Best Poems Written by Grace Yan

Below are the all-time best Grace Yan poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

View ALL Grace YanPoems

Details | Grace Yan Poem

A Gentle Lady's Plight

A gentle lady’s plight 
falls like leaves off a branch in winter
afore beauty coveted in her youth takes flight
as her barren turned roots make 
admirers frown in displeasure

her barks covered in snow
turns brittle offering no shade nor fruit
yet the axe-bearers come 
hacking at her trunk with relentless brute
and took away what little she had 
for themselves to use as fuel
 
a kindled fire warms their cold stiff bodies
while keeping them full
they looked at each other and said
what wrong did we commit 

there were no flowers to appreciate
in the middle of winter they mused

hence they agreed amongst themselves  
it was her only value.

Copyright © Grace Yan | Year Posted 2026


Details | Grace Yan Poem

The Words I Want to Say

You think I stay silent because I don't want to talk to you but 

my voice disappears sometimes when we argue

I don't mean to do it

my throat becomes my prison

On paper I find it easy to say the words I want to say 

it's just that

When I have to talk to you I crumble 

ironic isn't it

I’m afraid of saying the wrong things

i don't want to hurt you

I’m afraid of saying the wrong things 

i'm too much of a perfectionist

I’m afraid of saying the wrong things

i'm more prideful than i’d admit

There are too many things I want to say

that nothing ever comes out

I’m learning how to communicate better 

i might end up crying

But I will keep trying
		
i'm sorry that it happens

Copyright © Grace Yan | Year Posted 2026

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace