How do I cite a poem in MLA format?

Answer

Poems

(See MLA Handbook, 9th edition page 317 for more information on the citations. Specific information about the in-text citations are on p. 245.)

Poems can be published in many formats and mediums; the most common are as part of an edited anthology, a book of the poet's work, or on a website.

Bogan, Louise. "Medusa." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, edited by X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, 13th ed., Pearson, 2016, pp. 863.

 

Le Gallienne, Richard. "The Cry for Little Peoples." New Poems: “The Beauty We Love Is Very Silent. It Smiles Softly to Itself, but Never Speaks.” 2018, pp. 4-5. eBook Collection, research.ebsco.com/plink/7b446ca7-7637-3eae-b397-a58af58d4dd5. Accessed 25 Sept. 2026.

 

Hughes, Langston. "Po' Boys Blues." 1926. Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=29&issue=2&page=30. Accessed 25 Sept. 2026.

 

(See MLA Handbook, 9th edition pages 209-210 for original publication dates and where to place them.)

 

To cite poems in-text use the author's name, followed by the line number(s). Page numbers are not needed.

(Hughes, line 12).
(Bogan, lines 5-7).

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  • Last Updated Sep 25, 2026
  • Views 13
  • Answered By Lianna Tillinghast - Librarian

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