Poetry for the Heart: 6 Poems to Read When You’re Feeling Homesick

Homesickness is a universal emotion—whether you’re missing a specific place, the warmth of family, or the comforting familiarity of a past moment. Thankfully, poetry can help bridge the distance, capturing those tender feelings of longing and connection in words that make us feel less alone. Here are six contemporary poems that offer solace, reflection, and a sense of home when you’re feeling far from it.

“Home” by Warsan Shire

Warsan Shire’s “Home“ is a powerful meditation on the meaning of home, especially for those forced to leave theirs behind. While its main themes speak to displacement, the poem also resonates with anyone missing the feeling of safety and belonging that “home” represents. Shire’s evocative lines remind us that home is not just a physical place but an emotional anchor.

Key line: “You only leave home / when home won’t let you stay.”

“The World Keeps Ending, and the World Goes On” by Franny Choi

Franny Choi’s poem is about resilience amid change and loss, making it a poignant choice for anyone feeling unmoored. While not explicitly about homesickness, it captures the ache of being displaced and the longing for something steady and familiar.

Key line: “We’ll plant gardens in the lava / then sleep like dogs in the sun.”

“Good Bones” by Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith’s “Good Bones“ is a gentle reminder that even in the face of chaos and imperfection, there is hope and beauty. For those missing the comfort of home or struggling to make a new one, the poem offers encouragement to find light in the cracks.

Key line: “This place could be beautiful, / right? You could make this place beautiful.”

“An American Sunrise” by Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo, the U.S. Poet Laureate from 2019–2022, weaves history, memory, and identity into “An American Sunrise.” The poem reflects on the idea of home as both a physical and ancestral connection, resonating with anyone who feels the pull of their roots.

Key line: “We were running out of breath, as we ran to meet ourselves.”

Instructions on Not Giving Up by Ada Limón

Limón strikes again with this ode to perseverance and growth. This poem uses the metaphor of trees budding in spring to inspire hope, encouraging readers to hold on during tough times. For those longing for home, it’s a gentle reminder to keep going.

Key line: “More than the fuchsia funnels breaking out of the crabapple tree, / more than the neighbor’s almost obscene display of cherry limbs.”

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad

Though Suleika Jaouad is known for her memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, her poetry—especially “”—explores the liminal spaces between past and present, health and illness, and home and away. It’s an emotional balm for those caught between places, longing for clarity and comfort.

Key line: “Wherever I am, wherever we go, home will always be the in-between place, a wilderness I’ve grown to love.”

Finding Comfort in Poetry

Homesickness is tough, but poetry can be a balm, offering connection and understanding when you need it most. These contemporary works remind us that longing for home is a deeply human experience, and through poetry, we can still feel at home—no matter where we are.