Throughout middle school, high school, and even in some classes in college, I’ve realized that, historically, female poets are credited far less than male poets are for their work. In an era where poetry has, once again, become popularized, I have seen and read many talented works from young, female poets. I often resonate the most with them because, through their words, I gain my own voice. When I look for new poetry books to read, I typically look for poems on self-love, empowerment, political issues, and mental health. In doing so, I find myself drawn to female poets, mostly. I have read countless poetry books from women, whether they be well known or recently getting a fresh start. To narrow my list down, I’ve chosen five of my favorite female poets who, in my eyes, show resilience through their writing.
“Photo from @madisenkuhn on Instagram”
Madisen Kuhn
Madisen Kuhn is a 23-year-old poet, most commonly known for her books Eighteen Years and Please Don’t Go Before I Get Better. She most frequently writes about anxiety, depression, body image, love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance. She has helped me through some of my darkest and lowest nights. Her poetry has reflected courage within me and has inspired me in many different ways, specifically, to go back to therapy. Kuhn is unapologetic about her mental illnesses and has no shame in sharing them which has taught me to be just as open about mine. I have deeply related to the heartbreak she has gone through, in terms of the hatred I have felt towards myself, but she has helped me navigate through it in order to learn my self-worth at the end of the tunnel. She has a new intimate poetry collection coming out in October, available for pre-order, called Almost Home, which will touch on similar topics. Her current and upcoming collections are worth indulging in.
“Photo from @Orion Vanessa Carloto on Facebook”
Orion Carloto
Orion Carloto is a poet I discovered through YouTube from her video “My Personal Tips on Writing” when I first began to journal and write poetry. I found her at a time where I continuously defined myself through other boys that I lusted after. When she released her debut poetry collection, Flux, I immersed myself in her writing. I was merely a freshman in college, yearning for closure I had never gotten in the previous years of my life. She had taught me that I should allow myself to feel the negative emotions whilst allowing those experiences to turn me into a stronger human. One quote resonated with me so much that I just recently got a tattoo of it on my forearm, as seen on my Instagram. She will soon be moving to Paris for a month to complete her second poetry collection, so be sure to be on the lookout for that release date once she gets into the final stages of writing and editing.
“Photo from @chicnerdreads on Facebook”
Gretchen Gomez
Gretchen is a Puerto Rican poet from the Bronx that intertwines her culture and poetry seamlessly. She is known for her poetry collection Welcome to Ghost Town, where she writes poems of the metaphorical ghosts in her life: the people who have haunted her whether it be through her dreams or simply within her thoughts. She often incorporates the Spanish language within her poetry to incorporate her roots with her writing, and also to show that poetry does is not necessarily reserved for those who speak English. Her poetry has helped me come to terms with the fact that there are some people in my past whom I will never forget, but that does not mean I have to let it tear me down or make me feel guilty. I can take these visitations of the memories of people who have hurt me or traumatized me and turn it into something that inspires me to find the power within myself. She will soon be coming out with another poetry collection entitled Girasol, one that she wrote: “for herself, her heritage, Puerto Rico, the Bronx, and their struggles.” It is expected in the Summer of 2020. She is an independent publisher, so please be sure to show her some extra love and order her collection(s); I can ensure that you will not be disappointed.
“Photo from @Reyna Biddy on Facebook”
Reyna Biddy
Reyna Biddy is a spoken word poet that I found through Amazon as I was searching for new poetry books to expand the small collection I had begun. I ordered her book I Love My Love, which consisted of spoken word poems she translated into writing. She is also known for her newest collection A Psalm for Us with prose, poems, short stories and self-affirmations that are written with undertones of empowerment and religion. Although I am not a religious person, I find Biddy’s spirituality inspiring. I interpret it in my own sense of spirituality, one that I find within myself, but her messages are what I find touching. Her prose is enchanting and has taught me to be kinder to myself throughout my years in college. Just recently, I have realized that I have the healthiest relationship with myself that I have had in a while. Reyna Biddy’s words vibrate through my mind whenever I feel my mind going to what I call the “dark place.” Her wisdom is something I aspire to achieve one day, and I know I will as I continue to listen and read her words.
I have many favorite women poets, especially ones that talk about each topic that I have listed. Narrowing it down was extremely difficult because it is rare to find women poets who do not promote empowering messages, but these four women are some of the first poets I came across as I started to read poetry. Expanding your mind and your collection means exploring new topics and new writers. Everyone has their favorite poets and these are mine, currently.