Today's puzzle:
Today's poem is The Human Abstract by William Blake, in the public domain.
Pity would be no more
If we did not make somebody poor,
And Mercy no more could be
If all were as happy as we.
And mutual fear brings Peace,
Till the selfish loves increase;
Then Cruelty knits a snare,
And spreads his baits with care.
He sits down with his holy fears,
And waters the ground with tears;
Then Humility takes its root
Underneath his foot.
Soon spreads the dismal shade
Of Mystery over his head,
And the caterpillar and fly
Feed on the Mystery.
And it bears the fruit of Deceit,
Ruddy and sweet to eat,
And the raven his nest has made
In its thickest shade.
The gods of the earth and sea
Sought through nature to find this tree,
But their search was all in vain:
There grows one in the human Brain.
Each morning brings one poem from the public-domain canon: Dickinson, Wordsworth, Edward Thomas, Eliza Cook, and their company. Every poem arrives with a short reader's introduction pointing at its form, its images, and why it still lands, so the day's poem is an easy door into poetry rather than homework.
How to play
- Read today's poem slowly, and twice is better.
- Open the "About this poem" note for form and context.
- Vote for the ones that stay with you, and browse the archive.
Spot a comparison using "like" or "as" in today's poem? That is a simile, and the Final Boss Editing glossary explains how it differs from a metaphor.
A new puzzle every day
Missed one? Browse past poem puzzles, or see all of today's daily puzzles. It's free, kid-safe, and plays right in your browser, with no app and no sign-up. Sign in to save your streak and climb the leaderboard.
Common questions
What kind of poems do you publish?
Classic public-domain poetry, the full sweep from short lyric poems to longer narrative pieces, across centuries of English verse. Every selection is family-friendly, and the poet is always credited.
Is there any help understanding the poems?
Yes. Each day's poem carries a short reader's introduction covering what the poem is doing, anything notable in its form or music, and an image or two worth a second look. It's an invitation, not an analysis exam.
Can I read past poems?
The archive keeps every poem of the day, so you can wander back through the collection anytime, free and with no account needed.
Puzzles edited by the team at Final Boss Editing.