We'll admit it: poetry isn't always accessible. Poetry collections can be dense and difficult to interpret, and — though usually short in length — they can still contain volumes. However, there's a reason lines from poems are used as captions on Instagram photos and inspiration for tattoos [1]. Poetry can help ease pain, inspire hope, and lift spirits, all while saying very little, and if you're willing to give it a try, poetry can be for everyone, not just for literary sorts. If you're looking for an extra dose of inspiration, read on to see collections that will challenge you and fill you with hope [2], no matter what you're going through.
the princess saves herself in this one
Amanda Lovelace's collection, the princess saves herself in this one [4], is the first book in her "women are some kind of magic" series, which all revolve around the idea of resilience, empowerment, and writing your own ending — no prince required.
Love Her Wild
Love Her Wild [5] is a collection of both new and old poetry from The Dark Between Stars author Atticus. He first attracted attention through his wildly popular Instagram account, @atticuspoetry [6], where he captures the reliability and rawness of all of life's most precious moments, no matter how big or small.
There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé
In There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé [7], Morgan Parker explores the complexities and body politics of black American womanhood through cultural references, old songs, and celebrities (such as Queen Latifah [8], Nikki Giovanni, and Michelle Obama [9]) in a celebration of black females everywhere.
Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth
Kenyan-born Somali poet Warsan Shire's Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth [10] revolves around depression, acceptance, strength, and self-awareness, and it's so powerful that Beyoncé even used Shire's poetry [11] in her music video for "Lemonade."
Life on Mars
In award-winning US poet laureate Tracy K. Smith [12]'s Life on Mars [13], she speaks from a distant future, blending contemporary pop-culture references and sociopolitical commentary to illustrate the undeniable weirdness and delight of human existence.
Voyage of the Sable Venus
In Robin Coste Lewis's National Book Award-winning debut poetry collection, Voyage of the Sable Venus [14], she follows the representation of the Sable Venus through thousands of years of art history, meditating on the many representations of black womanhood and how an ancient, often heinous story can be transformed into something beautiful.
The Rain in Portugal
If you're looking for something lighter and more accessible, former US poet laureate Billy Collins's bestselling collection, The Rain in Portugal [15], is playful and whimsical, reflecting on wandering, observing, and experiencing exciting moments of insight in life and love.
Citizen
A finalist for the National Book Award, Claudia Rankine's Citizen [16] sheds light on racial aggressions in 21st-century media, as well as in daily life, drawing attention to the individual and collective effects of racism in our contemporary society and suggesting ways in which all readers can take a closer look at their beliefs and their actions.
Don't Call Us Dead
Another finalist for the National Book Award, Danez Smith's Don't Call Us Dead [17] offers an unflinching reflection on police brutality, imagining an alternative life for black men shot by police and a world where suspicion and violence are replaced with the safety and acceptance that everyone deserves, regardless of his or her skin color.
Pillow Thoughts
Courtney Peppernell's bestselling poetry collection, Pillow Thoughts [18] (the first in her Pillow Thoughts series), reads almost like a diary, her deeply personal and moving poems exploring life's many joys and disappointments and reminding readers that it's OK to feel, as that simply means that you are human.
i hope this reaches her in time
r.h. Sin's i hope this reaches her in time [19] offers hope to anyone who has been betrayed, lied to, or wronged by a loved one, reminding readers that they're not alone in their heartbreak and that even if you're broken and bruised, you'll eventually learn to love someone else (and, more important, love yourself) again.
Her Favorite Color Was Yellow
Edgar Holmes's debut collection of poetry, Her Favorite Color Was Yellow [20], reads as an ode to a lover, reflecting on the power and potency of all-consuming love, perfect for anyone who has ever fallen in love, experienced unrequited love, or simply loves a beautiful love story.
Milk and Honey
Rupi Kaur's bestselling collection, Milk and Honey [21], is all about resilience. In her poems, accompanied by her own sketches, she reflects on how violence, abuse, loss, and pain can change a life and how every bitter moment in life also offers some redeeming sweetness, as long as you're willing to look for it.
becoming.
In Renaada Willams's thoughtful and uplifting collection, becoming. [22], she explores the incredible importance of self-love and dedication, which — though life is full of challenges and pain — are the tools that can help you contend with anything.
Your Soul Is a River
Nikita Gill's Your Soul Is a River [23] acts as a balm for pain. No matter what sort of trauma or loss you've experienced, Gill's poems are meant to soothe the soul and assure you that — though it may take some time — you will eventually become whole again.