Celebrate National Poetry Month with the Perfect Poem for Your Myers and Briggs Personality Type

April marks National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poetry's role in culture, encourage reading and writing of poetry, and support poets past and present. And find joy in the beauty of language, of course!

If you're not sure where to start, we've curated a list of poems tailored to each of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. We hope you enjoy the poem we've selected for you!

ISTJ: "If—" by Rudyard Kipling 

"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;"

Known for their reliability, structure and commitment to duty, ISTJs value resilience and responsibility above all else. Kipling's "If—" encapsulates these qualities, delivering a timeless message about strength of character, perseverance and moral integrity. The poem’s emphasis on keeping one’s head in times of crisis, staying grounded and fulfilling responsibilities speaks directly to your disciplined and principled perspective on life. Poetry might not be your first choice of reading material, but this one is a useful reminder to stay true to yourself, even when faced with adversity. 

ISFJ: "The Dash" by Linda Ellis

"I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years."

The Dash highlights the importance of what we do with our lives, which is something ISFJs ponder often. You have a strong sense of duty, loyalty and compassion towards others. This poem is a powerful reminder that life is not just about our own accomplishments or successes, but also about the impact you have on others, speaking directly to your desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those you love. If you ever need a reminder to continue living with kindness, ISFJ, let "The Dash" be your guide. 

ESTJ:  "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley 

"It matters not how strait the gate,  
How charged with punishments the scroll,  
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

Henley's poem encapsulates the ESTJ's determination, self-discipline and unwavering focus on their goals. The lines "I am the master of my fate" speak directly to your drive to take control of every situation and succeed against all odds; if you're facing challenges, this poem is a reminder that you have the strength and resilience to overcome them. ESTJs can sometimes be too outwardly focused, overly concerned with what people and society expect of them. But Invictus reminds you that, ultimately, you are in control of your own destiny. 

ESFJ: "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Famously associated with the Statue of Liberty, this poem's central theme of welcoming and caring for the downtrodden resonates deeply with ESFJs. Its themes of  hospitality, community and unity are all central to your values, and there's a call to action here to — let's go above and beyond to help those in need. ESFJs often put others' needs before their own, making "The New Colossus" a touching reminder that your kindness and generosity can make a difference in the world.

ISTP: "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost 

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

This poem explores the theme of decision-making and its impact on life's journey. It starts out by seemingly celebrating individualism (taking the road less traveled), and ends up being more about the complexities of choice and the human tendency to romanticize their past decisions — all themes that resonate with independent-minded, adventurous, practical ISTPs. Pull out this poem when you're feeling stuck in a rut. It will remind you that it's never too late to take a risk and blaze your own trail. 

ISFP: "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver 

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"

This lovely poem explores themes of nature, mindfulness and the purpose of life, including the  value of being present and having experiences. It's final call to arms, what will you do with your "one wild and precious life" will strike a chord with ISFPs. It's a beautiful reminder to embrace the moment, soak in all that life has to offer and find joy in simple pleasures that vividly reflect your independent, creative and free-spirited nature.  

ESTP: "The Man in the Arena" by Theodore Roosevelt 

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming..."

"The Man in the Arena" is not actually a poem, but an excerpt from a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910 — which makes it even more appealing to ESTPs. Its themes of action over observation; doing over criticizing are in total alignment with your "do it and get on with it" attitude. This poem celebrates those who dare to take risks, persevere in the face of failure, and look for real-world achievements over abstract theories. You are the "man in the arena," ESTP, so keep pushing forward and living life to the fullest. 

ESFP: "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

Whitman's sprawling poem exuberantly celebrates life, the self, and its connection to the wider world. Your zest for life comes through strongly, ESFPs, and this poem is the perfect reflection of your vibrancy and enthusiasm. "Song of Myself" is a reminder to let your inner light shine brightly and unapologetically revel in who you are. Read it when you need a reminder to live life boldly, without fear or restraint, because it's basically an ESFP in poem form.

INFJ: "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot

"Let us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question ...
Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?'
Let us go and make our visit."

This stream of conscientiousness poem explores themes of anxiety and alienation through the inner monologue of its titular character, who fears judgment and constantly second guesses himself. You can see why we chose it for INFJs!  Like Prufrock, you can spend a lot of time in your own head, analyzing, overthinking, and being acutely aware of real-world limits on your own potential. The narrator's quest for meaning is your quest for meaning, and the poem's message that life is full of messy uncertainties speaks to your unique perspective. Plus, it's just beautifully written.

ENFJ:  "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou 

"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom."

This poem is a powerful metaphor for oppression and yearning for freedom that speaks directly to your idealistic, empathetic heart, ENFJ. It's a reminder that despite all the challenges and obstacles in the world, there is always hope for growth and liberation. Like the caged bird, you may find yourself longing to speak out against injustice and make a difference in the lives of those around you. You have a knack for seeing the potential in others, and this poem is a perfect reflection of your unwavering belief in the power of human connection and resilience.

INFP: "If You Forget Me" by Pablo Neruda 

"If each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,"

Written during the Spanish civil war, this subdued little poem explores themes of love and loss amid times of great upheaval. The poem's focus on intense, all-encompassing love and the full experience of human emotions speaks directly to the empathetic, introspective nature of INFPs. You may relate to the narrator's desire for a deep, meaningful connection and fear of losing it in a chaotic world. This poem is a beautiful reminder that love can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances and that the human capacity for intimacy and vulnerability is truly remarkable.

ENFP: "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas 

"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

This powerful villanelle is a stirring call to action and a celebration of life's precious moments. It speaks directly to your adventurous, passionate nature, ENFPs, and encourages you to live life to the fullest, embrace every experience, and not give up without a fight. You may relate to the poem's themes of rebellion against conformity and making your own mark on the world. The poem's intense tone may seem a little at odds with your generally optimistic nature at first glance, but its passionate call to live boldly is right up your alley.

INTJ: "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere  
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst  
Are full of passionate intensity."

This poem, written in the aftermath of World War I, explores themes of chaos, destruction and the collapse of traditional values. Its dark imagery speaks directly to INTJs who will relate to the poem's themes of moral inversion and the inability of moderates to stand firm against the rising tide of  extremism. It's bleak stuff, but the poem's prophetic tone will appeal to the parts of you that are always exploring cyclical history and the potential for radical change. Status-quo kicking stuff.

ENTJ: "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away."

This classic sonnet explores themes of power and hubris through the remains of a fallen king's statue, and has much to say about the long-term consequences of one's actions. For the ambitious and driven ENTJs, this poem serves as a reminder that even the most powerful rulers are ultimately at the mercy of time. It's a humbling meditation on legacy and mortality that speaks to your desire to leave an impact on the world, and challenges you to consider what kind of mark you want to make.  Overall, it's a fitting reflection of your strong leadership qualities and constant drive for success.

INTP: "I Am" by John Clare

"I am—yet what I am, none cares or knows;
My friends forsake me like a memory lost:
I am the self-consumer of my woes;
They rise and vanish in oblivious host,
Like shadows in love's frenzied stifled throes:
And yet I am, and live—like vapours tossed."

This melancholic poem explores themes of identity, isolation and introspection through a narrator who feels misunderstood and forgotten. As an INTP, you may relate to these feelings of being an outsider and constantly questioning your place in the world. The poem's focus on the inner workings of the mind and its sense of detachment from society will speak to your introspective nature, while its use of melancholy and longing will appeal to your romantic side. Overall, this poem is a perfect reflection of your complex inner world and desire for deeper understanding.

ENTP: "O Me! O Life!" by Walt Whitman 

"The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."

There are plenty of poems that focus on a quest for meaning. What makes "O Me! O Life!" resonant for ENTPs is its answer: that being alive and yourself in the world is enough, with all the existential questioning that implies. It's the practical answer to all those grand theories of purpose and meaning that ENTPs love to explore, and it conveys hope without being schmaltzy. A great poem for an independent thinker like you.