Since I was 8 years-old and started reading The Worst Witch books on repeat, I’ve been taken by fiction and poetry and its ability to take us to magical worlds, help us make sense of our lives, inspire us and boost our emotional intelligence. Reading about the experiences of The Worst Witch gave me early lessons on bullying, determination and women as powerful beings.
Although I enjoyed poetry from a very young age – Gargling with Jelly, anyone? It wasn’t until I was 20 that I really fell in love with this art form. So it’s never too late to start a love affair with poetry.
To celebrate National Poetry Day 2017, I’m going to share five poems I really rate – in particular – those that have a link to triumph over adversity, transformation, personal growth and self belief.
- The Rose that Grew from Concrete – Tupac Shakur (Autobiographical)
Did u hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete?Proving nature’s laws wrong it learned to walk without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping its dreams
It learned 2 breath fresh air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
When no one else even cared!
2. A carer’s Lost love – Emma Bacon
I was fortunate enough to see this poem performed at a conference and was really moved by it.
3. Desiderata – Max Ehrmann
I still remember how I felt the first time I read this – I was at work and struggling and warm, wise colleague shared it with me.
4. Vertical – Ruth Fainlight
…”I am released by language, / I escape through speech: / Which has no dimensions, / Demands no local habitation / Or allegiance, which sets me free / From whomsoever’s definition: / Jew. Woman. Poet.”
5. Still I rise – Maya Angelou
“…Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?…”
And now I’ve started I don’t want to stop! I’d love to hear about the poems that you go to when you feel lost or are looking for some motivation or inspiration.