Parents are the ones who bring us into this world, raise us and support us throughout our lives. They are our guiding light and pillars of strength.
As teachers, it’s essential to help students appreciate their parents’ role in their lives.
One way to do that is through poetry. This article has compiled several poems about parents that can inspire students to write their own.
These poems use a variety of styles and techniques, and we hope they can be a valuable resource for educators looking to engage their students in creative writing exercises.
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Sisters here.
Five Free Verse Poems About Parents
1. A Mother’s Love
A mother’s love is a force to be reckoned with
Unconditional and unwavering
It’s the kind of love that never quits
Even when life’s struggles are devastating
She stands tall through the storm
And lifts us up when we’re down
Her heart is our shelter from harm
Her love, our safe haven, profound
2. My Father’s Hands
My father’s hands were always rough
But they held me with such tenderness
His strong embrace was more than enough
To make all my fears disappear, no less
He worked tirelessly day and night
Just to give us everything we need
To see him strive with all his might
Was a testament to his love indeed
3. The Lessons They Teach
Our parents teach us the lessons of life
Not just through the words they say
But also through their resilient strife
To lead by example every day
They show us what it means to work hard
And how to persevere through any pain
They instill in us values to discard
And help us grow into who we are today
4. The Bond We Share
The bond between parent and child
Is one that cannot be broken or torn
It’s a love that’s both gentle and wild
A bond that keeps us grounded and reborn
No matter where life takes us each day
Or how far we may seem to wander off track
We know that our parents will always stay
Loving us deeply, no matter what we lack
5. Thank You
Thank you, dear parents, for all you’ve done
For being our shining stars and guiding light
Your love has shone brighter than the sun
And helped us through even the darkest of nights
We may not always show it, but please know
That your sacrifices and hard work don’t go unseen
Your love has helped us to flourish and grow
Into strong, capable adults, confident and keen.
Five Acrostic Poems About Parents
1. Pillars of Strength
Patience in your eyes, love in your heart,
Always there for us, right from the start.
Radiating warmth, wisdom, and grace,
Ever present, whatever we face.
Nurturing dreams, big and small,
Teaching us to stand tall.
Steadfast pillars, our parents so dear.
By Dan Higgins 2024
2. Guiding Lights
Guiding us through life with love and care,
Understanding our dreams, always there.
Inspiring courage, instilling hope,
Displaying strength, helping us cope.
Imprinting values, shaping our soul,
Never letting go of their role.
Guiding lights, our parents, our stars.
By Dan Higgins 2024
3. Nurturers
Nurturing us with love pure and true,
Uplifting us when we’re feeling blue.
Ready to protect, ready to guide,
Teaching us to take life in stride.
Unbending support, love without measure,
Rich in wisdom, a treasure.
Endless patience, a heart so kind,
Reminding us, love is what we find.
Such are parents, our nurturers, our friends.
By Dan Higgins 2024
4. Heroes
Holding our hands, leading the way,
Encouraging us, come what may.
Resilient in trials, strong in strife,
Offering lessons valuable in life.
Endless love, selfless and pure,
Such are parents, our heroes for sure.
By Dan Higgins 2024
5. Anchors
Always there to listen and understand,
Never failing to lend a helping hand.
Comforting us with a gentle smile,
Helping us cross every difficult mile.
Our stronghold during stormy weather,
Resilient, enduring, they falter never.
Such are our parents, our anchors so strong.
By Dan Higgins 2024
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Brothers here.
Five Haiku Poems About Parents
1. A Mother’s Love
Soft, gentle whispers,
A mother’s love surrounds me,
Everlasting bond.
2. Father’s Wisdom
Father’s gentle voice,
Guiding me with wise counsel,
Forever grateful.
3. Their Tender Care
Parents’ tender care,
Nurturing and protecting us,
Our hearts overflow.
4. A Parent’s Strength
A parent’s strong will,
Gives courage to face life’s storms,
Unwavering support.
5. Endless Love
Endless love they give,
Our guiding lights in the dark,
Parents’ precious gift.
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Grandparents here.
Five Limerick Poems About Parents
1. Mom’s Secret Stash
There once was a mother so sweet
Who kept all her candy to eat
But when her kids came around
There wasn’t a treat to be found
Mom’s secret stash was hers to keep
2. Dad’s Bad Jokes
There once was a dad with bad jokes
Whose puns made his children go broke
They’d say “Dad, stop it please”
But he’d tell jokes with ease
And make them all laugh until they choked
3. Parental Love
There once was a pair, mom and dad
Whose love for their kids made them glad
They’d hug and they’d hold
And never let go, we’re told
Their love for their children: ironclad
4. The Parenting Struggle
There once was a couple with strife
Whose parenting caused them much life
They tried their best each day
To raise their kids in a good way
And hoped they’d turn out alright in life
5. A Parent’s Sacrifice
There once was a parent so true
Whose sacrifice knew no bounds, it’s true
They gave up all their dreams
So their kids could reach new extremes
A parent’s love, like theirs, is rare and few
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Families here.
Five Tanka Poems About Parents
1. A Mother’s Grace
Soft, gentle whispers
A mother’s love surrounds us
Her grace ever-present
Guiding us through life’s journey
Her love unyielding and true
2. Father’s Steadfast Love
Father’s loving gaze
A lighthouse in darkened seas
His strength never fades
A steadfast beacon of hope
Guiding us through life’s tempest
3. A Parent’s Devotion
Unwavering love
Parents’ hearts filled with fierce devotion
Their sacrifice great
Guiding us through the unknown
Their love forever endures
4. The Lessons They Teach
Parents’ wise counsel
Their words echoing through time
Lessons to cherish
Their teachings we hold so dear
Guiding us through life’s journey
5. Enduring Love
A parent’s embrace
A shelter from life’s harsh storms
Their love knows no end
A bond that endures through time
Guiding us to brighter days
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Uncles here.
Five Sonnet Poems About Parents
1. A Mother’s Heart
A mother’s heart is like a garden fair
Where love grows wild and free in every part
Her gentle touch and tender loving care
Is like a balm that soothes the wounded heart
From childhood days to when we are grown
Her loving gaze, a constant guiding light
Through thick and thin she never left us alone
Her love endures, forever shining bright
Her laughter echoes through the halls of time
Her wisdom, a beacon for the lost and found
Her love, a comfort to the anguished mind
A mother’s heart, forever spinning round
It’s hard to put in words her priceless worth
But we’ll always be grateful for her unyielding mirth
2. A Father’s Strength
A father’s strength is like a mighty rock
In whom we find our refuge from the storm
His unwavering spirit, never to be knocked
Is like a beacon that keeps us safe and warm
He toiled tirelessly for our every need
To give us all the best that life could give
His precious words of wisdom, like a seed
Planted in our hearts, forever to live
His gruff exterior belies a heart so kind
A heart that beats for us, his children dear
With him beside us, we know we’ll always find
The strength we need to face each challenge here
We’re ever grateful for his steadfast love
A father’s strength, like an eagle’s soaring dove
3. Parental Love
Parental love, like a candle’s warming glow
A flickering flame that lights up the dark night
Its gentle warmth, a soothing balm to show
That all will be okay, no matter the sight
Through every phase of life, they were there
Guiding our first steps, holding our hands tight
Giving us hope, no matter how despair
Parental love, a beacon of shining light
Their guiding voice, a constant guiding star
Their endless patience, like the ocean’s tide
Their sacrifice, like the moon, near and far
Their love, like the sun, forever to abide
We’ll always cherish their parental love
A gift so rare, like an eagle’s soaring dove
4. The Lessons They Teach
The lessons they teach, like a river’s flow
A constant stream that feeds our thirsty soul
Their words of wisdom, a balm that eases woe
With every step we take, we feel more whole
Their gentle guidance, like a steady breeze
That keeps us on course, through life’s tumultuous ride
Their unwavering faith, like light between the trees
Guiding us through dark forests, never to hide
We’re ever grateful for the lessons they teach
For the values they instill, for the moral code they preach
They’ve been our pillars of strength, our shelter in the storm
The lessons they teach, forever to transform
We’ll carry their teachings with us all our days
And pass them on to others, in countless ways
5. Their Unconditional Love
Their love is like a rose, in full bloom
Its gentle fragrance, a soothing balm indeed
Their unwavering presence, a constant room
Where we find solace, no matter the need
Through thick and thin, they were always there
Supporting us through every trial and strife
Their love, like an anchor, was always aware
Of everything that shaped our very life
Their unconditional love, like sun and rain
Is what nourished us, gave us our very start
Their warmth, like a hearth, kept us free from pain
And gave us the courage to launch every heart
We’ll always cherish their unwavering love
And pray it reaches us from heaven above.
Five Elegys About Parents
1. Guiding Lights
Parents, the stars that twinkle in our night, Guiding us with their wisdom and their light. Through childhood’s maze, they lead us right, Their love, a beacon burning bright.
By Dan Higgins 2024
2. Roots and Wings
Parents give us roots and also wings, Teaching us to dream, inspiring great things. In their embrace, true comfort clings, In their words, the truth always sings.
By Dan Higgins 2024
3. Silent Sacrifices
Parents make sacrifices silent and deep, For their children’s happiness, they often weep. Their love, a treasure we’re meant to keep, A bond so strong, it makes hearts leap.
By Dan Higgins 2024
4. Lifelong Teachers
Parents, our first and lifelong teachers, With lessons more profound than any preachers. Their wisdom, the most valuable of features, Molding us into well-rounded creatures.
By Dan Higgins 2024
5. An Unbreakable Bond
The bond between parents and child, Is as wild as the wind, as mild as the mild. Through every storm, they’ve smiled, Their love, an anthem forever styled.
By Dan Higgins 2024
Related: For more, check out our article on Poems About Aunties here.
Five Ode Poems About Parents
1. Ode to a Mother’s Love
Oh, mother’s love, how sweet and pure
Like honey from the comb, it’s ever secure
A love that knows no bounds, no end
It’s like a warm embrace, a faithful friend
Your gentle touch, your soothing voice
Fills us up, with peace and poise
From childhood days till we’re grown
Your love, like a fortress, is forever known
Your love is like a rose in bloom
So fragrant, so sweet, its perfume
Guiding us through life’s tumultuous ride
In every step we take, you’re by our side
Oh, mother’s love, how deep and true
We’ll always hold this close to heart, just like you
2. Ode to a Father’s Strength
Oh, father’s strength, how fierce and bold
A mighty force to be reckoned, we’re told
Your unwavering spirit, like a lion’s roar
Is what keeps us grounded, forevermore
Your guiding hand, your solid stance
Is what gave us all the confidence to dance
Through life’s obstacles and trials, we faced
With you by our side, we were never misplaced
Your strength is like a mountain’s might
So unyielding, so strong, it’s out of sight
Guiding us through every path that life may face
Your wisdom, like a beacon, forever we’ll embrace
Oh, father’s strength, how bold and true
We’ll always cherish this, just like you
3. Ode to Parental Love
Oh, parental love, how pure and sweet
A bond so strong, it’s hard to beat
Through every joy, every sorrow, it’s there
A love that’s beyond measure, a love so rare
Your love, like a river, always flows
Guiding us through life’s highs and lows
A love that’s unconditional, ever true
It’s what gives us all the courage to pursue
Your love is like a beacon in the dark
A flame that shines bright, like a spark
Guiding us through every trial and strife
Your love, like a shelter, is what gave us life
Oh, parental love, how pure and true
We’ll always cherish this, just like you
4. Ode to Their Sacrifice
Oh, their sacrifice, so great and grand
A gift so rare, impossible to withstand
Their endless toil, their sleepless nights
Is what gave us all the strength to fight
Their sacrifice, like a diamond’s shine
Is what made us all, like a fine wine
Their love, like the sun, forever shines
Guiding us through life’s winding lines
Their sacrifice, like the moon, so round
Is what gave us all the solid ground
To stand on, to hold dear, to cherish
Their love, like a balm, it’ll never perish
Oh, their sacrifice, so great and true
We’ll always be grateful, for everything they do
5. Ode to Their Legacy
Oh, their legacy, how great and vast
A treasure trove of memories, we can outlast
Their wisdom, like a book, forever read
Their love, like a song, forever bled
Their legacy, like a tree, forever tall
Is what gave us all, the courage to stand tall
Their love, like a river, forever flows
Guiding us through life’s highs and lows
Their legacy, like a painting, so fine
Is what gave us all, the heart to shine
Their love, like a fire, is what gave us heat
Guiding us through life’s winding street
Oh, their legacy, how great and true
We’ll always cherish this, just like you.
Five Villanelle Poems About Parents
“A Mother’s Love”
A mother’s love is pure and true,
A bond that lasts a lifetime through.
Her heart beats strong, just for you.
She’ll wipe away your tears when you’re feeling blue,
And hold you close until you’re all brand new.
A mother’s love is pure and true.
She’ll guide you through life with wisdom too,
And teach you all the things you never knew.
Her heart beats strong, just for you.
When you stumble and fall, she’ll help you get through,
And lift you up until you feel anew.
A mother’s love is pure and true.
No matter what life puts you both into,
Her love will always see you through.
Her heart beats strong, just for you.
“A Father’s Strength”
A father’s strength is like no other,
His will to protect, his love like a cover.
His heart beats strong, just for mother.
With his guidance, we learn to discover,
The world around us, he’s always our lover.
A father’s strength is like no other.
He teaches us right from wrong, like a brother,
And helps shape us into who we’ll become further.
His heart beats strong, just for mother.
Through his actions, we learn to be tougher,
And face the world with true grit and vigor.
A father’s strength is like no other.
Though he may seem stern, he’s truly a lover,
Whose love can be felt, even from afar.
His heart beats strong, just for mother.
“A Parent’s Sacrifice”
A parent’s sacrifice is often unseen,
Their love and dedication, a constant routine.
Their heart beats strong, even when they’re in between.
From the late nights to early mornings, they’ll glean,
And work long hours to provide for the team.
A parent’s sacrifice is often unseen.
They’ll put their own dreams aside, it may seem,
But it’s all for their children’s future gleam.
Their heart beats strong, even when they’re in between.
They’ll give up everything, live like a machine,
But never once complain or ever demean.
A parent’s sacrifice is often unseen.
Their love for their child is like a laser beam,
Focused on what’s best, always supreme.
Their heart beats strong, even when they’re in between.
“A Parent’s Pride”
A parent’s pride in their child can’t be measured,
It’s a feeling that can’t be easily tethered.
Their heart beats strong, with pride to be treasured.
From the first steps taken, to goals together endeavored,
Every milestone celebrated, forever remembered.
A parent’s pride in their child can’t be measured.
Their joy is overflowing, their love forever enfevered,
Their hearts full of happiness, forever weathered.
Their heart beats strong, with pride to be treasured.
Even through hard times, their pride is never severed,
They’ll always be there for their child, forever tethered.
A parent’s pride in their child can’t be measured.
Their love for their child, never to be tempered,
Their pride for them, to be forever remembered.
Their heart beats strong, with pride to be treasured.
“A Parent’s Wisdom”
A parent’s wisdom is like a guiding light,
Shining the way, through darkness and fright.
Their heart beats strong, with knowledge so bright.
From life lessons to making things right,
Their advice is invaluable, always in sight.
A parent’s wisdom is like a guiding light.
Through ups and downs, and all of life’s might,
Their words are like gold, ever so slight.
Their heart beats strong, with knowledge so bright.
With every word spoken, it’s like a new insight,
And a way to make sense of the world’s plight.
A parent’s wisdom is like a guiding light.
Their guidance through life, forever in sight,
Their love for their child, ever so right.
Their heart beats strong, with knowledge so bright.
Five Elegy Poems About Parents
1. The Cradle of My Existence
In the womb of your love, I was nurtured, In the arms of your strength, I was secured. Now, the cradle is empty, the arms are still, Yet in my heart, your essence lingers still.
Your whispers are now the wind’s soft sigh, Your laughter, the sun’s radiant smile high. In every pulse of life, in every beat, I feel your love, gentle and sweet.
By Dan Higgins 2024
2. The Unseen Hand
A hand that guided, now unseen, A voice that comforted, now a distant dream. In the echoes of time, you remain, An enduring love, my eternal flame.
The stars in the night sky, your twinkling eyes, The morning dew, your silent goodbyes. You are not gone, just transformed, In nature’s beauty, you are reborn.
By Dan Higgins 2024
3. The Silent Echo
In the silence, I hear your echo, In the void, I feel your presence glow. You have departed, yet you stay, In memories, in love, in every way.
The rustling leaves, your gentle caress, The moon’s glow, your tenderness. In every heartbeat, in every breath, You live on, beyond death.
By Dan Higgins 2024
4. The Invisible Embrace
You held me close, now I grasp the air, You spoke to me, now silence is everywhere. Yet, in the quiet, I feel your embrace, In the solitude, I see your face.
The warmth of the sun, your loving touch, The rain’s rhythm, your soothing clutch. In the song of life, in the dance of time, You continue to exist, sublime.
By Dan Higgins 2024
5. The Eternal Love
You loved me unconditionally, without a pause, You guided me, without a cause. Now you’re absent, yet ever-present, In my heart, in my essence, you’re still resident.
The blooming flower, your vibrant spirit, The flowing river, your perpetual merit. In the cycle of life, in the rhythm of love, You continue to guide me, from above.
By Dan Higgins 2024
These poems about parents serve as excellent models for teachers to use in the classroom.
By exposing students to different styles of poetry and showcasing the many facets of a parent-child relationship, these poems can inspire young writers to express their feelings and experiences about their parents through creative writing.
Whether it’s exploring a mother’s love, a father’s strength, a parent’s sacrifice, pride, or wisdom, these poems offer a rich source of inspiration for students to explore and write about this critical topic.
So get creative, and let these poems inspire you to write your odes to your parents!
FAQ
What is poetry metre?
Poetry metre, also spelled meter, refers to the rhythmic structure of a poem, determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. It is what gives a poem its distinctive rhythm and musical quality.
How is poetry metre measured?
The meter of poetry is measured in feet, units of sound made up of one stressed syllable and one or more unstressed syllables. For example, an iambic foot consists of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable, while a trochaic foot is the opposite, with one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.
What are some common types of poetry metre?
Some common types of poetry metre include iambic pentameter (five iambs per line), trochaic tetrameter (four trochees per line), and anapestic trimeter (three anapests per line). There are many other types of metre, and poets often combine different metres to create unique rhythms within a poem.
What effect does poetry metre have on a poem?
Poetry metre can affect the mood and tone of a poem, as well as its pace and flow. A poem with a regular metre can create a sense of stability and order, while one with irregular metre can create tension or a feeling of unease. The choice of metre can also help to reinforce the meaning of the poem’s words and themes.
Can poetry metre be used in free verse?
Yes, although free verse does not have a strict metre, poets may use varying rhythms and patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables to create a sense of flow and musicality within the poem. These rhythms can also help to create emphasis and contrast, much like traditional metre.
