Five Of My Favourite Poetry Books

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Poetry has the unique ability to capture the very essence of human emotions, paint vivid imagery with words, and transport us to another place. As someone who loves to read and write poetry, I've discovered several poetry books that have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind of late, and I wanted to share them with you today.

It's National Poetry Month, after all.

In this post, I'll be sharing the poets who have each touched my soul in ways that are hard to articulate. You may not have heard of them all—I found some of them on Instagram. Each book is unique in its own way, but they all share the common thread of being a celebration of the beauty of language and human experience.

In no particular order, here are five of my favourite poetry books.

Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong (@ocean_vuong) is a Vietnamese-American poet, and Night Sky with Exit Wounds is his debut release. This deeply moving collection explores his experiences as a queer immigrant and delves into themes of family, identity, and love. The poems in this collection are visceral and hauntingly beautiful and had such a deep impact on me. There were definitely tears reading this.

On Sun Swallowing by Dakota Warren

On Sun Swallowing is a morbidly delicious and occasionally bloody collection of poems that perfectly capture the complexities of self discovery; a debut by Australian poet, Dakota Warren (@fairy_bl00d). Dakota's language is fast moving and precise, painting vivid pictures of the landscapes and creatures that inhabit them. The poems in this collection are deeply magical and often macabre in their exploration of human connection, transformation, and growth.

Ants in a Jam Jar by Olivia Snowdrop

Ants in a Jam Jar is a powerful collection of poems by Olivia Snowdrop (@oliviasnowdrop) which explores the author's personal experiences with mental illness. Olivia's language is raw and honest, and not once she does not shy away from the pain and darkness that accompanies her story. I love the feeling of hope and resilience that permeates these pages, and the sheer vulnerability of her words.

Closer Baby Closer by Savannah Brown

Closer Baby Closer is a new addition to my collection, and one which became an instant favourite. Delving into the challenges of modern day love and relationships, Brown's language strikes hot and sharp as she explores the shadows that love can cast when illuminated by the glow of your smartphone. The poems in this collection are honest and utterly relatable; a must-read for anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of intimacy in the digital age.

Peeling Oranges by Maria Giesbrecht

Peeling Oranges is a whimsical collection of poems exploring the simplicity, beauty, and fragility of life. The language is careful and deliberate as Giesbrecht so aptly encapsulates the small moments of beauty and joy that can be found in everyday life. This book left me with an immense sense of gratitude for the world around me.

These five poetry books encompass a mere handful of the inspiring work being produced in the global poetry community, and they are all well worth a read. Whether you are a long time lover of poetry or just leaning in, these collections are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

What about you? What are your favourite poetry books? Drop your recommendations in the comments, and be sure to check out my own debut collection: He Told Me He Loved. Me I Never Spoke To Him Again.

~ prb x