Mushrooms by Sylvia Plath (Grade 4-6)

"Mushrooms" compares the meek growing vegetables to that of women in the unfair society she lived in. Yet just like the mushrooms, who can survive off of crumbs and flourish in the shadows, women too can break through the norms they are bound to despite how little is expected of them. The poem itself has a quiet but determined voice that by the end confirms the power that women could hold: "We shall by morning/Inherit the earth."

Sylvia Plath, born in Boston, was said to be one of the most admired poets of the 20th century. Most of her poems were autobiographical and dealt with her self-image, troubles with her parents, and unhappy marriage to fellow poet Ted Hughes. Although some critics argue that her last few poems lack technique, all can agree that they capture the themes of cynicism, ego-absorption, and depression like no other.