Since 1996, the Academy of American Poets has deemed April as National Poetry Month. Whether you adore verse or haven’t read a poem since high school, why not give one of the poetry books a try!
The Twenty-Ninth Year by Hala Alyan – This book centers around the poet’s twenty-ninth year, which happens to be a year of upheaval, of marriage, and of change. It causes the reader to pause and reflect on changes in their own life and of how quickly time can move.
Aimless Love by Billy Collins – Former U.S. Poet Laureate, Collins captures the tiny and often un-noticeable events of everyday life while making them strike the reader with 
vibrancy.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur – This poetry book was first self published by Kaur, and has since been republished by Andrews McMeel. Kaur’s simplistic style of short lines and lowercase letters balances her heavy messages about violence, love, loss, and femininity.
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace – Divided into three sections, this collection is an empowering manifestation of healing and inspiration.
The Day is Ready for You by Alison Malee – This collection is about learning to find grace and breath within heartbreak.
Blue Horses by Mary Oliver – Known for her beautiful imagery and description of 
nature, this collection focuses on showing the reader how much beauty and wonder can be found in the small details of life.
DROPKICKromance by Cyrus Parker – Married to poet Amanda Lovelace, Parker’s poetry collection explores the moving from toxic relationships to healthy ones. His love poems are said to echo that of the poems Robert Browning wrote for Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell- This poetry book focuses on the themes of love and heartbreak. It’s divided into sections, that allow the reader to pick and choose what they want or need to read in that moment.
Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe – What poetry list wouldn’t be complete without the work of Edgar Allan Poe?
The Two Final Voicemails by Max Ritvo – After being diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 16, Ritvo spent the next decade of his life writing. This book explores the fear and isolation associated with long illnesses.
The Chaos of Longing by K.Y. Robinson – This collection of poetry was also originally self published before being published by Andrews McMeel. It explores toxic relationships 
and the discovery of self love.
Scribbled in the Dark by Charles Simic – Social insight and lyricism combine in Simic’s latest collection to continue to make him one of the “finest chroniclers of the human condition.”
Whiskey, Words, and a Shovel by R.H. Sin – All about learning to love yourself, even if it means creating heartbreak.
When you come into the library this week, be sure to check out our Poetry Book Display and pick a line to be inspired by from our Poetry Line Jar.
You can also attend our monthly It’s a Writer’s Thing: Creative Writing Group meeting on April 18 @ 7pm. It’s a great place to share and workshop writing of any kind with other local writers!
-Jessica Bielen, Adult Services Librarian