Female Poets You Should Be Reading
As March marks Women’s History Month, it seems like the perfect time to highlight some of the women that have crafted poetry that makes us think, reflect, and even create our own art. While it is important to remember such greats as Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, and Sylvia Plath, here are some of my favorite women poets you should be reading this month and beyond.
Morgan Parker
One of the most dynamic new voices in poetry, Parker is the author of three poetry collections, including Magical Negro and There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé. Her work speaks to her experience as a Black woman and all of the trials and joys that come with it. Parker is also the cohost of Reparations, Live!
Sonia Sanchez
When talking about poets, especially women poets, it is important to look back at the writers who paved the way for our contemporary favorites. One of my personal favorite poets is Sonia Sanchez, who was one of the defining artists of the Black Arts Movement. In total, Sanchez has written 16 books and received numerous prizes for her work. Her most popular works include Homegirls and Handgrenades and I’ve Been A Woman.
Tracy K Smith
Smith had the honor of being the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States, as well as the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. When you read Smith’s poetry, you do not find it surprising that she is celebrated in such high regard. Her collections, which include Life on Mars, are a testament to Smith’s ability to tell a story that pulls you in and shows you worlds you did not even know existed.
Amanda Lovelace
Anyone who keeps up with the “Instagram Poet” trend over the past few years has heard of Lovelace—and if you haven’t, you have probably seen her work everywhere books have sold. Lovelace has made a name for herself with her feminist takes on old tropes, turning them into her own way of reclaiming a woman’s place in literature. In addition to her women are some kind of magic series, Lovelace has two collections scheduled to be released in 2020.
Orion Carloto
Another Instagram-famous writer who has caught major attention is Orion Carloto, a fashion guru and writer originally from Georgia. Carlito’s poems focus on lost love and self-growth, and she uses beautiful language that makes you feel as if you are talking to an old friend when you are reading her poems. In addition to her debut collection, Flux, Carloto has another collection coming out later this year.
Staceyann Chin
If you are looking for poetry that inspires a revolution, look no further than Staceyann Chin. Chin, born in Jamaica, has written poetry, theatre pieces, and nonfiction pieces that have been published and performed in multiple outlets. She is also a spoken word performer. Her most recent work, Crossfire, has garnered much attention for her candidness of being an out Black lesbian in the 21st century.
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About Sydney Logan
Sydney is a student, writer, and poet who calls Maryland and Boston home. When she isn’t tweeting or writing, you can find her snuggling her cat and figuring out how to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place. You can find her on Instagram at @syd.kristen