What is the first name that comes to mind when you hear “instapoet?” More importantly, who is the second?
Since 2014, Rupi Kaur has dominated the modern poetry scene with her minimalistic writing style. While she might not have started this new wave of Instagram poetry, she certainly opened the door to many other poetry lovers. Now Instagram poetry is a style and medium all of its own.
Instagram poems are simple, purposeful, and personal. They are easily understood, use few words, and pack an emotional punch that some “classic” poets fail to deliver. What’s more, they are accessible, and that is what makes them so unique. Also, it makes them great for poetry collections.
So, if you are looking for a few more Instagram poets to follow, then look no further. Here are a few poetry collections that you will love (especially if you are a fan of Rupi Kaur.)
Pillow Thoughts, by Courtney Peppernell
Courtney Peppernell has a couple of poetry collections published, but Pillow Thoughts was her first. Her poems discuss love and heartbreak and are filled with emotion. Like Kaur, Peppernell uses simple and direct language to deliver her point. There is no need for fluff, each poem cuts right down to the bone.
I Saw You As A Flower, by Ellen Allbrey Everett
In I Saw You As A Flower, Ellen Allbrey Everett avoids flowy and figurative language. Kaur’s poems are similar. While still painting a clear image, Everett is direct with what she says in every line. You don’t have to worry about whether or not you understood what she was trying to say.
Nocturnal, by Wilder Poetry
Adding images to her poetry helped Kaur’s work stand out against traditional poetry. Wilder Poetry does the same, but they push the use of image and color much further. Simple poems combined with font, color changes, and striking images tell a story that goes far beyond words. As a result, you will want to look at these poems as much as you will want to read them.
The Feeling May Remain, by Akif Kichloo
Akif Kichloo’s poems in The Feeling May Remain, showcase pain, loss, and grief, all while being surrounded by reminders of self-care and love. Like many popular instapoets, including Kaur, each poem is short and declarative. More importantly, each poem offers emotion and insight for the reader.
The Type, by Sarah Kay
Spoken word poetry turned written poetry loses a bit of its impact, its punch. However, that isn’t the case for Sarah Kay. Her collection, The Type, is similar to Kaur because Kay also uses short poems with images. These images help to translate the power of spoken word poetry on to the page. Kay partnered with a friend, who is an illustrator to add art to this collection.
Sunflower Soul, by Distinee Gayle
Distinee Gayle’s poetry collection Sunflower Soul is all about growth, with a bit of a botany touch. The collection begins with seeds and ends with a fully grown plant representing the growth of the poet throughout the collection. Much like Kaur, Gayle shows her own growth from fear, helplessness, and defeat to finally taking control and becoming the person she was meant to be.
Light Filters In, by Caroline Kaufman
Caroline Kaufman shares her poems under the name @poeticpoison on Instagram. Light Filters In is her first collection and it does an amazing job reflecting our own experiences back at us. Kaufman’s poems are similar to Kaur’s in that they do a brilliant job reminding us that we are not alone.
Depression and Other Magic Tricks, by Sabrina Benaim
Sabrina Benaim is a performance poet whose poem “Explaining My Depression to My Mother” has millions of views. Her poetry collection, Depression and Other Magic Tricks may not be viral, but it certainly helps plenty of readers realize that they aren’t alone in their sadness. Like Kaur, Benaim’s easy language paints a picture that allows readers to understand her message without blatant about it.
Now that you are armed with a few of our favorite collections, what are some of yours? Let us know if we are missing any of your favorites.
To stay up-to-date, make sure to keep an eye out for more of little infinite’s featured content as we celebrate poetry, books, and this beautiful hot mess we call life on Instagram and Twitter.
Feature Image by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash.
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