After a few stressful weeks of finals, abrupt weather changes and of course, the elections, winter break will be here soon enough, and we could not be more thankful! So as the temperature drops and you cozy up with your favourite blanket near the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate (or in your favorite coffee shop as us New Yorkers do), you should have a good book to snuggle with. Contemporary poetry has been gaining popularity for its relevance and simple technique of getting the emotion through with minimalist writing. So here is a list relaxing poetry to accompany you in your me-time! (They also make great Christmas gifts if you want to get a headstart on your shopping!)
1. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur is a contemporary poet originally from Punjab, India. She resides in Canada now but still writes poetry about her native origins. Her poetry is often accompanied by doodled artwork that adds meaning to her words. Her words in themselves are refreshing and nothing short of beautiful, evoking your deepest feelings with simple two word sentences. A definite must read for anyone that feels like they’re in need of some love and affirmation.
2. I Wrote This For You by pleasefindthis (Ian S. Thomas)
The most unique thing about I Wrote This For You is the style of the writer. While he writes in prose or even small sentences, his words have a lyrical, poetic aesthetic to them. He chooses to remain anonymous as well, attributing his authorship to “pleasefindthis”– simply making it a collection of words for anyone and everyone. The beauty of the book is that it is incomplete without one key factor: you, the reader. No one else will have the same experience as you while reading it, because to everyone the words mean something else. That is the beauty of Thomas’ writing and poetry.
You can read this in two versions: I Wrote This For You (with the original photography) or I Wrote This For You: Just The Words (with only the words).
3. Dirty Pretty Things by Michael Faudet
Michael Faudet poetry is elegant and sexy, and is best enjoyed with a glass of wine and a slow soundtrack. His words tease and leave you wanting more. The transcendent quality of Faudet is how he can be provocative without explicitly being vulgar– creating a sort of gentility to his writing.
4. Chasers of Light and All The Words Are Yours by Tyler Knott Gregson
Tyler Knott Gregson’s words are probably those that you’ve seen floating around Instagram because they are just so simple and relatable. If you have a significant other in your life and you want to tell them how thankful you are without saying it, give them Gregson’s words. He understands love like very few poets I have read, and his ideas are absolutely magical.
5. Beautiful Chaos, Black Butterfly, A Brilliant Madness and Beautiful and Damned by Robert M. Drake
Robert M. Drake has been known to capture the hearts of contemporary poets with his delicate writing. Set on handmade grey paper and typewritten font, Drake writes about love, death and loneliness– capturing his audience at their weakest and strongest. Drake started his instagram/poetry account as an experiment, and today, his poetry has reached a phenomenal audience– just a testament to the exquisitivity of his words.
6. Hunting Season, The Wild Heart, Playing with Fire, Buried Light, Bloom by Beau Taplin
Beau Taplin has forever been at the top of my list for poetry recommendations. An Australian writer, Beau writes in short prose/poetic paragraphs, credited to the contemporary style of poetry writing. He often writes lyrically about situations that will have you going “This. This is it. This is how I feel.” The feeling of seeing your emotions in words is unparalleled. I highly recommend all of his books.