The Best Poetry Books to Read and Reread

Team Salis Mania
Sep 26
14 min read

Discover the magic of poetry with our curated list of the best poetry books to read and reread. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these collections capture the beauty of language, emotions, and imagination. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or a curious newcomer, these books will inspire, comfort, and ignite your creativity with every turn of the page. Dive into a world of words that resonate and leave an everlasting impact.

Breaking the Darkness

Book by Srivalli Gottumukkala

Published by Bookleaf Publishing

In Breaking the Darkness, Srivalli Gottumukkala lays bare the intimate terrain of her struggles with mental health. This collection of poems, each paired with evocative artwork, is not simply a confessional; it is a map of resilience, fragility, and hope. The voice throughout is both deeply personal and profoundly universal, touching on the moments of despair that many readers will recognise while offering quiet affirmations of survival.

The opening works signal the book’s dual impulses: to confront inner turmoil and to trace pathways toward light. In poems like New Light and Doing What I Love, Gottumukkala writes with an unembellished clarity that frames hope as both fragile and defiant. Elsewhere, she navigates the dissonance between heart and mind, or the paradox of longing for comfort while resenting stillness, as in Restless Comfort. These tensions form the book’s pulse, a reminder that recovery is rarely linear.

Some of the most affecting poems are those rooted in family. A Light in the Dark, an ode to the poet’s grandmother, reads like a whispered prayer of gratitude. In contrast, pieces such as Silent Pain, Torn by Betrayal, and Silent Shadows take on the darker undercurrents of kinship, the unspoken wounds inflicted by relatives, the corrosive weight of betrayal, the silence that enables abuse. Gottumukkala is unflinching here, naming traumas often hidden behind closed doors. Yet even in these starkest moments, the act of articulation itself becomes a form of resistance.

What makes the collection memorable is the poet’s ability to entwine vulnerability with defiance. In Living with Bipolar, she reflects on the twists and turns of the condition, finding strength in the act of embracing herself as she is. In Single by Choice and The Rebel I Am, she asserts independence with a clear, ringing voice, presenting autonomy not as rebellion alone but as an act of healing.

The poems often carry the simplicity of spoken thought, but it is in this spareness that they achieve their power. In Happy on My Own, the poet conveys the idea that we can learn to shine independently, becoming our own best friend. What might seem like affirmation at first resonates, in the larger arc of the collection, as a hard-earned truth.

Breaking the Darkness is not a book that offers easy catharsis. It is instead a document of endurance, of what it means to live with anxiety, with fractured family ties, with the weight of betrayal, and still find a way to choose sunflowers over roses. Gottumukkala’s work insists that light is not the absence of darkness but the will to break through it.

शब्दो का सफर

Book by Vijeta

Published by Bookleaf Publishing

शब्दों का सफर में कवयित्री विजेता एक ऐसा संकलन प्रस्तुत करती हैं जो किसी सलीके से बंधी कविताओं की किताब से ज़्यादा एक डायरी-सा प्रतीत होता है—परिवार पर, छोटे-छोटे सुखों पर, प्रेम और विरह के द्वंद्व पर। उनकी भाषा सीधी-सादी है, बिना अलंकारों के, और फिर भी गहरी असरदार, जो साधारण पलों को नैतिक और भावनात्मक खोज में बदल देती है।

प्रारंभिक कविता सोने का पिंजरा इसी लय को स्थापित करती है। एक सुनहरे पिंजरे में कैद पंछी स्वामित्व और स्वतंत्रता के बीच खींचतान का प्रतीक बन जाता है। विजेता आग्रह करती हैं कि पिंजरे का मालिक उस पक्षी को मुक्त करे—क्योंकि सौंदर्य जब बंध जाता है तो उसका अर्थ भी कम हो जाता है।

यह स्वतंत्रता की पुकार कोमल कविताओं में भी गूंजती है। बूँदों और हवा की लुका-छिपी में वर्षा और हवाओं की शरारतों में जीवन का उल्लास मिलता है। ज़िद तो अच्छी है में बचपन की ज़िद को, जिसे बड़े अक्सर खारिज कर देते हैं, कवयित्री भविष्य की जद्दोजहद में संबल बनने वाली जिद्द के रूप में पुनर्परिभाषित करती हैं। हल्की-फुल्की लगने वाली कविताओं में भी छिपा संदेश है—खेल हमेशा सबक से जुड़ा होता है और मासूमियत दृढ़ता से।

विजेता की सबसे प्रखर कविताएँ परिवार पर केंद्रित हैं। पिता और बुढ़ापा उस विरोधाभास को उजागर करती है जिसमें पिता ने बच्चे को प्यार से पाला और अब वही बड़ा हो चुका बच्चा अपने बूढ़े पिता की देखभाल को बोझ मानता है। मेरेपापा में यह स्वर और गहरा होकर कृतज्ञता में बदल जाता है, मानो स्वीकारोक्ति की तरह। इसी तरह नन्ही परी और तू सबसमझ जाती है बेटी के प्रति न केवल कोमल बल्कि श्रद्धाभावपूर्ण प्रेम को रेखांकित करती हैं—कहीं नाज़ुक तो कहीं दृढ़—जो बचपन की जादूभरी दुनिया और उससे मिलने वाली समझदारी दोनों को पकड़ लेती हैं।

खुशी और दुख भी यहाँ विरोधी नहीं, बल्कि एक-दूसरे के पूरक हैं। खुशियों का पासवर्ड में कवयित्री कहती हैं कि आनंद की चाबी दुःख के भीतर ही छिपी है; एक दूसरे के बिना अधूरे हैं। यह द्वंद्व—आनंद और पीड़ा, कैद और स्वतंत्रता, जवानी और बुढ़ापा—पूरे संग्रह में बहता है और कविताओं को गहराई प्रदान करता है।

हर कविता समान स्तर तक नहीं पहुँचती। चाँद ने चाँदनी से कहा और समुद्र एक रहस्य जैसी रचनाएँ अधिकतर सूक्ति जैसी लगती हैं, उनकी छवियाँ परिचित हैं, चौंकाने वाली नहीं। लेकिन ये कविताएँ भी पाठक को ठहराव देती हैं, जिससे बाद की भावनात्मक तीव्रता और उभरकर सामने आती है।

शब्दों का सफर की सबसे बड़ी ताकत भाषा की भव्यता में नहीं बल्कि उसकी सरल दृष्टि में है। विजेता वहाँ ठहरती हैं जहाँ ज़्यादातर कवि गुज़र जाते—बच्चे की ज़िद, माँ की अदृश्य मेहनत, पिता के मौन बलिदान—और इन्हें लिरिकल ध्यान में बदल देती हैं। यह संग्रह कहता है कि जीवन का असली ताना-बाना नायकों के क्षणों में नहीं बल्कि साधारण, अक्सर अनदेखे रह जाने वाले प्रेम और देखभाल के इशारों में बुना होता है।

शब्दों का सफर कोई ऊँची आवाज़ में बोलने वाली किताब नहीं है; यह धीमे-धीमे गुनगुनाती है। इसकी कविताएँ छोटे दीपक हैं, जो परिचित कमरों को इतना आलोकित करती हैं कि हमें दिख जाए—जो हमेशा से वहाँ था: सुंदरता, नाज़ुकपन और इंसान होने की गहरी सरलता।

Click: Snapshots in Verse

Book by Bijoy Idicheriah

Published by BookLeaf Publishing

Bijoy Idicheriah’s Click: Snapshots in Verse lives up to its title. Each poem feels like a still photograph, moments captured with startling clarity, sometimes beautiful, sometimes unsettling, often leaving the reader with more questions than answers. The collection does not follow a single narrative arc, but instead offers vignettes of life, love, memory, and disquiet, much like flipping through an album of impressions.

The poems often hinge on paradoxes. In “Listen,” a meditation on festivals and silence, the clash between the deafening noise of crackers and the quiet solemnity of the idol unmasks the contradictions in how we celebrate. “Growth” unsettles with its inversion of a cherished word: what if the very thing we associate with progress signals our undoing when spoken in a doctor’s office? These are moments where Idicheriah’s voice lands with force, as if reminding us that language itself is unstable terrain.

There is humor, too, in the deceptively light “Myopia,” which plays with sight and perspective, and power in “Doors,” a sharp, uncompromising piece on women’s empowerment. “Birth” draws the reader into the fragility of existence, balancing wonder with the specter of risk, a reminder that life itself is precarious and therefore precious.

Memory and change surface repeatedly. In “Prodigal,” the poet turns nostalgia into an ache, asking what happens when the places we once called home become little more than recollections. “Looking Back from the Bridge” and “Voices in the Corridor” echo similar themes of distance and longing.

Idicheriah also interrogates the machinery of modern life. “Invisible Chains” captures the suffocating cycles of the corporate world, where happiness is subdued and creativity compressed to fit into hierarchies and labels. “I Hate You,” perhaps the collection’s most audacious poem, reframes hate as the only true bond that keeps us entangled with one another. It is provocative, unsettling, and undeniably original.

Not every piece carries the same weight. Poems like “Siren,” “Bitter Patter,” and “Cringe” feel more like sketches than finished works. Yet even these lighter fragments serve as tonal shifts, offering breath between the heavier meditations.

At its best, Click achieves what its title suggests: the sudden shutter of recognition, the flash of insight, the uncomfortable intimacy of being caught in someone else’s lens. Idicheriah’s poetry is not meant to soothe. It challenges, disturbs, and surprises, reminding us that a poem, like a photograph, can expose far more than we expect.

Aqueous Epiphany

Book by Ankit Naik

Published by BookLeaf Publishing

Ankit Naik’s Aqueous Epiphany is a collection that wades into the currents of mortality, love, loss, and the inexorable cycles of nature. Each poem seems to emerge like a ripple from an unseen depth, carrying with it the poet’s fascination with shadows, transformations, and the delicate line between beginnings and endings.

“The Me in the Shadows” and “Apocalypse” set the tone with their brooding reflections, situating the reader in landscapes where inner turmoil and worldly collapse mirror each other. From there, “Briny Reproach” arrives as a chilling meditation on death, its language sharp and thrilling, while “F for Fall” softens the edges with its graceful observation of the season’s transience, reminding us that every end is a new beginning.

The collection finds its boldest footing in pieces like “Afterlife,” a thought provoking engagement with what lingers beyond, and “Afterglow,” which illuminates the quiet beauty of impermanence. “L for Lust” carries an unflinching honesty, while “Black” plunges into the darker dimensions of love, both works showcasing Naik’s ability to marry emotional intensity with lyrical precision.

Other poems wander into more fleeting impressions such as “Leftover,” “Nightmares,” “Barbecue,” and “Bloom” which read as snapshots, intriguing though less resonant. Still, their presence contributes to the mosaic of voices that the collection offers. “The Legacy of Loss,” “Quid Pro Quo,” and “Misery of the Moonflower” explore grief and longing, while “The Blood Moon” and “The Funeral” sketch ritual and atmosphere more than revelation.

Taken together, Aqueous Epiphany feels like a dialogue with endings whether death, loss, desire, the close of a day, a season, or even a life. Yet Naik consistently gestures toward renewal, suggesting that in every dissolution lies a hidden beginning. His voice is most compelling when it treads confidently into darkness, not to extinguish the light, but to reveal how the two are entwined.

S.O.L

Book by Anogh Roy Acharya

Published by BookLeaf Publishing

In S.O.L., Anogh Roy Acharya invites readers into an intimate, sensory-driven exploration of love, time, and transformation. Structured as a triptych, the book is less a traditional narrative and more a meditative journey, one that blends poetry, prose, and sound to create an experience that lingers beyond its final page.

The author encourages readers to pair each chapter with a recommended song, transforming the act of reading into something cinematic. It’s a deceptively simple device that feels radical in its execution, allowing words and music to fuse into an emotional soundtrack. Acharya’s sentences are often spare yet deeply felt, carrying the weight of lived experience, and his writing is steeped in a reverence for the natural world. A chapter about walking along a moonlit shore evokes a hushed magic, while another, told from the perspective of a dog through an AI lens, offers a raw, instinctive glimpse into an animal’s consciousness.

S.O.L.’s three parts each pulse with their own artistic rhythm. 20 Shades of Love is a gallery of emotions, where love, loss, and longing are rendered as vivid photographs, each word a brushstroke of color. 16 Shades of Lunar shifts to sound, echoing the moon’s phases with music and mood, while XII Staves of Lore is a poetic almanac of time, mapping life’s transitions against the steady rhythm of months and seasons.

The book’s emotional resonance deepens in its reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic, which Acharya portrays not as a historical event but as a shared wound, a period in which grief and isolation were universal. His attention to detail: the beaver moon, crashing waves, whispered winds; grounds these themes in nature’s cycles, reminding readers of continuity even in loss.

What makes S.O.L. striking is its sincerity. It does not strive for literary pyrotechnics but instead invites a quiet, immersive experience. Reading it feels less like consuming a book and more like stepping into a meditative gallery of sound and imagery. Acharya’s work leaves readers attuned to the world around them; after closing its pages, one is compelled to look at the moon or listen to the sea with fresh eyes and ears.

In an era of hurried consumption, S.O.L. is a reminder of the pleasure of slowing down, of reading as a full-bodied experience. Acharya has crafted a book to revisit, a sensory tapestry that hums quietly, like a favorite song played on repeat.

Whispers of Eternity

Book by Shree Shambav

Published by White Falcon Publishing

In Whispers of Eternity, Shree Shambav crafts a lyrical and deeply introspective collection that urges readers to reconnect with nature and uncover the profound wisdom hidden in life’s simplest moments. With a poetic voice both raw and evocative, Shambav explores the depths of human emotion, transforming ordinary experiences into revelations of personal growth.

This collection brims with an almost spiritual energy, inviting readers to embrace the beauty of the natural world—not just as a backdrop, but as a guide to self-discovery. The poems pulse with an elemental force, offering readers the inspiration to dance in the rain, sing with the birds, and listen to the whispers of the universe.

At its core, Whispers of Eternity is more than poetry; it is an invitation—to feel, to reflect, and to awaken to the mysteries woven into everyday existence. Shambav’s work stands as a testament to the power of verse to heal, inspire, and illuminate.

दर्पण the Mirror

Book by Shivani Srivastava

Published by BookLeaf Publishing

दर्पण The Mirror में, शिवानी श्रीवास्तव ने एक ऐसा साहित्यिक शाहकार रचा है जो समय के परे होते हुए भी आज के समय में अत्यंत प्रासंगिक लगता है। अपनी अद्भुत सटीकता के साथ, वे उन भावनाओं और अनुभवों को पकड़ने में सफल होती हैं जो अक्सर शब्दों से परे होती हैं। अपनी लेखनी के माध्यम से, श्रीवास्तव न केवल हमारे सामूहिक आक्रोश और दर्द को व्यक्त करती हैं, बल्कि उस गहरे प्रेम और आशा को भी उजागर करती हैं जो हमें एक-दूसरे से जोड़ती है।

आज की इस अभूतपूर्व एकाकीपन और जुड़ाव की कमी से भरी दुनिया में, दर्पण The Mirror एक जीवनशक्ति की तरह उभरता है, जो कल्पनाओं और मानवता से भरपूर है।

श्रीवास्तव की वह क्षमता, जिससे वे अनकहे भावों को आवाज़ देती हैं और साधारण को उत्कृष्टता में बदल देती हैं, इस कृति को हमारे समय का एक महत्वपूर्ण साथी बनाती है। दर्पण The Mirror केवल एक किताब नहीं है—यह एक अनुभव है।

यह दुर्लभ है कि कोई रचना व्यक्तिगत और सार्वभौमिक के बीच ऐसा सहज पुल बना सके, लेकिन श्रीवास्तव ने इसे बड़ी खूबसूरती और सहजता से संभव कर दिखाया है। दर्पण The Mirror साहित्य की उस शक्ति का प्रमाण है जो हमें जोड़ने, प्रेरित करने और हमारे घावों को भरने का काम करती है।

Late Night Scribbles

Book by Ajabithi Sarma

Published by SGSH Publication

In Late Night Scribbles, Ajabithi Sarma crafts a collection of poetry that speaks directly to the soul, offering a profound exploration of the human condition. With stanzas that are as lush as they are intelligent, Sarma’s work marvels at the boundless possibilities of existence, leaving readers in awe of his poetic precision and emotional depth.

At its core, the collection embodies a philosophical hunger, delving into life’s uncertainties with a rare grace. Sarma’s original lines navigate the bewildering landscapes of modern existence, unraveling what it means to be human in an increasingly detached and inhumane world.

However, while Late Night Scribbles showcases moments of brilliance, it also reveals an author still in the process of mastering the craft. The verses, though often striking, sometimes lack the refinement that comes with experience and a deeper exploration of form and rhythm. Sarma’s potential is undeniable, but his journey as a poet seems just to be beginning.

Even so, Late Night Scribbles is a testament to the enduring power of words to inspire, console, and transform. Ajabithi Sarma reminds us of all that is possible, creating a space where art and philosophy meet to celebrate the essence of being alive. This is a book that, while imperfect, deserves to be savored, pondered, and revisited—a promising start from a poet who has much more to say.

PS. ARCHIVE: Vol-1

Book by Priyashruthi Sivasankar

Published by ‎Notion Press

PS. ARCHIVE: Vol-1 by Priyashruthi Sivasankar is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of poetry that leaves a profound impact on its readers. This book goes beyond mere words, delving into the depths of creativity, metaphor, and raw emotion.

Priyashruthi Sivasankar opens her heart and mind, sharing her emotions, thoughts, and grief with remarkable authenticity. Each poem feels like a window into her soul, inviting readers to connect with her experiences on a deeply personal level.

The standout sections of this collection include Mine and Myself, King and Kingdom, and Clair De Lune. These parts are brimming with powerful imagery and evocative language, making them unforgettable highlights of the book.

With its ability to move and inspire, PS. ARCHIVE: Vol-1 is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the beauty of heartfelt expression. Priyashruthi Sivasankar’s poetic voice is one that lingers long after the final page.

Tapestry of Verses

Book by Poulomi Bhattacharya

Published by ‎True Dreamster Press

Tapestry of Verses is a deeply moving and relatable read.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its lack of unnecessary fluff. Poulomi Bhattacharya’s observations are precise and deeply impactful, capturing the essence of emotions without overcomplicating them. The poet skillfully channels her own feelings, portraying sadness, tragedy, or happiness with such vivid clarity that it feels like an invitation to the reader: ‘I want you to feel this.’

My favorite poems from this collection include He - My Poetry, Dementia, Everything, Uncertainty, With, Affinity, Cognizance, Bundle, Vigour, Broken, Lost, Sinking, Conjecture, Born, Tragic, If...!, and This.

Pouring My Heart Out!

Book by Rakhi Haridas

Published by Notion Press

Pouring My Heart Out! by Rakhi Haridas is a slim yet striking collection of poems that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. With simplicity and heartfelt emotion, the poet delves into themes of hope, belief, and resilience, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences.

Among the many beautifully penned poems, my favorites were Hope, A Bird, Smile, and The Day. These pieces stand out for their ability to evoke profound emotions with uncharacteristic simplicity. The poet's words are free of unnecessary embellishments, making them relatable and impactful.

This collection could be described as a reflection on belief—a belief in oneself, in others, and in the possibilities that life offers. Rakhi Haridas has masterfully woven her personal journey into her work, making the poems both intimate and universally appealing.

Pouring My Heart Out! is a beautiful reminder of the power of poetry to connect, heal, and inspire. It's a must-read for anyone seeking solace and hope in the written word.

A Village of Poetry

Book by Shinas Rasheed

Published by Writer's Pocket Publishing

“A Village of Poetry” by Shinas Rasheed is an extraordinary collection of poems that invites readers into a world of emotion, introspection, and artistry. Rasheed’s writing has a captivating quality that draws you in, making it difficult to put the book down. His poems are impactful and feel deeply personal, almost as though you’ve known him all along. It’s a rare skill to create that kind of connection with readers, but Rasheed achieves it masterfully, placing himself among some of the finest poets of India.

This collection is a testament to Rasheed’s command over poetry. Each poem is beautifully penned, reflecting every nuanced feeling without holding anything back. His words cast a spell, immersing readers in a journey that moves seamlessly from one emotion to another. Rasheed skillfully navigates complex themes like time, love, pain, and the search for meaning, guiding readers through both literal and metaphorical pathways.

One of the standout qualities of A Village of Poetry is the poet’s experimental energy and thoughtful approach. Every poem feels infused with real-life experiences and imaginative thought, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply. Shinas Rasheed's unique voice and vision make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the raw beauty of poetry.

Happenings, Incidents & Experiences

Book by Dhvani Gohel

Published by Writer's Pocket Publishing

Dhvani Gohel, a young yet undeniably talented poet, makes a striking debut with her collection "Happenings, Incidents & Experiences". This profoundly exciting work delves into the multifaceted aspects of human experience, exploring themes such as love, childhood, life struggles, anxiety, and the challenges of growing up.

Gohel's poetry resonates with authenticity and depth, capturing the raw emotions of these universal experiences. The collection stands out not only for its thematic richness but also for its unexpected endings, which leave a lasting impression on the reader. Each poem feels like an emotional journey, culminating in a surprise that is both thought-provoking and deeply satisfying.

"Happenings, Incidents & Experiences" is an explosive and wildly intelligent collection that showcases Gohel's unique voice and potential in the world of poetry. Her ability to convey complex emotions with such clarity and precision marks her as a poet to watch in the coming years. This debut is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the beauty and struggles of life through the lens of a fresh, powerful perspective.

A Vandalized Heart

Book by Armaan Goyal

Published by Writer's Pocket Publishing

Armaan Goyal’s "A Vandalized Heart" is a mesmerizing collection of poems that offers a deep and intimate exploration of the poet’s life from childhood to adulthood. The poems are both stunningly bold and beautifully crafted, capturing a range of emotions with a deft touch that is at once lovely and playful, enduring and unforgettable.

Goyal’s work is marked by an evocative blend of love, devotion, suffering, and longing, all co-existing in a harmonious yet mysterious balance. This duality is a testament to the poet's rare maturity and confidence, allowing readers to delve into his inner world with profound access. Each poem resonates with poignancy and depth, making the collection a moving experience for any reader.

Among the standout pieces in the collection are "Trap," "Untangled World," "Pick/Prick," "Yours Truly," "Water Taps," and "Rose/Lily." These poems exemplify Goyal’s ability to evoke strong emotions and thoughtful reflections, making them particularly memorable.

"A Vandalized Heart" is a remarkable work that is sure to resonate deeply with its readers, offering a beautiful and enduring journey through the many facets of the poet’s life and emotions.