Poetry is defined as the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm. I say poetry is a song without music. In my opinion, poetry should use strong imagery, strong emotions, and a smooth rhyme rhythm. Many modern day poets prefer free verse poetry. In this article, I am going to share my top ten favorite poetry books and why.
1. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson by Thomas H. Johnson. Emily was a an American poet who became regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. Most of her poems are written in short stanzas, quatrains, with short lines using rhyming on the second and fourth lines. This book helps readers to understand Dickison's poetic genius. Only eleven of Emily's poems were published prior to her death in 1886. This book provides a good majority of her writings.
2. The Complete Poems of Edgar Allen Poe by Edgar Allen Poe. Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. He is best known for his poetry and short stories. Edgar primarily wrote narrative poems along with rhyme schemes. I am in love with the creative sophistication of Poe's mind, and this collection shines with classic poems.
3. The Collected Poems of Sara Teasdale by Sara Teasdale. Sara was an American lyric poet. Most of her poetry is considered classic. She wrote using pure openhearted lyrics in verse forms such as quatrains or sonnets. This book expresses Teasdale's concerns with love and the unknown.
4. I Laughed a Smile by John Hansen. John is a poet on Hubpages and a self-published author. Hansen uses rhyming poetry and make any topic come to life through his poetry. This collection covers various topics that are appealing to everyone. His poems inspire and touch the reader through many emotions.
5. The Beautiful Life by Mark Anthony. Anthony is a best selling modern day poet from Seattle, Washington. Mark has many poetry books about love. This poetry collection is about reflection, inspiration, faith, and happiness in the form of notes to live a beautiful life.
6. A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost by Ken Mondschein. Robert Frost was an American poet. His initial work was published in England before hitting the states. Frost wrote realistic, rural, and introspective poetry using free verse poetry. This book contains all of Robert's poems from his first four published collections.
7. Pieces of Me: A Combat Veteran's Life by Charlotte M Daulton. Charlotte is an army combat veteran, poet, and songwriter. Her collection is based off of real life situations from sexual abuse to combat and taking care of her parents. This book showcases different aspects of a survivor using free verse poetry.
8. Goddess Woman Butterfly Human by SC Lourie. Lourie is a writer, poet, story teller, and journaller. Lourie writes family friendly books, journals, diaries, calendars, and prints. She thrives on beautiful and inpiring works. This lovely illustrated poetry collection focuses on romantic and spiritual topics using black and white line drawings.
9. Love Poems & Sonnets of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor. William is known as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. This beautiful collection includes Shakespeare's most well known poems and sonnets. He used lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter called blank verse. This book is a must read if you love classic poetry.
10. Devotions: The Selected Poems of May Oliver by Mary Oliver. Mary Jane Oliver was an American poet who won the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. Her poems are inspired by nature and faith. This book focuses on powerful bonds between all living things.
-Brittany Benko
https://brittanybenko.wixsite.com/booksbybrittany