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"10 Modern Poets You Should Know"

In the world of poetry, there are countless artists with unique styles and voices

By AdityaraoPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
"10 Modern Poets You Should Know"
Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash

In the world of poetry, there are countless artists with unique styles and voices. While the classics will always hold a special place in our hearts, there are many modern poets who are making waves in the literary world today. Here are 10 modern poets you should know:

1. Rupi Kaur - With her raw and powerful poetry, Rupi Kaur has amassed a huge following on social media. Her debut collection, Milk and Honey, has sold millions of copies worldwide.

2. Warsan Shire - This Somali-British poet has won numerous awards for her work, which often explores themes of identity, migration, and displacement.

3. Ocean Vuong - Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, Vuong's poetry is both personal and political. His debut collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, was a National Book Award finalist.

4. Danez Smith - Smith's poetry is unapologetically bold and confrontational, tackling issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. Their latest collection, Homie, explores the complexities of friendship and community.

5. Claudia Rankine - Rankine is a renowned poet, essayist, and playwright whose work often addresses issues of race and power. Her book Citizen: An American Lyric, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry.

6. Terrance Hayes - Hayes is a poet and professor whose work has been praised for its musicality and experimentation. He has won numerous awards, including the National Book Award for his collection Lighthead.

7. Morgan Parker - Parker's poetry is witty, irreverent, and deeply personal. Her latest collection, Magical Negro, was a finalist for the National Book Award.

8. Tracy K. Smith - Smith is a former U.S. Poet Laureate whose work often explores the intersection of race, politics, and history. Her book Wade in the Water was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

9. Tommy Pico - Pico is a queer, indigenous poet whose work is both playful and profound. His latest collection, Junk, explores themes of addiction and recovery.

10. Ada Limón - Limón's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Her book The Carrying was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

These poets represent just a small selection of the amazing talent out there today. If you're looking to explore the world of modern poetry, they're a great place to start.

Here are five more modern poets you should know:

11. Kaveh Akbar - This Iranian-American poet's work often explores themes of addiction, recovery, and spirituality. His debut collection, Calling a Wolf a Wolf, was a finalist for the National Book Award.

12. Morgan Harper Nichols - Nichols is a poet and artist whose work has gained a huge following on social media. Her poetry often focuses on themes of self-care, healing, and personal growth.

13. Hanif Abdurraqib - A poet, essayist, and music critic, Abdurraqib's work often explores the intersection of pop culture and personal identity. His latest collection, A Fortune for Your Disaster, was a finalist for the National Book Award.

14. Patricia Smith - Smith is a poet and performance artist whose work is known for its lyrical intensity and social commentary. Her book Incendiary Art won the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award.

15. Ocean Vuong - Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, Vuong's poetry is both personal and political. His debut collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, was a National Book Award finalist.

Each of these poets brings a unique perspective and style to the world of poetry. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or new to the genre, these modern poets are sure to inspire and delight you with their words.

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