Rupi Kaur Poems that Have Changed Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Poems From Rupi Kaur That Have Changed The Way I Think About Being A Woman

Kaur's poems will make you feel strong and proud to be a woman.

2075
5 Poems From Rupi Kaur That Have Changed The Way I Think About Being A Woman

In This Article:

If you don't know who Rupi Kaur is by now, you probably live under a rock or you just don't appreciate poetry. Either way, you should probably get to know her and her poetry. Kaur's poems are beautiful and vulnerable as they dive into her experience with womanhood, love, sexual assault, immigration, and more. If you're not sure where to get started, as Kaur now has two published books out in the world, here are five poems that have changed my perspective on women and will change yours too:

1. 

I started this list off with my favorite poem of all time. I never really thought of the way I dish out compliments until I read this piece. I would also compliment someone by saying "You look nice today," or "You're gorgeous." While these are really kind words, this poem made me notice that most of what we give women credit for is their appearance.

Women are often only valued for their appearance, too, when in reality they are "so much more than that," as Kaur writes.

2.

This is another one of my favorites from Rupi Kaur's collection because it brings to light a conversation that women rarely have with each other. Women are raised to think they are only whole when they bring a man into their life.

Recently, there have been more conversations about this among certain activists and others, but it still isn't stressed enough that women have all that they need within themselves.

3.

Similar to the last poem, this particular piece is about relationships and choosing not to enter one until you are really ready. To elaborate a little, I'll mention a pretty cliche concept that is very important to me. A long time ago, someone told me that you cannot love someone else until you love yourself.

I wholeheartedly believe in this concept because I think that you should be your own first love. Until you fully care for and cherish yourself, you won't be able to do that for anyone else.

The poem also mentions "the tow of us combined could set it on fire." I think this represents that when two emotionally healthy people enter into a relationship together, they will get the most out of the relationship and it will last for a very long time.

4.

This poem is really close to my heart. As a feminist, I am always one to argue against female objectification. Many of Kaur's poems speak out about women's issues that I relate to myself, but this one, in particular, is something that I feel many women experience.

Women are often treated as pit stops for men, or at least objects of men's desire, and nothing else. Kaur opens up about her experience with this in her poems to let other women know that they are not alone.

5.

Last but certainly not least, this poem is certainly controversial, just like every conversation about women's periods. Menstruation is a sensitive topic in our society because it has always been viewed as "gross" or "unnatural." In reality, periods are completely natural and are the beginning of human existence so why are we so afraid to discuss them in open conversation?

One of the things I love about Rupi Kaur is her ability to be so open and vulnerable through her poetry. She has a way of stating her brave, honest truth as a woman through her creative use of words.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

1252
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

1480
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1303
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments