Many people find poetry boring or uninteresting, most likely stemming from reading older, hard-to-relate to works in school, where you are told what to think about the material. But poetry is a beautiful, lyrical expression of human emotion – and these three authors showcase that in the best light. These books deal with race, gender, hurt, love, loss, happiness, and life in a way that is thought-provoking and poignant. Millennials especially will be able to relate to the content of these works and their beautiful minimalist stylings, although they can be loved by pretty much anyone.
Milk and Honey
by Rupi Kaur
This collection of poems and sketches deals with hurt, love, breaking, and healing. Each of those topics has a chapter in the book, and Kaur makes each one have a great impact. She brings experiences to life, and showcases what many women go through every day. If you are a feminist, there’s a great chance you’ll love this book, and if you’re not, there’s a great chance you will understand feminism more after reading it.
whiskey words & a shovel
by r. h. Sin
A trilogy of poetry books, Volume 1 has also been revamped and updated to better reflect the author’s journey with his partner and muse. The poems deal with a “she” – r. h. ‘s partner, Samantha. Through this “she”, r. h. crafts phrases that bring hope to those who feel broken and self-empowerment to readers of all walks of life. R.h’s identity remains fairly ambiguous, allowing readers to imagine themselves in the same position, without the limitations of defining race, gender, sexuality, or other traits.
salt
by Naryyirah Waheed
Waheed delves into the complexity that is being a person of color in this day in age through beautiful, haunting poems. Many of the poems are signed as if they are written by the topic that they deal with – such as age, immigrants, or hate. While reading this book, you’ll gain new insight into womanhood and the lives of minorities. Whether you are a person of color who finds a relatable voice or someone who gains a better idea of what others endure, you will likely be able to take away something profound from this book.
