1. Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath is the poet that made me fall in love with poetry. The first of her work that I came across was her novel, "The Bell Jar." In this novel, she explored tense subjects such as mental illness, suicide, what it means to be a woman, how the city can affect a young girl, and many other things. I felt inspired by her bravery and continued to research her works. When I found out she was a poet, it gave a certain credibility to the art and allowed me to give it a try without feeling as though I was writing in a lesser format. Sylvia Plath is a wonderful read for when you want to really get to know yourself and think deeply about the human subconscious.

2. Nikky Finney

Nikky Finney is another inspirational woman to look up to as a poet. She touches on things like race, identity, sexual abuse, relationships, culture, and what it means to be a black woman in the south. She has recently come out with a new book of poetry titled "Head Off And Split," which shows a collection of her thoughts and meditations loosely following a fishing town. She gives beautiful images of various people and places that make them feel as if they are right in front of you. Also, her line breaks are phenomenal. I would recommend her work to anyone interested in cultural literature or activism through poetry.

3. Li-Young Lee

Li-Young Lee was the first poet that I encountered touching on the sensual world and doing so tastefully and in a beautiful way. He discusses heartbreak, grief, Asian culture, the struggles of immigrants, family, and his experience growing up as a man. He has a special talent in the area of connecting with various crowds, regardless of their likelihood to relate to his personal situation. He has a very beautiful way of repeating images, such as blooming trees, to bring beauty to the ugly things. I would recommend his work to adults who are either just starting to learn about poetry or those with experience with poetry. Each person will take away something different, and that's what I love about him so much.

4. Laura Ingram IV

Laura was one of the firsts to read and critique my poetry. She is a wonderful person and a great friend. She is currently studying at Hollins University and has been published countless times. She has just come out with her first book of poetry, "Junior Citizens Discount," and hits on some hard subjects, including self-image and eating disorders, while also taking the time to meditate on nature and the beautiful things in life. I would recommend her work to young adults.

5. Tamia Jackson

Tamia is a new and upcoming poet. She is the most unafraid human being I have ever met. By sophomore year, she had started tackling the biggest issue we seem to be tackling right now, race. She has written things about shootings, what it means to live in America as various people of color, not just limiting herself to her own cultural backgrounds. She has spoken publicly about politics and has been recognized by "Scholastic" multiple times for her art. She is not a poet for the faint of heart or the easily offended. She will tell it how it is, even if it brings her to tears, and she stays dedicated to honoring her mother through her work. Keep your eyes out for her poetry!

With the poets I have chosen to highlight, it is apparent that poetry is alive and well, a powerful weapon, and not to be discredited. Writers range from college students to those who have departed and cover the globe. Anyone can write poetry, its just a matter of not being afraid to speak the truth. As the courageous Sylvia Plath once said, "The worst enemy of creativity is self-doubt."