Poetry can be so much more than cutesy quotes to title a picture with. Poetry can breathe goosebumps across your arms and widen your eyes at the life around you. And when poetry is performed with the pain, joy, loss, sight, fear, and hopes of human existence, well -- sometimes magical things happen. Here is a list of eight poems from the platform company Button Poetry and more:
1. "OCD" by Neil Hilborn.
Chances are, you have probably seen this already. Neil Hilborn is infamous with this performance of his "OCD" poem that speaks volumes about relationships and mental illness. It brings awareness to the changes of love between people, and how even when everything seems perfect, they aren't. This one hits hard.
2. "The Type" by Sarah Kay.
I'm a bit biased when it comes to Sarah Kay. This 2013 performance is my go-to video I prefer to watch. It's a classic for me; I have listened to her words so many times over. This is a poem you print out and plaster on the mirrors of every girls' bathroom. It's the video you send to your best friend well after midnight, when she's heartbroken and hopeless.
3. "Pretty" by Katie Makkai.
Throw it back to 2007 now. "Pretty" is a perfect combination of realization and anger when it comes to societal standards to be, well, pretty. Makkai is a powerful woman with even stronger words that every woman and girl should sit down and listen to. Her shouts will echo in your head whenever you look in the mirror.
4. "Pass On" by Michael Lee.
Button Poetry refers their audience to this performance by Michael Lee, and if you watch it, you'd understand why. "Pass On" was the poem that kept me on my feet when a dear friend passed away. Lee's voice, the emotion with the words, the message in his poem is enough to bring tears of comfort to your eyes.
5. "21" by Patrick Roche.
Another viral one, but also deep with hurt and truth. Patrick Roche sheds the painful light on alcoholism in a family, and how a homosexual child faces the fear and guilt with their parents' reaction.
6. "People You May Know" by Kevin Kantor.
Sexual assault is a sensitive and difficult topic. But when it concerns men, it's usually even harder to talk about. Kantor brings his story center stage, heart full of flames. This is one you may need to sit down for.
7. "Scars/To The New Boyfriend" by Rudy Francisco.
The title says it all. When breakups are tough, a million responses go through our heads, and Francisco does best with speaking them out. His voice and stage presence fills the room, and almost everyone can relate to his outspoken thoughts.
8. "Explaining My Depression To My Mother" by Sabrina Benaim.
Benaim gives me chills every time with this video. Every. Time.
