Poetry has always spoken so deeply and meaningfully to me, and it was a fellow friend of mine who introduced me to Rupi Kaur’s milk and honey book of poetry. Her poems cover the themes of love, abuse and healing. Her drawings and words may look simple and childlike (her “i’s” are never capitalized, and her illustrations are quite simple), but they evoke such mature reflections and poignant revelations.
Here are a couple of my favorite poems:
“i don’t know what living a balanced life feels like
when i am sad
i don’t cry i pour
when i am happy
i don’t smile i glow
when i am angry
i don’t yell i burn
the good thing about feeling in extremes is
when i love i give them wings
but perhaps that isn’t
such a good thing cause
they always tend to leave
and you should see me
when my heart is broken
i don’t grieve
i shatter”
“your art
is not about how many people
like your work
your art
is about
if your heart likes your work
if your soul likes your work
it’s about how honest
you are with yourself
and you
must never
trade honesty
for relatability
–to all you young poets”
Here’s to allowing yourself to feel completely; and, as Shakespeare said, “To thine own self be true.”