Final answer:
The subject matter of the first poetry written in the colonies focused on themes such as religion, nature, and the struggle for freedom. Phillis Wheatley, an African-born poet, was one example of a poet who touched on these topics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter of the first poetry written in the colonies was varied, but it often focused on themes such as religion, nature, and the struggle for freedom. One example is Phillis Wheatley, an African-born poet who published her book of neoclassical verse, 'Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral' in 1773. Her poetry touched on topics such as her experiences as a slave, her Christian faith, and her desire for independence.