Best Of 99+ Striking Poems About Kitchen Table Voted By The Construction Association

Carrie Fountain's poem "Kitchen Table" is a beautiful depiction of the memories and emotions attached to a simple piece of furniture. The poem explores the idea that the kitchen table is not just a place to eat, but a place where important moments in life take place.

The table is described as "scuffed and worn" and "a place of many meals." This sets the scene for a well-loved and well-used piece of furniture that holds a special place in the speaker's heart.

As the poem continues, we see the kitchen table as a symbol of family and love. It is where the speaker's parents sit and talk, where they share meals and laughter. The table becomes a symbol of the strong bond and sense of belonging within the family unit.

But the poem also touches on the idea of change and the passing of time. The speaker's parents are now aging and the kitchen table is no longer the same as it once was. The table is now "a place of memory" and "a place of longing." This highlights the bittersweet nature of growing older and the nostalgia that comes with it.

The poem ends with the powerful line "I sit at the kitchen table and listen, listen." This shows the importance of listening and cherishing the moments that take place at the kitchen table, as they may not last forever.

Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "The Kitchen Table" explores the complexities of family dynamics and the role that the kitchen table plays in it. The poem takes a darker turn, delving into the darker, hidden aspects of family life that often go unnoticed.

The kitchen table is described as "a witness" to all that happens within the family. It is a place where secrets are kept, where arguments and struggles take place behind closed doors. The table is a symbol of the facade that families often put on for the outside world, hiding their true feelings and struggles.

But the poem also touches on the idea of the kitchen table as a place of refuge and comfort. It is where the speaker's mother sits and prays, finding solace in her faith. The table becomes a symbol of hope and strength in the midst of turmoil.

Brooks' use of repetition throughout the poem emphasizes the idea that the kitchen table is always there, a constant in the ever-changing dynamics of the family. It is a place of both comfort and tension, a symbol of the complexities of familial relationships.

The final lines of the poem, "the table is quiet now, it is still," leaves the reader with a sense of unease and reflection on the many layers of meaning behind the seemingly simple kitchen table.

Albert Goldbarth's poem "The Kitchen Table" takes a more abstract approach, exploring the concept of the kitchen table as a symbol of the human experience. The poem delves into the idea that every kitchen table holds a unique history and story.

Goldbarth's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language paints a picture of the kitchen table as a hub of memories and emotions. It is where "the universe is drawn" and "the heart is opened." The table becomes a symbol of the human condition, a place where we experience the highs and lows of life.

The poem also touches on the idea that the kitchen table is a place of connection and understanding. It is where people come together to share meals, stories, and experiences. This highlights the importance of community and relationships in our lives.

But the poem also recognizes the transience of life and the impermanence of the kitchen table. It is a reminder to appreciate the moments and memories that are made at the table, as they may not last forever.

Overall, Goldbarth's poem celebrates the beauty and significance of the kitchen table as a representation of the human experience and the connections that bind us together.

Ellen Bass' poem "The Kitchen Table" explores the intimate moments and conversations that take place at the kitchen table. The poem delves into the idea that the table is a place of vulnerability and honesty, where people can truly be themselves.

Bass' use of sensory details brings the kitchen table to life, describing the smells, tastes, and textures of the food and objects on the table. This creates a vivid image of a warm and inviting space, where people can come together to share their thoughts and feelings.

The poem also touches on the idea that the kitchen table is a place of healing and understanding. It is where the speaker and their loved ones can come together and "lay their secrets out like cards." This highlights the importance of communication and openness in maintaining strong relationships.

The final lines of the poem, "the table is a holy place" and "we bless this table again and again," emphasizes the idea that the kitchen table is a sacred space where important moments and connections are made.

Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "The Kitchen Table" is a celebration of the simple moments and memories that take place at the kitchen table. The poem explores the idea that the table is not just a piece of furniture, but a symbol of love and togetherness.

The table is described as "the center of the universe" and "the heart of the house." This highlights its importance as a gathering place for family and friends, where stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened.

Nye's use of metaphor and repetition throughout the poem emphasizes the idea that the kitchen table is a place of warmth and comfort. It is where people can come together and be themselves, without judgment or pretense.

The poem also touches on the idea that the kitchen table is a place of tradition and legacy. It is where memories are made and passed down from generation to generation. This highlights the enduring nature of the kitchen table in our lives.

In the end, Nye's poem celebrates the small moments and connections that take place at the kitchen table, reminding us of the importance of cherishing these simple but meaningful experiences.

Joy Harjo's poem "The Kitchen Table" is a powerful and emotional exploration of the memories and emotions attached to the kitchen table. The poem delves into the idea that the table holds the stories and struggles of the speaker's ancestors.

Harjo's use of imagery and symbolism throughout the poem creates a sense of the table as a living entity, with a soul and a voice. It is described as "a breathing in the dark" and "a heart beating." This highlights the idea that the kitchen table is not just a physical object, but a vessel for the stories and experiences of those who have sat at it.

The poem also touches on the idea that the kitchen table is a place of healing and connection. It is where the speaker's ancestors come together and "dance in the dark" and "sing in the light." This celebrates the resilience and strength of the family unit, despite the struggles and hardships they have faced.

The final lines of the poem, "the table is a map of your heart," leaves the reader with a sense of the complexity and depth of emotions attached to the kitchen table for the speaker and their family.

Billy Collins' poem "The Kitchen Table" takes a more lighthearted approach to the topic, exploring the everyday moments and humorous observations that take place at the kitchen table. The poem celebrates the simplicity and joy of these moments in our daily lives.

The table is described as "a place of celebration" and "a place of solace." This highlights its dual nature as a gathering place for both joy and comfort. The poem also touches on the idea that the table is a place of creativity, where the speaker's mother "spins out stories" and "weaves them into her embroidery."

Collins' use of humor and vivid imagery throughout the poem creates a sense of nostalgia for these small but meaningful moments that often go unnoticed. He also plays with the idea of time, describing the table as an "antique" and "an artifact from the days of the dinosaurs." This adds a playful tone to the poem and reminds us to appreciate the present moment.

The final lines of the poem, "the table is a friend," emphasizes the idea that the kitchen table is not just a piece of furniture, but a beloved companion in our daily lives.

Sharon Olds' poem "The Kitchen Table" is a deeply personal and emotional exploration of the memories and emotions attached to the kitchen table. The poem delves into the idea that the table holds the stories and struggles of the speaker's family, specifically her mother.

Olds' use of vivid imagery and sensory details creates a sense of the kitchen table as a sacred and almost magical space. It is where the speaker's mother sits and "makes her art," creating nourishment and sustenance for her family. The table becomes a symbol of the mother's love and strength.

The poem also touches on the idea of time passing and the changing dynamics of family life. The kitchen table is now "a table of many years" and a "table of many lives." This highlights the bittersweet nature of growing older and the memories that are attached to the table.

But the poem also celebrates the enduring nature of the kitchen table, as it continues to hold the memories and stories of the family, even as they grow and change.

Sandra Cisneros' poem "The Kitchen Table" is a powerful and emotional exploration of the experiences and struggles of women, particularly women of color, in the domestic sphere. The poem delves into the idea that the kitchen table is a place of both confinement and liberation for women.

Cisneros' use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of the kitchen table as a prison, with its "four walls" and "four corners." It is also described as a "stage" where women must constantly perform their roles as wives and mothers.

The poem also touches on the idea of the kitchen table as a place of strength and resistance for women. It is where they gather and share their stories, finding power and solidarity in their shared experiences. This highlights the resilience and strength of women in the face of societal expectations and restrictions.

The final lines of the poem, "the table is a place of understanding," leaves the reader with a sense of hope and unity among women, despite the challenges they face.

Mary Oliver's poem "The Kitchen Table" is a celebration of the small moments and connections that take place at the kitchen table. The poem explores the idea that the table is not just a place to eat, but a place where important moments in life take place.

The table is described as "a place of grace" and "a place of remembrance." This highlights its significance as a gathering place for family and friends, where important moments and memories are made.

Oliver's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language creates a sense of warmth and comfort in the kitchen table. It is a place of nourishment, both physically and emotionally, as the speaker's mother "pours the tea" and "fills the bowls."

The final lines of the poem, "the table is a place of peace," emphasizes the idea that the kitchen table is a sanctuary in our busy lives, a place where we can come together and find solace and connection with our loved ones.