7 Sensational Contemporary Poets to Read for National Poetry Day
National Poetry Day, celebrated annually in the UK on the first Thursday of October since 1994, is a time to embrace the beauty and power of language. It’s a day dedicated to poetry lovers, seasoned and new alike, and a day to enjoy, discover, and share poems that inspire. Whether you’re a long-time poetry fan or just dipping your toes into the world of verse, National Poetry Day invites you to dive deep into the words and emotions that have shaped countless lives. With that spirit in mind, here are eight contemporary poets you need to read to celebrate this special day. Get ready to feel inspired, enlightened, and moved!
Isabella Dorta
Known for her evocative spoken word performances and deeply personal poetry, Isabella Dorta has captured the hearts of many through her emotional vulnerability and striking imagery. Her work explores love, loss, self-worth, and mental health with a raw, unflinching voice that resonates with readers and listeners alike. Whether you’re encountering her on stage, on social media, or in print, Dorta’s words will leave a lasting impression, reminding you of poetry’s ability to heal and connect us to our inner truths.
Della Hicks-Wilson
Della Hicks-Wilson’s poetry is a celebration of survival and self-love. Her work, which often reflects on the complexities of relationships, mental health, and identity, has a conversational tone that feels like a heart-to-heart with a trusted friend. Through her simple but powerful language, Hicks-Wilson connects with readers on a deeply emotional level, offering solace and empowerment. Her collections, and spoken word performances, are a must for anyone looking to find strength in vulnerability.
Greta Bellamacina
Greta Bellamacina’s poetry blends the beauty of nature with the intricacies of human experience. As a multi-talented poet, actor, and filmmaker, Bellamacina brings a cinematic quality to her poetry, painting vivid scenes that take readers on emotional journeys. Her work often reflects themes of motherhood, love, and the passage of time, wrapped in elegant, rhythmic language. Bellamacina is a must-read for those who appreciate poetry that blends art and life seamlessly.
Yrsa Daley-Ward
Yrsa Daley-Ward is a poet whose words brim with intensity and honesty. Best known for her collections Bone and The Terrible, Daley-Ward writes with a searing frankness about subjects like mental health, trauma, family, and identity. Her poetry invites readers to confront their own truths and explore the complexity of the human condition, making her work both profound and relatable.
Cleo Wade
Cleo Wade’s poetry is a celebration of kindness, empathy, and self-care. Often described as a poet for the modern age, Wade’s work blends poetry with motivational speech, offering readers both comfort and empowerment. Her words are a balm for anyone seeking to practice mindfulness, embrace their inner strength, and spread love and positivity to those around them.
Morgan Harper Nichols
Morgan Harper Nichols creates poetry that feels like a warm embrace. Known for her visually stunning art paired with inspirational words, Nichols writes about connection, purpose, and finding peace in the present moment. Her poetry is often shared on social media, where it has become a source of comfort and inspiration for thousands of readers worldwide.
Nikita Gill
Nikita Gill’s work is for anyone who’s ever needed a reminder of their own strength. Her poetry, often inspired by mythology, history, and the cosmos, explores themes of healing, empowerment, and survival. Gill’s writing serves as a beacon of hope, reminding readers that even in the darkest times, there’s light to be found within.
Whether you’re looking for poetry to empower, console, or inspire, these eight contemporary poets offer a diverse range of voices and styles. This National Poetry Day, take a moment to explore their work—you’re bound to find words that resonate and spark joy!
