Can I post other people's poetry (e.g. famous poets' works) on my blog? Does this violate copyright law?

[bachir93]

For national poetry month, I would like to post 10-15 poems by famous poets on my blog.

I would do a separate post for each of them and include a short bio, links to official website & other resources, pictures, and source info for the poems (e.g. if I found it online, I'd add the link; if I found it in a book, I'd cite to the book in MLA/AP format).

My concern is that the works range from really old (e.g. 13th century) to really new (e.g. 21st century). I'm not sure if I would violate copyright law by posting the work of 20th/21st century poets.

Any ideas? I can change the project to old-time poets (would anything pre-20th century work?) but just wanted to get some input before I do.

I realize you all can't give me legal advice, but I figured there might be some expert bloggers here who have encountered similar situations. I'm a new blogger and don't want to get in trouble.

[hampton83]

As long as you reference it to the actual source I think it would be ok, as long as you ain't passing it off as your own

[forde]

so long as you dont call them your own, it doesnt matter. it seems like you wouldnt be, posting the bio, links, etc. so you should be fine

make it a good day

[wardell]

If the poem is copyrighted (and it almost certainly will be for modern works), then you cannot replicate it without permission. End of story.

Get permission or don't include it.