Now that we're slowly but surely sinking into the regiment of a new school year, it can be easy to get caught up in all the studying there is to do, friends to hangout with, and places to eat at that were missed during the summer (Graze).
I always find myself too excited about all the things there are to do and end up forgetting about "me time." It's important to allow yourself some down time during this whirlwind of back to school and to always treat yo' self. One of my favorite things to do when I'm relaxing is read poetry or check out some spoken word poets on YouTube.
So if you're in the mood to sit in Patiss, chill, and check out some new poets, here are five poets I would recommend getting to know (if you haven't already).
1. Andrea Gibson
Andrea came and visited my college last year and was incredible. Their words were so beautifully written and so breathtakingly preformed, I would definitely have a listen to some of their work.
2. Shane Koyczan
I've been in love with Shane Koyczan's poetry since high school and have not stopped going back to it again and again. "More Often Than Sometimes" is one of my personal favorites, taking me back to a time of young teenage love.
3. Anis Mojgani
I was also introduced to Anis Mojgani in high school, right before my freshmen year actually. His spoken word poetry is so powerful and moving. I would recommend "Direct Orders." Another one of my favorites is in a TedTalk he gave called "The Music of Growing Up Down South."
4. Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver's work is pretty widely known and oh so good. If you haven't dug through her work I would go do a little digging. "At Black River" is one that I recently heard and brought me to tears.
5. Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur brings her beautiful new age words to us in the form of her recently released book entitled, "Milk and Honey." Go cozy up in a big comfy chair and flip through her short, but sweet poems. They may be short, but they are quite moving.
Hopefully these recommendations help you to slow down a little bit and bring you presence. It can be easy to get wrapped up in everything happening, but these poets' words have helped to ground me in times when I felt like I was going to float away and I hope they help you too.
