wise
Winds whip and howl, a ceaseless fight
Mount Washington’s majesty, a sight divine
The cog railway climbs, a steady incline
A journey through the clouds, an ascent in flight
For those who climb, the summit is the prize
In its shadow, a vibrant flora thrives
Wildflowers and trees, a colorful sight
Mount Washington’s majesty, a sight divine
Below, the valley shares its own designs
A landscape carved by glaciers’ might
For those who climb, the summit is the prize
A testament to nature’s grand confines
A peak that stands with grace and height
Mount Washington’s majesty, a sight divine
For those who climb, the summit is the prize
The Lakes of Granite State
The lakes of Granite State, reflections gleam
Clear waters mirror skies and forests green
A serene escape, a peaceful, tranquil dream
On sandy shores, sunbathers bask and beam
Cool waters call, an invitation keen
The lakes of Granite State, reflections gleam
With paddle in hand, kayakers gently stream
Exploring hidden coves, a world unseen
A serene escape, a peaceful, tranquil dream
Families gather, laughter as their theme
Creating memories, love’s warmth between
The lakes of Granite State, reflections gleam
Fishermen cast lines, the water teems
Patience rewarded, a catch esteemed
A serene escape, a peaceful, tranquil dream
A haven found, nature’s beauty redeemed
In every season, a joyous scene
The lakes of Granite State, reflections gleam
A serene escape, a peaceful, tranquil dream
Covered Bridges of the Past
Covered bridges of the past, still standing strong
Wooden portals to history, a bygone age
They span the rivers, their stories live on
Each unique, a testament to craft and song
Built with care, a legacy they engage
Covered bridges of the past, still standing strong
Their rustic charm, an allure that belongs
To simpler times, a quiet, peaceful stage
They span the rivers, their stories live on
Through weathered storms and time’s prolonged
March, they endure, a testament to their gauge
Covered bridges of the past, still standing strong
A symbol of community, where hearts belong
A place for lovers, artists, and sage
They span the rivers, their stories live on
A tribute to New Hampshire’s spirit long
May these bridges continue to amaze
Covered bridges of the past, still standing strong
They span the rivers, their stories live on
Ultimately, teachers have a variety of options when it comes to finding poems about New Hampshire. By reading these poems and discussing them in the classroom, students can gain insight into the culture and history of the state.
This knowledge can help students create an appreciation for their home state that can last a lifetime. Also, teachers can search online for additional helpful resources to use when teaching their classes. The key to success with any learning experience is having fun doing it and ensuring everyone participates.
With this list of New Hampshire-centered poems, teachers now have an exciting opportunity to engage and inspire their students. We hope this article has been helpful and given you a great starting point. Be sure to read our other articles for more great ideas on how to make your classroom engaging!
FAQ
Who are some famous poets from New Hampshire?
Some famous poets from New Hampshire include Robert Frost, Jane Kenyon, Maxine Kumin, Charles Simic, and Donald Hall. These poets have made significant contributions to American literature and have been recognized with various awards and honors.
What is Robert Frost known for?
Robert Frost (1874-1963) is one of the most renowned American poets. He is known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech. Frost received four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry and is best known for poems such as “The Road Not Taken,” “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” and “Mending Wall.”
Who was Jane Kenyon?
Jane Kenyon (1947-1995) was an American poet and translator. She was married to fellow poet Donald Hall and lived in New Hampshire for much of her life. Kenyon’s poetry often explored themes of nature, love, and loss, and she was known for her clear, concise language. Her notable works include collections like “From Room to Room” and “Let Evening Come.”
Can you tell me more about Maxine Kumin?
Maxine Kumin (1925-2014) was an American poet and author who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1973 for her collection “Up Country.” She served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1981 to 1982. Kumin’s poetry often focused on themes of nature, family, and the human experience.
Who is Charles Simic?
Charles Simic (born 1938) is a Serbian-American poet, essayist, and translator. He emigrated to the United States in 1954 and later became a naturalized citizen. Simic was appointed the fifteenth Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 2007. His poetry is known for its surreal imagery, dark humor, and exploration of the human condition.
What about Donald Hall?
Donald Hall (1928-2018) was an American poet, writer, editor, and literary critic. He was married to fellow poet Jane Kenyon. Hall served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2006 to 2007. His work often focused on rural life in New England, particularly New Hampshire, and he wrote about themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
