Hello! A relative has just reached 1 year of recovery and in order to mark the occasion I want to give them a poetry book as they recently stated a goal of reading 12 poetry collections this year.
I don't have anything very specific in mind – they are in their mid 30s and like art, cooking, are trying to get more into self-care, gratitude, and connection. I do ask that there are no religious recommendations.
I am not married to poetry – perhaps you, or a loved one of yours, has been in recovery and has found something else to be very helpful: philosophy, meditation, etc.
We are planning an experience but as 1 year is traditionally the 'paper' anniversary, I thought a book would be fitting too.
Thank you so much and much love to everyone who is on their own journey <3
by melaniemercer
2 Comments
Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude is exactly this. Poems about finding joy and connection in ordinary moments. The title sounds cheesy but the poems aren’t. He writes about gardens, basketball, strangers, grief, delight. Won the National Book Critics Circle Award.
If they’re drawn to the self-care angle, Maggie Smith’s Keep Moving might resonate. She wrote it during her divorce and it’s about rebuilding and choosing to start again. Short poems, almost like daily affirmations but with actual craft behind them.
For something less overtly healing-focused, Ocean Vuong’s Night Sky with Exit Wounds is stunning. Immigrant experience, family, trauma, but transformed into something beautiful.
Congratulations to your relative. One year is no small thing.
Some of my favorites are The Colossus and other poems by Sylvia Plath and the classic Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. If they want something tougher, you might also suggest Hart Crane. Really beautiful poetry, but it takes more focus and repeat reading.