Here are some general categories and specific collections you might like:
By Age:
* For younger students:
* "Poetry for Young People" series: These anthologies, published by various publishers, offer a wide range of poems for different age groups and interests.
* "The Poetry Friday Anthology" series: Edited by poets, these annual anthologies feature poems written by children and teens, perfect for younger competitors.
* "The Best American Poetry" series: While not specifically for children, this annual collection often features poems accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
* For older students and adults:
* "The Norton Anthology of Poetry" series: This comprehensive anthology covers a vast range of poets and periods, offering a rich source of poems for any occasion.
* "The Oxford Book of American Poetry" & "The Oxford Book of English Poetry": These anthologies provide a broad overview of poetry from specific regions, ideal for exploring different styles and voices.
* "The Penguin Book of Modern Verse" & "The Penguin Book of Contemporary Poetry": These collections focus on poetry from the 20th and 21st centuries, showcasing modern and contemporary poets.
By Style/Theme:
* Humorous Poems:
* "The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear": For classic, silly fun, Lear's nonsense poems are a great choice.
* "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle: This beloved children's book offers rhyming fun for younger competitors.
* "The Collected Poems of Ogden Nash": Nash's witty and lighthearted poems are perfect for a humorous performance.
* Dramatic Poems:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: This classic poem offers a dramatic and chilling performance.
* "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred Lord Tennyson: This poem about a heroic but tragic battle is full of power and emotion.
* "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley: This sonnet about the fall of a powerful ruler is a great choice for a dramatic recitation.
* Romantic Poems:
* "Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: These love poems are known for their beauty and passion.
* "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" by John Keats: This poem about the fear of death and the desire for artistic immortality is deeply moving.
* "Love Song" by W. H. Auden: This poem is a modern take on the classic love poem, offering a fresh and insightful perspective.
By Competition Rules:
* Length requirements: Many competitions have time limits or specific word count limits, so make sure to choose a poem that fits within those parameters.
* Genre restrictions: Some competitions may specify a particular genre, such as poetry for children, nature poetry, or free verse.
* Theme restrictions: Some competitions may have themes, such as hope, resilience, or social justice, so choose a poem that aligns with the theme.
Additional Tips:
* Read widely: Explore different poets and styles to find poems that resonate with you.
* Consider your strengths: Choose a poem that showcases your voice and allows you to connect with the audience.
* Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your poem thoroughly, paying attention to pacing, tone, and delivery.
Finally, remember that the most important thing is to choose a poem that you love and that you can deliver with passion and conviction. Good luck!