Ever since I was in elementary school, I was taught to love writing. With both of my parents having English degrees, I was raised surrounded by literature and I breezed through all of the classics without a complaint. But, after sifting through all of the Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne and Jane Austen that I could handle, I found my first true love: poetry.
10 years later and I still find myself curled up in corners of my college campus, poring over poetry whenever I have a break between assignments. But, one thing has changed; no longer am I delving into Robert Frost and Shakespeare in my free time. I have discovered a new genre of poetry that I think is essential to the emotional education of the modern college student. Forget the classics, here are 5 poets that all millennials should read (and reread.)
1. "Mouthful of Forevers" By Clementine Von Radics
In this short list, #1 truly is #1. Clementine Von Radics is by far my favorite poet. She connects with emotions in a way that makes every poem feel like it was written specifically for each reader. Her book, "Mouthful of Forevers" is on Amazon and if you're anything like me, you'll buy it and cover it in highlights and notes and fall in love with your past all over again.
2. "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur
What can I say that Rupi Kaur doesn't say for herself in her poetry? Sometimes just a few lines and some scribbled illustrations, Kaur fills her Instagram with her poetry. She advocates for strong women and her powerful words are just the gentle kick in the butt that we need sometimes.
3. Anything by Atticus
Atticus writes short poems and publishes them on Instagram and tumblr. He has a loyal fanbase, even though he chooses to remain anonymous. His poems say so much in so few lines (and his feminist views are so refreshing).
4. "the princess saves herself in this one" by Amanda Lovelace
Keeping it honest and upfront is Amanda Lovelace's specialty, which is exactly why she needs to be added to your shelf. With her liberal views and down-to-earth personality, she's just the thing the poetry world needed. For example:
"once upon
a time,
the princess
rose from the ashes
her dragon lovers
made of her
&
crowned
herself
the
mother-f**king
queen of
herself.
- how’s that for a happily ever after?
5. "Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series" by Tyler Knott Gregson
Well-known for his poems typed out on an old-fashioned typewriter (fun fact! You can buy his prints on etsy!), Tyler Knott Gregson is the solid finish to this wishlist. He's in touch with his emotions, but isn't afraid to show his strength, and it's a lesson we could all care to learn.
