If you are ever a puddle of tears, overwhelmed by life or just need to listen to something beautiful: you came to the right place. For over a year, I have been obsessed with spoken word poetry and I think it’s time that it gets the recognition it deserves. Regardless of who you are or who you identify as I can guarantee that one of these poems will either give you “the feels” or give a feeling of comfort and peace.
1. Photograph by Andrea Gibson
Photograph written by Andrea Gibson is my favorite poem in the entire universe. This being one of the first spoken word poems I ever heard holds a special place in my heart. If you ever miss anyone with your entire being this is the poem for you. With breathtaking lines such as “I hope the stars are kissing your cheek tonight” and heartbreaking lines like “so wherever you are I hope you’re happy,” this is a poem you will want to put on repeat for the rest of eternity.
2. Dear Straight People by Denice Frohman
Dear Straight People by Denice Frohman is for those of you who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. My God, please listen to this poem. While one can get the transcript of this poem online, I would recommend listening to Frohman’s powerful message as she speaks with her whole heart to an audience who is engaged and active. She is witty, she is smart, she is absolutely captivating when she speaks. So PLEASE do not pass up an opportunity to watch an artist perform.
3. When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny by Blythe Baird
I AM TYPING IN ALL CAPS ABOUT THIS POEM BECAUSE IT IS AN ABSOLUTE ONE YOU MUST LISTEN TO. When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny by Blythe Baird is a poem that hits home for me personally. When Baird emotionally states, “If you are not recovering, you are dying,” I can literally feel my heart stop and my stomach drop. Words cannot truly capture how much this poem means to me. If you suffer from an eating disorder or are recovering from an eating disorder, I would recommend grabbing a tissue and crying to this poem while it plays on repeat.
4. OCD by Neil Hilborn
OCD by Neil Hilborn holds another special place in my heart because I personally know and love someone who suffers from this mental illness. I can honestly say that I cry every time I listen to this poem. Hilborn is absolutely captivating, breathtaking and overwhelmingly superb when he stutters throughout this piece. I can never say enough wonderful things about this poem so why don’t you go and take a listen for yourself.
5. Pansies by Andrea Gibson
Pansies by Andrea Gibson is a poem that I have listened to over and over again while in the shower so much that I can recite every word. Gibson declares, “Yes, I am going to permanently fuck up your lipstick,” you just audibly go “UGH” because ugh. I literally groaned, “ugh,” when typing it out. You are not a pansy if you listen to Pansies.
6. Rape Poem To End All Rape Poems by Rutgers University
Rape Poem To End All Rape Poems is spoken by three captivating students at Rutgers University. This poem will send shivers down your spine when they tell you about “damn rape poems.” Do not underestimate the power of three young women with a message. Truthfully, this is one of the most engaging poems I have ever listened to and would recommend to anyone, not just females.
What are you doing still being on this page? Go and listen to some poems that are more magical than unicorns and more beautiful than any song you've ever heard.
