Really though, you should. As humans, we all have feelings that we can’t put into words. And while that Pinterest post explaining that you actually are feeling “sonder” or “ambedo” is always an interesting read, the work of a poet should never go underread. While a single-word emotion offers us some sort of clarity about what our emotions are, it’s like limiting ourselves to merely being “mad” or “happy.” Why limit ourselves to a finite expression when the English language is capable of combining itself in such beautiful ways? Instead of struggling to discover an obscure word, read more poetry. Just do it, and you will be shocked and amazed by the simultaneous beauty and relatability of the modern poet.

After recently reading Rupi Kaur’s “Milk and Honey,” the only thing I can tell you is to pick it up yourself and read it. There’s something intangibly beautiful about reading poetry, the way that the words make impact with your mind and at times, your heart. When the words of someone else intercepts so wonderfully with your own life, you feel complete and more whole, as if something that was just out of your grasp has become easy to grasp. The lives and thoughts of other people make you turn introspective, and think about what is powerful in your own life. For me, poetry makes me look at the world as a more profound, beautiful place. I find myself looking at the people walking past me and wondering about their stories, their hopes and their dreams. The more words you read, the more you realize that we are all walking poetry, our stories just waiting to be put into words.

So read more Kaur, more Bukowski. Crack open some Alexie and Bishop. Open that Hayden, because once you do, you won’t be able to put it down. Their words cut into your very soul, open it, and make it spill out, and that is why everyone should read more poetry.