Cite a poem in-text using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, as MLA is used in the disciplines that are most likely to use sources of literature. MLA recommends including the author's name and the line number in the in-text citation. For example, (Browning, line 3).
Place the name and line number in parentheses with a comma separating the two. Omit the author's name in the citation if the name is introduced within the text. The citation will then only include the line number. For example, (line 8).
Indicate within the citation when multiple lines of poetry are quoted. For example, (Browning, lines 11-14). Also, when quoting four or more lines that are placed in an indented block, cite using numbers only and omit the word "line." For example, (9-12).