BRIGHT DEAD THINGS – Ada Limon
I could reread this book often. There is a poem in here called “Prickly Pear and Fisticuffs” that I could identify with about being a Latina.
LOVE POEMS – Pablo Neruda
I received this book as a Christmas gift from my great-aunt who is from Ecuador and loves to read like me. I think that says enough about why I love this short collection.
KINGDOM ANIMALIA – Aracelis Girmay
I love this poetry collection because Aracelis articulates how suffering and living are intertwined so well.
COMPLETE POEMS – Anne Sexton
I was first introduced to Anne Sexton during my undergraduate years. I love this complete collection because I can see how her writing has evolved over time.
THE COLLECTED POEMS OF OCTAVIO PAZ, 1957-1987 – Octavio Paz
I love the poem “Sunstone” for its simple repetition and its symbolism of walking with sadness.
Taylor Banks is an MFA candidate at Stetson University. She currently works at JuxtaProse Literary Magazine as a poetry editor. She lives in Orlando, Florida.