Poetry is one of the most incredible forms of art. Using words to communicate extreme emotions is a delicate skill that some people have mastered. Words are the only way we can describe these incredible ways that we feel. Like all art, poetry can be deciphered differently to each reader. No person will read the same poem. Personally poetry makes my heart go to place undiscovered by man. It is an art that truly moves me with the might of the sun. So I'm here to suggest the top 5 poetry books that really make you see life in words.
1. Milk and Honey // Rupi Kaur
Milk and Honey was published in 2014 by modern poet Rupi Kaur. This book contains four main contents, the hurting, the loving, the breaking, and the healing. This is the author’s experience as she goes through the losses in childhood to the breaking of her heart in modern time. It goes on a journey through love, loss, sorrow, and healing. This specific book is good for dealing with losing someone you love, and how to love yourself through the battle. A great book to read if you suffer with low self-esteem. A true journey.
2. I Wrote This for You // Ian Thomas
I Wrote This for You by Ian Thomas is a very simple yet understandably beautiful collection of poems published in 2011. He uses not only words, but pictures as well to get his point and emotion across. Modern readers would enjoy this book. It’s wonderfully simple. Less is truly more in the case of this book. Throughout the book the author makes it seem as if he wrote this book to you or about you, maybe he did. This book is like a genuine love letter to the reader. A simplistic joy to read.
3. Chasers of the Light // Tyler Knott Gregson
Chasers of the Light by Tyler Knott Gregson was published in 2014. The contents of this book are written like letters that the author has written. Most poems are short, yet powerful. The graphics of this book contribute to its splendor as well as words. You will find yourself quoting this book quite a lot. There are many different and powerful quotes found within its contents. This book of poems doesn’t focus on just one topic, like love, but a whole array of topics that can be graciously applicable to life. Overall this book just reinstates why poetry is one of the most moving art forms.
4. A Brilliant Madness // R.M. Drake
A Brilliant Madness published in 2015 by author R.M. Drake is truly that. A brilliant madness. This book is definitely for the modern reader. Uses of metaphors and comparisons to real life events make the book flow. I find myself underlining lines that I deem as important almost constantly. R.M. Drake impressively captures feelings from all turns of life within each page. This book is a little more delicate in words than most, but still a fascinating read.
5. Love is a Dog from Hell // Charles Bukowski
This last book is my absolute favorite. My top recommendation. Love is a Dog from Hell by Charles Bukowski was published in 1977. This one is more classic than most, but the greatest of them all. This book has raw emotion and true feeling. It doesn’t try to use metaphors to make suffering into something beautiful, because it’s not. This book is completely real, I don’t think I’ve read anything more genuine. It doesn’t try to sugar coat life or romanticize pain. Bukowski was a lot older when writing this than most authors, so he has more “life experience.” I believe that he feels deep and true, but is blunt and has a real grip on life. I’m trying to describe exactly how the book is and how I feel about it, but you may just have to read it to truly understand. Overall, this is my favorite poetry book that I’ve ever read, and my top recommendation. This collection of poems is how life is.
