Poetry is one of those things that you cannot define but feel so easily. It’s more than just words on a page—it’s emotion, expression, and creativity all wrapped into one. For us, poetry often becomes a way to make sense of the world, to put feelings into words when nothing else seems to do the trick. It can be an escape, a way to process emotions, or even just a fun way to play with language.

What’s wonderful about poetry is that it doesn’t come with a strict set of rules. Some poems are raw and unfiltered, reminiscent of late-night journal entries, while others are meticulously crafted, with every word chosen for a reason. Regardless of the style, poetry is fundamentally about expression. It transforms our thoughts, experiences, and emotions into something tangible.

Whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or that confusing mix of feelings that’s hard to describe, poetry takes what’s inside us and gives it a voice—even when we struggle to find our own. These three books illustrate just how poetry can heal, inspire, and shift our perspective on ourselves and the world around us.

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1. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

If you’ve ever experienced heartbreak, self-doubt, or the ups and downs of growing up, Milk and Honey is likely to resonate deeply with you. Rupi Kaur writes in a straightforward yet impactful style, making her poetry feel less like something from a textbook and more like an intimate chat with a friend. Her verses explore themes of love, pain, healing, and discovering inner strength—all things that many young people face at some point in their lives.

What sets this book apart is how relatable it is. Each poem is brief but rich in meaning, reminding you that no matter what challenges you’re facing, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever found it hard to express your feelings, this book beautifully demonstrates how simple yet profound poetry can be. It’s like diving into someone else’s thoughts and realizing they mirror your own.

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2. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

If you’re someone who loves stories but doesn’t usually dive into poetry, this one’s for you. The Poet X is a novel written in verse, which means it flows like a long, beautiful poem instead of the usual chapters. It tells the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American teenager who finds her voice through poetry, using it to express herself and challenge the expectations that others have for her.

Acevedo’s writing is so powerful that you can feel every emotion she conveys—her words resonate with a rhythm that feels almost musical. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or like you don’t quite belong, this book will resonate with you. It’s all about building confidence, breaking free from limitations, and embracing your own narrative.

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3. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

Not all poetry has to be heavy and serious—sometimes, it’s just plain fun. A Light in the Attic is a delightful collection of whimsical, silly, and occasionally surprisingly insightful poems that remind us that poetry can be whatever we want it to be. Shel Silverstein’s writing is bursting with creativity, humour, and quirky twists that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

If you’ve ever thought poetry has to be dull or overly complex, this book will change your perspective. It shows that poetry isn’t just about weighty subjects—it can be playful, odd, and completely unexpected, which is sometimes just what we need. While these poems are lighthearted, they also carry meaningful messages about life, creativity, and seeing the world from a different angle.

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In the end, poetry isn’t just about fancy words or rules—it’s about feeling something, imagining something, and understanding yourself a little better. Poetry is like a secret doorway to our imagination, turning ordinary words into wild adventures, unspoken dreams, and entire worlds built based on our feelings. It gives us a way to understand our inner world, shaping our thoughts and memories into something we can see and feel on paper.

So, if you haven’t already, give it a chance. Scribble down your thoughts, pick up a poetry book, or just let yourself get lost in the rhythm of words. Who knows? You might just find a part of yourself in the process.