Revitalize Your Spirits: 50 Poems to Brighten Your Day
Laughter, inspiration, comfort… the perfect poem can illuminate even the darkest of days. Renowned poets Andrew Motion, Kayo Chingonyi, Tishani Doshi, and others have handpicked a selection of verses that never fail to uplift their souls.
Brian Bilston
Poet and Novelist
1) “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers” by Emily Dickinson
2) “Poem [Lana Turner has collapsed!]” by Frank O’Hara
3) “Not My Best Side” by UA Fanthorpe
4) “Aimless Love” by Billy Collins
5) “Survivor” by Roger McGough
Poetry has a unique ability to touch us in ways nothing else can, akin to Emily Dickinson’s portrayal of hope as a resilient bird in “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers,” offering solace even in the harshest conditions. Conversely, Frank O’Hara’s “Poem [Lana Turner has collapsed!]” sweeps us up with its infectious energy and urgency, while UA Fanthorpe’s “Not My Best Side” injects humor into our absurdities, mirroring Paolo Uccello’s painting Saint George and the Dragon. Laughter, too, is a potent elixir, expertly delivered by Billy Collins in “Aimless Love,” where mundane objects become sources of joy. And in Roger McGough’s “Survivor,” we find resilience distilled into poignant brevity.
Kayo Chingonyi
Poet and Editor
6) “The moon rose over the bay. I had a lot of feelings” by Donika Kelly
7) “Brand New Lover” by Amy Key
8) “Against Complaint” by Roddy Lumsden
9) “Caveat” by Fiona Benson
10) “From Blossoms” by Li-Young Lee
I’m drawn to poets who celebrate life’s simple pleasures, like Donika Kelly’s evocative portrayal of moonlit emotions or Amy Key’s intoxicating exploration of new love in “Brand New Lover.” Roddy Lumsden’s “Against Complaint” reminds us to find gratitude amid adversity, while Fiona Benson’s “Caveat” offers a refreshing perspective on resilience, akin to a cactus blooming in the desert. And in Li-Young Lee’s “From Blossoms,” we’re reminded of the profound joy found in the ordinary.
Ella Risbridger
Editor of the anthology Set Me on Fire: A Poem for Every Feeling
11) “How to Triumph Like a Girl” by Ada Limon
12) “To the Woman Crying Uncontrollably in the Next Stall” by Kim Addonizio
13) “Goodtime Jesus” by James Tate
14) “People Are a Living Structure Like a Coral Reef” by Heather Christle
15) “Poem in Which I Practise Happiness” by Joe Dunthorne
In these poems, humor intertwines with profound insights into the human experience. Ada Limon’s “How to Triumph Like a Girl” celebrates the resilience of femininity, while Kim Addonizio’s “To the Woman Crying Uncontrollably in the Next Stall” offers a poignant reminder of impending joy. James Tate’s “Goodtime Jesus” injects irreverence into spirituality, and Heather Christle’s “People Are a Living Structure Like a Coral Reef” celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity. Joe Dunthorne’s “Poem in Which I Practise Happiness” invites us to revel in life’s simple pleasures.
Andrew Motion
Former Poet Laureate
16) “Epistle to Miss Blount” by Alexander Pope
17) “Epitaph on a Hare” by William Cowper
18) “Hurricane Hits England” by Grace Nichols
19) “In My Country” by Jackie Kay
20) “Postscript” by Seamus Heaney
Poetry, far from offering mere escapism, confronts life’s challenges head-on. Alexander Pope’s “Epistle to Miss Blount” grapples with boredom and isolation, while William Cowper’s “Epitaph on a Hare” finds beauty in unexpected places. Grace Nichols’s “Hurricane Hits England” explores themes of homesickness and resilience, and Jackie Kay’s “In My Country” confronts racism with unwavering courage. Seamus Heaney’s “Postscript” offers a defiant affirmation of life’s beauty amidst adversity.
Hannah Lowe
Winner of the 2021 Costa Book of the Year for her collection The Kids
21) “Great Western Road” by Donny O’Rourke
22) “Belle Isle, 1949” by Philip Levine
23) “Beginning in a City, 1948” by James Berry
24) “What the Living Do” by Marie Howe
25) “Looking at Them Asleep” by Sharon Olds
In these poems, the mundane becomes extraordinary, offering solace in the everyday. Donny O’Rourke’s “Great Western Road” celebrates the simple joys of life, while Philip Levine’s “Belle Isle, 1949” finds wonder in teenage adventures. James Berry’s “Beginning in a City, 1948” captures the immigrant experience with poignancy, and Marie Howe’s “What the Living Do” reminds us to cherish life’s small moments. Sharon Olds’s “Looking at Them Asleep” offers a tender portrayal of familial love.
Andrew McMillan
Poet and Editor
26) “Filling Station” by Elizabeth Bishop
27) “Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong” by Ocean Vuong
28) “Final Curve” by Langston Hughes
29) “There is no life or death” by Mina Loy
30) “Provisional Eternity” by Mark Strand
These poems offer a sanctuary for the soul, reminding us of our resilience in the face of adversity. Elizabeth Bishop’s “Filling Station” celebrates the bonds of love that connect us all, while Ocean Vuong’s “Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong” offers a message of hope and self-acceptance. Langston Hughes’s “Final Curve” reflects on life’s journey with wisdom and grace, and Mina Loy’s “There is no life or death” invites us to embrace the uncertainty of existence. Mark Strand’s “Provisional Eternity” reminds us of the beauty found in simple moments of connection.
Elif Shafak
Novelist
31) “All Rivers at Once” by Rumi
32) “Ithaka” by CP Cavafy
33) “Remember How We Forgot” by Lemn Sissay
34) “[the] north[ern] [of] ireland” by Pádraig Ó Tuama
35) “Old Tongue” by Jackie Kay
Poetry transcends boundaries, offering solace and connection in times of uncertainty. Rumi’s “All Rivers at Once” celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity, while CP Cavafy’s “Ithaka” reminds us of the importance of the journey itself. Lemn Sissay’s “Remember How We Forgot”
offers a poignant reflection on memory and loss, and Pádraig Ó Tuama’s “[the] north[ern] [of] ireland” explores themes of pain and resilience. Jackie Kay’s “Old Tongue” celebrates the power of language and identity.
Rishi Dastidar
Poet and Critic
36) “Delight in Disorder” by Robert Herrick
37) “Hiroshima, 1961” by Holly Singlehurst
38) “Soulcraft” by John McCullough
39) “The Orange” by Wendy Cope
40) “The Tiger” by Nael
These poems offer moments of joy and reflection, reminding us of the beauty found in everyday life. Robert Herrick’s “Delight in Disorder” celebrates the chaos of existence, while Holly Singlehurst’s “Hiroshima, 1961” finds beauty in unexpected places. John McCullough’s “Soulcraft” reflects on the transformative power of light, and Wendy Cope’s “The Orange” revels in the simplicity of a shared moment. Nael’s “The Tiger” reminds us of the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
Tishani Doshi
Poet
41) “Recreation” by Audre Lorde
42) “Ode to My Husband, Who Brings the Music” by Zeina Hashem Beck
43) “An Attempt at Jealousy” by Marina Tsvetaeva
44) “I Will Greet the Sun Again” by Forough Farrokhzad
45) “Fucking in Cornwall” by Ella Frears
These poems celebrate the resilience and beauty of the human spirit, offering moments of empowerment and connection. Audre Lorde’s “Recreation” celebrates the transformative power of the body, while Zeina Hashem Beck’s “Ode to My Husband, Who Brings the Music” explores themes of love and intimacy. Marina Tsvetaeva’s “An Attempt at Jealousy” offers a raw and honest reflection on desire and longing, and Forough Farrokhzad’s “I Will Greet the Sun Again” celebrates the possibility of renewal and rebirth. Ella Frears’s “Fucking in Cornwall” embraces the sensual and the sacred, reminding us of the joy found in human connection.
Mary Jean Chan
Winner of the 2019 Costa Poetry Prize for Fleche
46) “Canopy” by Emily Berry
47) “If There Is an Afterwards” by Vahni (Anthony Ezekiel) Capildeo
48) “Poplar Street” by Chen Chen
49) “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
50) “When the War Is Over” by WS Merwin
These poems offer moments of solace and reflection, inviting us to find beauty and meaning in the world around us. Emily Berry’s “Canopy” celebrates the interconnectedness of life, while Vahni (Anthony Ezekiel) Capildeo’s “If There Is an Afterwards” explores themes of loss and memory. Chen Chen’s “Poplar Street” reflects on the journey towards self-acceptance and love, while Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” celebrates the freedom found in nature. WS Merwin’s “When the War Is Over” offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.