Poems have a way of taking us on a roller coaster of emotions. We laugh, we cry, we get mad, but more than anything it changes us and stays within our souls. The powerful words have a way of bringing out feelings inside of us that we didn’t know existed. Check out my list of awesome poems.
- Success Is Counted Sweetest, by EMILY DICKINSON
This poem resonated with me because it’s not necessarily about winning. Emily conveyed that success can be easily depicted by those who may have suffered a defeat before. Experiencing that loss will not only allow you to recognize success, but make you appreciate it that much more.
- Song of the Open Road, by WALT WHITMAN
I love this poem because he leaves so much to the imagination. All we know is that a man is going on a trip and that the road or land is all he needs. We don’t know where he’s going or who he’s going to see, but that the liberating feeling of needing nothing and exploring everything is all that’s important at the moment.
- Dreams, by LANGSTON HUGHES
Dreams are what gives us the extra push to strive for better things. Whether they’re big or small, we need them in order to have something to look forward to. Langston Hughes created this simple poem, but it carries so much weight. If we don’t hold onto our dreams, our lives will be empty and meaningless.
- Valentine, by ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Hemingway had such a way with words. This prose was only two sentences long, but it was so eloquent and it captures you in ways that promote deep thought. I wondered many times what it meant, and what I came up with was he really wanted a special someone to be his Valentine…or else.
- The Raven, by EDGAR ALLAN POE
Ironically, words cannot do this poem justice in terms of it’s brilliance. Poe outdid himself with this dark and twisted piece. He took us into the depths of a grieving man’s soul and amazingly kept our eyes peeled as the Raven repeatedly spoke one word.
- Phenomenal Woman, by MAYA ANGELOU
If ever there was a poem to make a woman feel sexy, this would be it. It defines a woman’s physique, style, and confidence all in one. I love the way it doesn’t focus on what size a woman should be or how she should act. Being a phenomenal woman means being yourself, loving who you are, and simply knowing your worth.
Shina James 