How to Cite a Poem: A Quick Guide for Students and Writers

Why Proper Citation Matters

When you cite a poem correctly, you give credit to the poet, avoid plagiarism, and help readers locate the original work. Accurate citations also strengthen the credibility of your own writing, whether it’s an academic paper, a blog post, or a literary analysis.

MLA Format for Poems

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the most common in humanities. Follow these steps:

1. In‑text citation: Include the poet’s last name and line numbers in parentheses. Example: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep” (Robert Frost 4‑5).

2. Works Cited entry: Use this structure:

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Poem.” Title of Anthology, edited by Editor’s Name, Publisher, Year, pp. page range.

For a single‑poem book, replace the anthology details with the book’s title and publication info.

APA Format for Poems

APA is typical for social sciences but still useful for poetry citations. The format is:

In‑text citation: (Poet’s Last Name, Year, line #). Example: (Frost, 1916, lines 4‑5).

Reference list entry: Poet’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of poem. In Editor’s Initials. Editor’s Last Name (Ed.), Title of anthology (pp. xx‑xx). Publisher.

Chicago Style (Notes‑and‑Bibliography)

Chicago is favored in literature and history. Use a footnote or endnote for the first citation:

Note: 1. Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” in Poems of the American West, ed. John Smith (New York: Poetry Press, 1923), 45.

The bibliography entry mirrors the note, without the leading number.

Tips for In‑Text Citations of Poems

• Line numbers, not page numbers: Poetry is usually cited by line numbers, which remain consistent across editions.
• Use “lines” for multiple lines: Write “lines 12‑14” or “ll. 12‑14”.
• Italicize poem titles: Use italics for titles of long poems (e.g., The Waste Land) and quotation marks for short poems (e.g., “The Red Wheelbarrow”).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting line numbers: This makes it hard for readers to locate the quoted passage.

2. Mixing citation styles: Stick to one style throughout your document.

3. Omitting the poet’s name in the reference list: The poet is the primary author and must be listed first.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to cite a poem confidently, enhance your scholarly integrity, and make your work more search‑engine friendly for readers seeking reliable poetry citation advice.

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