By: Gabby Montesano
My love for poetry began right after a breakup at the beginning of university. I can say that poetry really did help heal my heart when I needed it the most. If you’re struggling to find words to express how you feel, grab a cup of tea, pick up these books and read away.
1. Whiskey, Words, and a Shovel – R.H. Sin
The first of many poetry books on love, heartbreak and self-love by R.H. Sin. He puts himself in the shoes of the women in relationships and uplifts them to see their self-worth and leave toxic friendships and relationships. The poems are short and to the point but will leave you with a sense of warmth. Follow R.H. Sin on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
Some optimism –
“it hurts like hell
every minute of everyday
but it’ll get better
one day you’ll understand
hat everything meant to destroy you
only made you stronger.”
2. The Nectar of Pain – Najwa Zebian
One of my all time favourites. A book that I just recently found going through a breakup. Lebanese-Canadian author Najwa Zebian writes about heartbreak and longing for that special someone. The book continues with empowering poems allowing the reader to find their self-worth and move on from toxic relationships. Follow Najwa on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
“In a coffee shop
one day,
you will see me sitting
next to the window, sipping on my coffee
the same way
I used to
and looking out the window
the same way
I used to. You will wonder if I still think about you
the same way
I used to
or if I am still waiting for you to come back
the same way
I used to.
You better walk away, because
I no longer crave you in my life
the same way I used to.”
3. Born to Love, Cursed to Feel – Samantha King
This book exemplifies pain and heartbreak. King talks about her experiences with cheating and mistreatment and how she was able to overcome it. She is now married to R.H. Sin in the perfect love story. Follow Samantha King on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
Misguided –
“Maybe I don’t know what Love is
The only kind I cherish hurts
It whips like a storm through my life
Destroys everything in its path
Unearths my insecurities and fears
and just like that it’s gone
Leaving me to rebuild and repair
No foundation, no substance
Just the better part of who I am
scattered for miles.”
4. Milk and Honey – Rupi Kaur
If you haven’t read this yet, then where have you been? Beautifully written and as famous as it is for a valid reason. The mix of love, heartbreak, healing, femininity, and culture is perfect for readers of all types. Follow Rupi Kaur on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
“I don’t know what living a balanced life feels like
When I am sad
I don’t cry, I pour
When I am happy
I don’t smile, I beam
When I am angry
I don’t yell, I burn
The good thing about
Feeling in extremes
Is when I love
I give them wings
But perhaps
That isn’t
Such a good thing
Cause they always
Tend to leave and
You should see me
When my heart is broken
I don’t grieve
I shatter.”
5. Offering My Heart – Ivan Nuru
This is probably the most genuine of all the books. Ivan Nuru is not as recognized as the others on the list but his writing is absolutely beautiful. You can feel the heartbreak in everything he writes. He starts by explaining how someone he loved had left him and the book continues with him becoming stronger and moving on. Follow Ivan Nuru on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
“I put learning me on hold to raise you into a lover
That I never got to experience
I never had the experience
But teaching you love felt natural
The vibe was spiritual
I watched you grow from my soil
Every time I see you I see my soul
Everytime I see you I lose my self control
My ego been telling me that you can’t let me go
Like you ain’t got memories of me stored in you
Like you ain’t got pieces of me left in you
But I’ve been telling my ego that I have to let go
Every person that learned from me wont stay with me
Like the lovers that left me
Like the friends that no longer speak to me
Like the people who share the same blood as me
My lobe is meant to fill others to fill others
To love like broken but strong mothers
To heal everyone that suffers and right now that’s me
I raised you into a lover and now its time to raise me
It’s time to break soul ties
It’s time to fulfill past due goodbyes.”
6. Memories Unwound – Ruby Dhal
If you like short and sweet poetry, then you’ll enjoy this book. Seperated by sections that involve experiences, love and healing, there’s something for any emotion that you’re feeling. Ruby Dhal speaks about loving yourself before you can love someone else. Follow Ruby Dhal on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
“I’ve stopped giving parts of myself
To help heal others.
Because in the end
When they start to feel whole again
I am the one that ends up with all of the missing pieces.”
7. Love Her Wild – Atticus
Something with a more upbeat and easy-going style of writing. The book is split up in sections called love, her and wild which all have a different flair of poetry. Atticus writes about life and all the little things that makes life so great. Something to read when you’re in need of an adventure. Follow Atticus on Instagram here.
Favourite quote:
“I want to be with someone
who dreams of doing everything in life,
and nothing
on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”