Poetry is an essential part of literature. It is one of the greatest corners of the literary realm that showcases both inspiring and heartbreaking works. This type of writing already existed from the prehistoric period until today. The use of figurative language, aesthetics, imagery, symbolism, rhyme, meter, and other literary devices are the agents that make people fall in love into this craft.
There is just so much meaning found in such small number of words. Thus, making this form of literature one of the most intricate yet beautiful. A lot of poems, anthologies, and poetry books have been topping the bestseller charts, making noise in the digital platform, and have been moving the lives of the readers ever since they have been released and set out for the public.
Since poetry is one of the major forms and most effective forms of literature, here are some inspiring books of poetry that have been the pride of their corresponding literary periods.
MODERN
You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense by Charles Bukowski
Originally published in the year 1986, You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense is part of Charles Bukowski’s wonderful poetry collection. This German-American poet and author is well-known for his great contribution to literature, as well as his interesting biography. Most of his written works have created a great impact on the society, culture, and economy of the city which he called home, Los Angeles. Moreover, You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense evaluates cats and his experiences during his childhood — since he was known to be a socially withdrawn kid with an abusive father. This book has uncovered Bukowski’s soft and vulnerable side and how he search through his boyhood and examine its outcome.
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
Ariel is an anthology of poems authored by renowned author and poet Sylvia Plath. In fact, it is her second poetry book. It was first published two years after she took her own life — which is 1965. Aside from poems, the book also contains various illustrations. Ted Hughes played a big role in the production of this anthology because he modified the selection and arrangement of Sylvia Plath through releasing a dozen of her works then adding another dozen after a couple of months while changing the arrangements of the pieces. The original version contained a total of 43 poems in which were dropped by Hughes, as well as an additional 13 masterpieces from the dead author’s manuscript. Examples of the latter are Barren Woman, Magi, and Stopped Dead, while examples of the former are Medusa, Letter in November, and Nick and the Candlestick.
POSTMODERN
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
The Sun and Her Flowers is the second poetry book of Rupi Kaur following Milk and Honey. It was published by Andrews McMeel Publishing last October 3, 2017. This anthology also contains illustrations aside from words. The title was derived from the author’s affection towards the method of how sunflowers adores with the sun, the way these flowers blossom with the biggest star in the cosmos, and how sunflowers tag along with the sun everywhere. Furthermore, The Sun and Her Flowers were split into 5 different parts. These parts represent a flower’s life cycle; thus, the chapters are respectively titled Wilting, Falling, Rooting, Rising, and Blooming. The book is all about love, life, and relationship. There are also a lot of imagery and symbolism. The title for example, the sunflowers symbolizes all the bonds and connections a person has created all through his or her life while the sun may symbolize a woman. Also, each chapter of the book showcases different types of issues, such as love and loss, abuse and trauma, mending, and the body and womanhood.
The Color of Love by Raymond Quattlebaum
Published last March 16, 2018 by the AuthorHouse, The Color of Love by Raymond Quattlebaum is a 50-paged heartwarming poetry book. Quattlebaum, an African-American author, has been in love with poetry since he was still at a young age. In fact, The Color of Love is his second poetry book preceded by Poetry In Motion. Moreover, this book represents an unending movement of an inexpressible wonder, the real meaning and nature of God, and the Lord’s testimony and gospel to life. It also talks about life where everyone must push themselves to be better for nobody knows how far a person can go by following the path that he or she takes. The Color of Love also showcases how movement becomes one of the cores of life. This book will definitely bring the readers to and from an adventuresome trip and will make them fully comprehend and see the beauty of poetry from another angle.
The Damsel’s Files 