If you don't know who Rupi Kaur is by now, you probably live under a rock or you just don't appreciate poetry. Either way, you should probably get to know her and her poetry. Kaur's poems are beautiful and vulnerable as they dive into her experience with womanhood, love, sexual assault, immigration, and more. If you're not sure where to get started, as Kaur now has two published books out in the world, here are five poems that have changed my perspective on women and will change yours too:
1.
I started this list off with my favorite poem of all time. I never really thought of the way I dish out compliments until I read this piece. I would also compliment someone by saying "You look nice today," or "You're gorgeous." While these are really kind words, this poem made me notice that most of what we give women credit for is their appearance.
Women are often only valued for their appearance, too, when in reality they are "so much more than that," as Kaur writes.
2.
This is another one of my favorites from Rupi Kaur's collection because it brings to light a conversation that women rarely have with each other. Women are raised to think they are only whole when they bring a man into their life.
Recently, there have been more conversations about this among certain activists and others, but it still isn't stressed enough that women have all that they need within themselves.
3.
Similar to the last poem, this particular piece is about relationships and choosing not to enter one until you are really ready. To elaborate a little, I'll mention a pretty cliche concept that is very important to me. A long time ago, someone told me that you cannot love someone else until you love yourself.
I wholeheartedly believe in this concept because I think that you should be your own first love. Until you fully care for and cherish yourself, you won't be able to do that for anyone else.
The poem also mentions "the tow of us combined could set it on fire." I think this represents that when two emotionally healthy people enter into a relationship together, they will get the most out of the relationship and it will last for a very long time.
4.
This poem is really close to my heart. As a feminist, I am always one to argue against female objectification. Many of Kaur's poems speak out about women's issues that I relate to myself, but this one, in particular, is something that I feel many women experience.
Women are often treated as pit stops for men, or at least objects of men's desire, and nothing else. Kaur opens up about her experience with this in her poems to let other women know that they are not alone.
5.
Last but certainly not least, this poem is certainly controversial, just like every conversation about women's periods. Menstruation is a sensitive topic in our society because it has always been viewed as "gross" or "unnatural." In reality, periods are completely natural and are the beginning of human existence so why are we so afraid to discuss them in open conversation?
One of the things I love about Rupi Kaur is her ability to be so open and vulnerable through her poetry. She has a way of stating her brave, honest truth as a woman through her creative use of words.
