While some may consider poetry old fashioned, popular modern poets like Amanda Gorman (“The Hill We Climb”) and Rupi Kaur (Milk and Honey) have sparked a renewed interest in the art form, showing that poetry can be a cathartic expression of emotions, an urgent call to action, or even just a fun creative practice.
If you’re looking to add a little poetry to your life, here are 10 of the best poetry books that provide creative inspiration, deep reflection, and motivation.
1. You Are Here edited by Ada Limón
If you get your fill from being surrounded by trees or just enjoy touching some grass every once in a while, You Are Here will be right up your flower-filled alley.
Introduced and edited by Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the U.S., this diverse anthology offers both literal and figurative reflections on how we relate to the natural world, written by 50 of the nation's most celebrated poets.
The poems are joyful, moving, and offer a unique perspective on what nature means to different people.
2. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
This widely praised New York Times bestseller by celebrated author Kaur offers a collection of poetry broken into four parts — the hurting, the loving, the breaking, and the healing — each covering various aspects of pain, mourning, and recovery.
Kaur’s poetry is simple and accessible, yet deeply profound, making her collection wonderfully moving whether you’re just dipping your toe into poetry for the first time or you're a lyrical connoisseur.
3. Citizen by Claudia Rankine
Winner of the National Book Critics Circle poetry award in the U.S. and the first work of poetry to become a New York Times bestseller for multiple weeks on the paperback nonfiction list, Rankine’s bold and eloquent work underscores the lived experience of Black Americans, shedding light on racial slights that aren’t subtle in the slightest — like a cabbie passing over a Black person in favor of a white passenger or an employee constantly being mistaken for another Black colleague.
Parts of Citizen are uniquely written in second-person, fostering empathy about the emotional impact of racism in America and putting readers in the shoes of those experiencing microaggressions.
Combined with historical moments, visual art, photographs and slogans, Rankine’s work is a moving collection of art and history, and a necessary reflection for all readers.
4. Pretty Boys Are Poisonous by Megan Fox
Actress Fox (Transformers) gives us a unique glimpse into her heart in this sharp, dark, and humorous collection of poems.
Through the span of over 70 poems, Fox illustrates an experience many of us know all too well — molding ourselves for the ones we love, to the extent that our true selves are no longer present or recognizable.
Detailing her toxic relationships, trauma, and healing, Fox’s unapologetic writing is cathartic and relatable. As Fox writes in the intro, “this book is for anyone who has given much more than they received, or for anyone who struggles to believe they deserve to be heard.”
5. the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace
Broken into four parts — the princess, the damsel, the queen, and you — Lovelace’s beautifully resonant book of poems describes her emotional growth through confronting pain and grief in the first three parts, opening up about the loss of her mother, toxic relationships, and her journey to self-love.
The last section is reserved for addressing the reader directly, wrapping you in a warm hug of her words as she encourages looking inward to discover power and love.
Accessible, emotional, and empowering, the princess saves herself in this one is perfect for anyone looking for a reminder that in the end, “you are your own knight.”
6. The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
A 13th-century Sufi mystic, Jalaluddin Rumi had a profound influence in the world of spiritual thought with his powerful and elegantly written poetry, addressing themes of divine love and spirituality, unity, and transformation.
Since most of us aren’t up to speed on our 13th-century lingo, Barks has done us a favor by bringing Rumi’s work into the modern-day without sacrificing their original essence.
The Essential Rumi brings together some of Rumi’s finest work, including exclusive poems not found in the original version, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition — whether you’re spiritual or just looking for a little meaning in the day-to-day.
7. Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Ray
If you’re a fan of Del Ray’s music, you’ll love this unique glimpse into her creative brain. If you’re not a fan, her eclectic, stream-of-consciousness poetry may give you a new appreciation for the artist.
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass is a series of poems highlighting Del Ray’s personal thoughts on and experiences with love, beauty, and identity.
This self-narrated audiobook features some of her best poems accompanied by music from Grammy Award-winning musician Jack Antonoff, making this a beautifully reflective and immersive audiobook.
8. The Tradition by Jericho Brown
The Tradition explores the intersection of safety and freedom through the lens of Brown’s own Black, queer identity, offering a deeply emotional exploration of race, violence, and sexuality.
Brown’s daring collection won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and was a National Book Award Finalist in 2019, among other honors, for its masterful form and unique exploration of identity that many readers will find resonant.
While Brown discusses the importance of history, the poems are focused on the present moment and his quest for survival, instilling a sense of urgency in readers.
9. The Poetry of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson
Dickinson wrote over 1,800 poems in her lifetime. However, less than 20 were published while she was alive. Her short lines, use of slant rhyme, and unusual rhythms are staples of her innovative work.
Today, she is among the most acclaimed American poets and an inspiration for many contemporary writers. Her ruminations on death, immortality, and hope still resonate with many.
Short and easy to digest, listening to Dickinson’s collected poems is sure to fill you with poetic inspiration.
10. Hard Times Require Furious Dancing by Alice Walker
While Walker is best known for her novel The Color Purple, she’s also a prolific poet, which is ever-apparent in Hard Times Require Furious Dancing.
In this collection, she celebrates and grieves: rejoicing in nature while simultaneously mourning the destruction of the environment, and contemplating joy while describing the devastation of war.
Walker’s contradictory thought process candidly captures the human experience, making her poems relatable, powerful, and a treasured comfort for those experiencing pain or loss.
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About the Author: Alison Doherty
Alison is a writing teacher and part time assistant professor living in Brooklyn, New York. She has an MFA from The New School in writing for children and teenagers. She loves writing about books on the Internet, listening to audiobooks on her way to work, and reading anything with a twisty plot or a happily ever after.
About the Author: Megan McKeough
Megan is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer who loves reading coming-of-age novels and memoirs. When she’s not reading, Megan is exploring the Brooklyn bike paths, trying out a new recipe, or cheering on the Houston Astros.
