There’s something to be said about a poem that deeply moves you, regardless of the emotions that it utilizes. With that in mind, we couldn’t think of anything better than putting together a list of six of the most thought-provoking, emotional poetry collections you should read in your lifetime. If you enjoy the lyrical genius of brilliant poets, this list will be the perfect book list for you.
Self Love Poetry: For Thinkers and Feelers by Melody Godfred
In Self Love Poetry, Godfred explores concepts like authenticity, surrender, resilience, gratitude, believing in yourself, and of course, love, through 100 pairs of poems, each dedicated to a central theme. On the left side of the book are “thinker” poems that light up the analytical, more literal, left side of the brain, and on the right side are companion “feeler” poems that speak to the creative, more emotional right side of the brain. Combined, the poems electrify the mind, body and soul through a completely unique poetry experience that inspires each of us to embrace all parts of ourselves.
I am the Rage by Martina McGowan
Through a blend of personal experiences and shared collective pain, in I am The Rage, Dr. Martina McGowan engages readers in a vital dialogue about racial trauma and inequality. It seeks to transform outrage into understanding, and denial into awareness. It offers a voice to the unheard and the marginalized, harnessing the power of poetry to convey the complex emotions felt in the face of systemic racism.
Existence and Imperfection by Jesse Bodley
Existence and Imperfection is perfect for anyone who has experienced the harsh realities of grief and depression. By shining a light on the afflictions of life, Bodley connects readers with these feelings that are often pushed aside in the world in favor of saccharine smiles. This collection does not aim to “cure” any feelings, but simply allows such feelings to exist.
Water I Won’t Touch by Kayleb Rae Candrilli
Both radically tender and desperate for change, Water I Won’t Touch is a life raft and a self-portrait, concerned with the vitality of trans people living in a dangerous and inhospitable landscape. Through the brambles of the Pennsylvania forest to a stretch of the Jersey Shore, in quiet moments and violent memories, Kayleb Rae Candrilli touches the broken earth and examines the whole in its parts.
Everyday Mojo Songs of Earth: New and Selected Poems by Yusef Komunyakaa
Everyday Mojo Songs of Earth brings together selected poems from the past twenty years of Yusef Komunyakaa’s work, as well as new poems from the Pulitzer Prize winner. Komunyakaa’s masterful, concise verse conjures arresting images of peace and war, the natural power of the earth and of love, his childhood in the American South and his service in Vietnam, the ugly violence of racism in America, and the meaning of power and morality.
Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell
What do you do when store-bought cards aren’t enough? Write the person you love a poem (or an entire poetry collection) like Courtney Peppernell did. This touching book has something for all readers whether you’re currently in love, healing a broken heart or simply finding yourself. Divided into various sections, there’s a group of prose and poetry for every mood.
