This week, I gotta do it. Forget full books, poems have to take precedence this week. Really though, the best poems are ones that make you feel something. Even though a small poem sometimes couldn’t seem like it could have a big emotional impact, the influence of a simple couplet or a delightfully worded phrase can be lasting.
Most people who think negatively of poetry have only been exposed to dry classical poetry in a classroom setting, but poetry is so much more than that. What prose fiction lacks in flowery descriptive language, poetry provides in imagery, relying on the reader’s emotions to aid in the final result. So before you make a final judgment on whether or not poetry is the most boring form of reading ever, read these four poems and try to keep an open mind. Maybe you’ll even see the art of poetry from a whole new light.
**[Typewriter Series #1257](http://tylerknott.com/post/128422219632/typewriter-series-1257-by-tyler-knott-gregson) by Tyler Knott Gregson**
Tyler Knott Gregson began his “Typewriter Series” in 2012 and has since received artistic social media accolades. Whether on Tumblr, Pinterest or even Twitter, his art has been spread across the platforms as a subject for romantic idolatry. Most people probably have seen his dreamy poems at one point, and many typically associate him with the distinctness of his “Typewriter Series.” Despite the plain numerical name, #1257 is an incredibly touching poem about the disappointment that stems from being left out and having the insight to see that it won’t last forever. Gregson truly has a way with words, and his easy to read yet overwhelmingly emotional word choice makes his poems relatable to not only academics but the casual reader as well. The poem is a part of Gregson’s new collection, “All The Words are Yours,” and is available for preorder on his website. Although all of Gregson’s poems are worth a read, #1257 is especially beautiful, particularly for college students who are working on figuring out who they are.
**[Still I Rise](http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/still-i-rise) by Maya Angelou**
Maya Angelou once said, “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” All her writing exemplifies just that, but particularly her ever-quoted poem “Still I Rise.” An incredibly defiant message to oppressors, Angelou illustrates her strength and power against the persecution and harassment the black community was subjected to during this time. Through her unwavering response, though, Angelou is able to proudly speak politically, not asking for sympathy but demanding respect. Her spirit, particularly in “Still I Rise” is evident, and anyone who reads this poem will feel empowered. The repetition at the end of the poem only allows the message to be driven even further home. And even so, the masterful use of language, rhyme scheme and impressive imagery aid in making the poem a truly perfect package. It reminds us that no matter what happens, you can rise, and that’s really something you can never forget.
**[Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening](http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171621) by Robert Frost**
This is probably my favorite poem of all-time. Robert Frost’s epitaph read, “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world,” which is revealed in many of his works, particularly “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” When the speaker describes the hushed, snowy landscape, his respective tranquil language makes the reader feel like they are in the setting right along with the narrator. The combination of light and dark connotative language is perfectly utilized to express the melancholic feeling of the setting. The best part of the poem by far, though, is the repetition of the last line, “miles to go before I sleep.” Many academics speculate that the first repetition has a literal meaning and the next signifies death, which adds a whole new layer to the piece. The beauty of the language combined with the stunningly complex story adds to the intricacy of the whole poem. In every way, the vivid language in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” exemplifies all the reasons poetry is so magical.
**[All The Hemispheres](http://www.techofheart.co/2011/04/all-hemispheres-and-two-other-poems-of.html) by Hafiz**
Hafiz was a Persian poet in the early 14th century and was extremely influential in the spiritual aspects of early Persian history. Even though he wrote this poem over six centuries ago, “All The Hemispheres” is still able to resonate with people in the modern century. Hafiz’s pen name is quite a departure from his full name, Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi, but he originally earned the pen name from memorizing the entirety of the Qur’an. His religious background shows through in “All The Hemispheres” as he merges spirituality, self-examination and art to create a poem that really excites the urge for a fresh start. Whether beginning something new or trying to look at something in a renewed way, this poem is both inspirational and beautifully worded. Hafiz successfully brings together many elements of the poem to create a sense of familiarity and comfort, as though you are not truly ever alone because all the “hemispheres” are working within you. At its core, though, “All The Hemispheres” is a poem about the withdrawal from the familiar and the acceptance of a new introspective outlook. For anyone who’s looking for a wonderful way to find a new perspective or just a lovely poem to read, this is definitely a good pick.