101 Poems, Number 28

Favorite Poems Throughout My Life

28: “This Is Just to Say,” 1934, by William Carlos Williams (1883–1963)

A simple poem—just some fruit

The speaker ate one day.

But he apologizes here—

Though has few words to say.

He found some plums—the icebox—

And he ate them, every one.

Then felt some faint ensuing guilt,

Arising with the sun.

Old Williams was among the best

At saying not so much

But saying all—a single breath—

Oh, Williams had the touch!

Link to poem.