When some people consider the idea of poetry, it is an idea accompanied by scenes of dimly lit coffee shops, snapping fingers, and artsy outsiders. While that may be the ideal setting for poetry reading, poetry is so much more than that narrow-minded conception. The dictionary definition, which fails to do the power of poetry justice, defines it as a "literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm." Poetry memorializes legends, expresses revolutionary ideas, or puts into words the exact feelings you were unsure of how to express. The words and ideas of poetry can move people into revolutions or simply new frames of mind. Poetry captures the mind, spirit, and heart of its readers if they allow it. While all poetry is powerful in its own right, these are some of poets I suggest everyone reads at some point in their life.
1. Wislawa Szymborska
Winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize for Literature, Szymborska is a Polish poet whose poetic vision is focused on the universal truth of humans causing the suffering of other humans. While her name might be a bit difficult to understand, her poems, while witty and ironic, are quite simple. Some of my personal favorites from this native Pole are "Portrait of a Woman" and "Discovery." The first poem emphasizes the ridiculous and impossible double standards placed upon women. The second is focused on the power of discovery, both good and bad. Not all discoveries are meant to be shared, some may cause immense tragedy.
2. Walt Whitman
Regarded as one of the most significant poets of the nineteenth century, Whitman was the Father of Free Verse. According to the Poetry Foundation, his poems focus on democracy, nature, love, and friendship. A great poem by him, while a little long, is titled "Song of the Open Road." It will have you packing for the open road, travelling the world, in no time. At least, you will want to.
3. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson, a New England poet, was the father of the transcendentalism movement. Transcendentalism was a philosophical and social movement that taught that divinity exists in all nature and humanity. They were trying to define religion and spirituality in light of new discoveries and social progress. Transcendentalists were instrumental in the fight for women's inequality and to abolish slavery. His poems take a bit of time to completely grasp, they contain big ideas portrayed with intensity. Some great ones to start with are "Experience" and "Good-bye."
4. William Ernest Henley
The author who was able to inspire an imprisoned Nelson Mandela is definitely worth your time. Henley was an English poet, and, according to the Poetry Foundation, his poems engaged themes of inner strength and perseverance. No wonder his poetry inspired the first president of a free South Africa. You really should read all of his poetry. But if you are going to read any of his poems, read "Invictus." This poem encompasses the major themes of Henley's works. It includes phrases such as "unconquerable soul" (line 4), "shall find me unafraid" (12), "master of my fate" (15), and "captain of my soul" (16).
5. Langston Hughes
Hughes was an African-American poet, and a central figure during the Harlem Renaissance. His passionate and subjective work focused on the average, ordinary lives of everyday black people. Some poems to read by Hughes are "Remember" and "Who But the Lord." The second poem is pretty relevant to the recent climate surrounding this debate in America.
6. T.S. Eliot
Eliot was well-known for his ability to use the power of words and poetic devices in his poetry. Eliot did not view his poetry as a "social function," but rather as a "method to be very intelligent." Check out "The Waste Land" and "Whispers of Immortality" by T.S. Eliot.
7. Allen Ginsberg
Known for his unconventional beliefs and reckless, deviant behavior, Ginsberg is a popular American poet and popular Beat writer. Beat writers were known for questioning mainstream politics and battling social conformity. Ginsberg is definitely worth reading, as he aims to question societal norms (and isn't that what college teaches us to do). His poems "Howl" and "America" are excellent examples of his Beat writing. Warning: there will be language.
8. Maya Angelou
Active in the civil rights movement, Angelou advocated for the rights of women and African-Americans. Her works focused on raising the moral standards for living in the United States. Her poems "Phenomenal Woman" and "Caged Bird" are excellent examples of her advocacy work. This woman is worth anyone's time. I'm pretty sure we have all heard of her, but have we all read her inspiring poems?
9. Annie Dillard
Dillard is an American poet who balances everyday life with the celestial events of literature and art. According to Dillard, the events of our everyday existence are, themselves, events as important as those of a much grander, larger scale such as the birth of stars. "The Heart" and "A Natural History of Getting Through the Year" are great poems that emphasize her poetic vision.
10. Local Poets
This might require you to enter into those dimly lit coffee shops that feature Thursday night Poetry Jams. Yeah, you might have to snap your fingers instead of the usual clapping. But, stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to incredible growth and self-discovery. You might find yourself inspired by some of those artsy outsiders. Discovering great local poets might be as simple as picking up your school's literary art magazines. I was lucky enough to find a copy of mine (Spilled Ink for those of you who are curious) and discovered some relatable, spirit-capturing poetry.
So get to searching, broadening the scope of your mind. All of the poems I have mentioned can be accessed through the Poetry Foundation.
