Where the Sidewalk Ends – Shel Silverstein
This book is a classic and one of the books that got me interested in poetry as a kid. The writing is so simple and yet creates such a vivid image in this goofy childlike way that still manages to amaze me.
B – Sarah Kay
I love this poem not only because it is strong and grasps at the heart strings but because I actually bought this book at a Sarah Kay reading and was able to meet her. This poem grabs the reader by the heart and demands attention and I love that.
Dear, Sincerely – David Hernandez
I read this book for a poetry class in college and I feel like it changed the course of my life. This collection focuses on identity and is incredibly refreshing in it’s approach to wit and original imagery.
Letters To My Lover From Behind Asylum Walls – Robin Sinclair
I just reviewed this collection not too long ago for Marias at Sampaguitas and I fell in love on the first read through. Sinclair’s language is so immersive that I almost forgot that I was reading a book!
Imaginary Vessels – Paisley Rekdal
I read this book for a poetry class and I’m so glad that I got the chance to be captivated by Paisley Rekdal’s work. What is most enticing to me about this collection is the ground it covers and how there are several different approaches (in terms of theme and form) to telling stories from her life and the lives of others.
Venus Davis is a 20-year-old nonbinary writer from Cleveland, Ohio. They are a former poetry reader for Random Sample Review, a social media content creator for Ayaskala, and a podcaster for Prismatica Magazine. Venus is a regular contributor for Marias at Sampaguitas, Ayaskala, and they are the editor in chief of the upcoming print/online lit mag, Periwinkle Literary Magazine..