Ross~ World Poetry Day 2024

In honour of World Poetry Day, I’ve collected together some of our most beloved poems and poets.

To kick us off, we’ve got two Jhalak prize 2024 long list nominees.

Self-portrait as Othello by Jason Allen-Paisant thrusts Othello into the turbulent modern day, explore identify and the black male body in our urban centres. Part memoir, part philosophy but always exhilarating.

Bright Fear by Mary Jean Chan tackles big, universal themes of grief, growing up and isolation with moving gentleness, never forgetting to highlight small moments where joy can be found in abundance.

With spring arriving in flourishes or rain and heat, it feels the perfect time to highlight our next two picks.

A Nature Poem for Every Spring Evening edited by Jane McMorland Hunter does exactly what it says on the time, and does it beautifully. Uplifting and optimistic, this book is like a warm hug at the end of the day.

The Poetry Pharmacy Forever edited by William Sieghart is another collection that is on your side. Listing countless common emotional maladies, this book had the perfect poetic antidote to get you through.

We couldn’t talk about poetry without mentioning the classics too, both old and more recent.

Songs of Innocence and of Experience by William Blake combines two sets of poems from this beloved author into one. Each poem is set opposite the originally fully illustrated print from its first publication in the 19th Century. A dive into history and a great mind.

Leaving the 1800s behind, we end our list with two powerhouses of 20th century storytelling, both presented here in our gorgeous Faber and Faber collection.

Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney erupts volcanic with childhood memories and changing adult identities. Drawing on myth and experience, it’s a must read.

Finally, and by no means least, Sylvia Plath Selected Poems collected by Ted Hughes brings together the best of the best of Plath’s work. Destructive and nihilistic prose sit comfortably next to tender and caring moments and Plath weaves her magic once again.