“If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold, no fire can warm me. I know it’s poetry. If I physically feel as if the top of my head has been taken off, I know it’s poetry,” wrote Emily Dickinson, whose life was dedicated to the hundreds of poems in which she poured herself. Poetry, an honest and intimate art form, is a way of questioning humanity through the use of words and rhythm. Here are 15 books of verse—contemporary works and famous collections—that ask the reader to think critically about complicated concepts like race, sexism, and the meaning of life.
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The House on Mango Street
The House on Mango Street tells the coming-of-age story of 12-year-old Esperanza Cordero through a series of vignettes, offering a perspective on Chicago’s Chicana community, as well as the universal themes of growing up and discovering one’s identity.
Rupi Kaur’s popularity on Instagram and her lasting influence on younger online audiences make her a poet of the digital age, but Milk and Honey, with its simple wording and intimate emotions, is a must-have on every poetry shelf.
Emily Dickinson is now considered one of the most prolific writers in American history, but in her lifetime, only 10 of her poems were known to be published, many of which were heavily edited to fit societal standards of the time This collection celebrates his genius and includes the original unpublished versions of his work.
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Call us what we bring: Poems
In Call Us What We Carry, Amanda Gorman, known for her performance of “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 presidential inauguration, presents a collection of her poetry that explores the pain experienced during the global pandemic.
5
The most beloved poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jackie Kennedy was a great appreciator of art which highlighted its importance during her tenure as First Lady. This collection, selected by his daughter Caroline, reflects Kennedy’s love of literature and poetry.
Maya Angelou is not only known for her literature, but for her contributions to activism, film and theater. This collection includes long poems written in his later years, as well as the poem recited during the 2008 presidential inauguration “On the Pulse of Morning”.
After the death of his mother, Ocean Vuong chronicled his grief in this stunning and intimate poetry collection. Vuong’s work is often praised for its ability to capture emotion. As Kadish Morris wrote in The Guardian, “There is something about Vuong’s writing that demands all your lungs.”
8
One hundred love sonnets: One hundred love sonnets
Originally published in Spanish, this book features 100 of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s love sonnets dedicated to his wife Matilde Urrutia. The romantic collection puts love and passion into words as Narudo uses symbolism to express his desire for his wife.
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