There’s something about poetry that pulls us in, wrapping around our hearts like an old song we never quite forget. It’s words stripped down to their essence, arranged with rhythm and meaning, carrying more power in a handful of lines than whole novels sometimes do. Poetry is ancient, timeless, and universal—it speaks to us in whispers, in shouts, in echoes that travel through history.
March 21st is World Poetry Day, a time to honor the poets—both classic and contemporary—who have given us words that make us feel, think, and dream. It’s a day to celebrate how poetry connects us, weaving together experiences across generations and cultures. Whether you read poetry daily, pick it up only when you need comfort, or simply admire the way a well-crafted verse lingers in your mind, today is the perfect moment to immerse yourself in the beauty of language.
This year, I want to highlight some of the bestselling poetry books that have captivated readers worldwide, along with an extraordinary collection that brings poetry into our daily lives in the most magical way—Allie Esiri’s anthologies.
The Bestselling Poetry Books That Have Captivated Readers
Some poetry books rise above the rest, becoming not just collections of verse but cultural touchstones. These are the books that resonate deeply, the ones that readers return to time and again:
1. The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur became a household name with Milk and Honey, and The Sun and Her Flowers cemented her place as one of the defining voices of modern poetry. This collection moves through themes of growth, self-love, heartbreak, and healing, wrapped in Kaur’s signature minimalist style. It’s deeply personal yet universally relatable, making it a favorite for readers of all ages.
2. Devotions by Mary Oliver
Few poets capture the quiet beauty of the world like Mary Oliver. Devotions is a breathtaking retrospective of her work, spanning more than five decades of poetry that celebrates nature, love, and the human spirit. Her words feel like a gentle hand on your shoulder, reminding you to pause, breathe, and appreciate the wonder of everyday life.
3. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman made history as the youngest inaugural poet, and her collection Call Us What We Carry is a stunning testament to her talent. Her poetry weaves personal reflections with historical and cultural themes, addressing resilience, identity, and the collective experience of recent years. Gorman’s words are powerful, lyrical, and deeply moving.
4. The Essential Rumi translated by Coleman Barks
Rumi’s poetry transcends time, culture, and language, touching on themes of love, spirituality, and the mysteries of existence. The Essential Rumi is a beautiful collection of his most beloved works, translated by Coleman Barks to capture the essence of his mystical, soul-stirring words. If you’ve never read Rumi, this collection is the perfect place to start.
5. Home Body by Rupi Kaur
In Home Body, Kaur explores self-reflection, trauma, and healing, offering deeply personal poetry that resonates with readers navigating their own journeys of self-discovery. Her words are both simple and profound, making this collection an intimate and emotional read.
A Poem for Every Day and Night of the Year: The Magic of Allie Esiri’s Anthologies
For those who love poetry but aren’t sure where to begin—or for those who want poetry to become a daily ritual—Allie Esiri’s collections are an absolute treasure.
Esiri’s A Poem for Every Day of the Year and A Poem for Every Night of the Year offer a beautifully curated journey through poetry, tying each poem to a specific date. These anthologies introduce readers to an incredible range of poets, from the classics to contemporary voices, making them perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as a quiet moment of reflection.
Why These Books Are So Special
• Seasonal Themes: The poems are carefully chosen to reflect the changing seasons, historical events, and special days throughout the year. You might find a love poem in February, a nature-themed verse in April, or a piece commemorating a historical moment in November.
• Perfect for Reading Aloud: These anthologies are ideal for families, teachers, and anyone who enjoys the power of spoken poetry. Reading a poem aloud brings it to life in a way that is both intimate and communal.
• A Mix of Familiar and New Voices: You’ll find well-loved classics alongside remarkable discoveries, making each day’s selection a delightful surprise. From Shakespeare to Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson to Carol Ann Duffy, the range of voices ensures that there’s something for everyone.
• An Invitation to Pause and Reflect: In our fast-paced world, taking a moment to read a poem each day is a way to slow down, reconnect with language, and find meaning in small moments.
Exploring the Seasons Through Poetry
Esiri’s anthologies are not just books—they’re experiences that unfold throughout the year.
• Spring: Poems that celebrate renewal, growth, and the fresh energy of the season. Think Wordsworth’s daffodils, Emily Brontë’s windswept moors, and modern verses about the first signs of warmth.
• Summer: Sun-drenched poetry that captures the joy of long days, golden evenings, and the freedom of the season. You’ll find works by Seamus Heaney, Walt Whitman, and contemporary poets who paint summer with words.
• Autumn: The season of transition, where poetry turns introspective. Rich imagery of falling leaves, crisp air, and the passage of time fills the pages. Expect lines from Keats’ To Autumn, Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, and Sylvia Plath’s sharp, haunting reflections.
• Winter: Poems of reflection, celebration, and quiet beauty. From festive verses to wintry landscapes, this section offers everything from T.S. Eliot’s Journey of the Magi to comforting lines about fireside warmth and snowy stillness.
These anthologies make poetry accessible, offering daily doses of inspiration, wisdom, and emotion. Whether you read them alone with your morning coffee or share them at bedtime with loved ones, they bring poetry into the rhythm of everyday life.
Why Poetry Matters
Poetry isn’t just about rhyme and meter—it’s about feeling. It’s about the way words shape us, challenge us, and comfort us. Whether it’s the deep passion of Rumi, the stark beauty of Mary Oliver, or the contemporary rawness of Rupi Kaur, poetry has a way of reaching into our hearts and making us feel seen.
On this World Poetry Day, I encourage you to pick up a poem—maybe from one of the bestsellers mentioned here, maybe from Allie Esiri’s incredible anthologies. Read it aloud. Share it with someone. Let it sit with you for a while. Because poetry, in the end, isn’t just about words on a page. It’s about connection, emotion, and the way language has the power to change us.
What are your favorite poetry books? Let me know—I’d love to hear what words have stayed with you.
Happy Reading,
Love,
Emma
EmmaCohan.com 
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