The poems of Anne Bradstreet are remarkable for their seeming contemporary. . . with us, that is!  The voice is so recognizable and fresh that it undercuts many stereotypes of Puritanism.  There is plenty of irony combining with varied tones, so read these linked poems from The Poetry Foundation aloud.

• The Author to Her Book

• Before the Birth of One of Her Children

• By Night when Others Soundly Slept
• Contemplations
• A Dialogue between Old England and New
• The Four Ages of Man
• In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen Elizabeth
• In Reference to her Children, 23 June 1659
• A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment
• Prologue
• To Her Father with Some Verses

• To My Dear and Loving Husband

Painting of Anne Bradstreet.