Who are some abolutely amazing poets?

Question

I'm in poetry reading and we only have a few poem books to chose from, one's Anne Sexton (amazing, by the way), and the other is a bunch of obscure poems that no one reads..
So I was going to go get some books, any recommendations? Would be greatly appreciated.. :]

Additional Details

Well, I mean, we're reading these outloud for a judge and such, so poems that sound good when spoken, it can really be anyone or about anything
Thanks to those who have answered though!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

James Wright -- His "Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy's Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota" is one of my favorites.

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~richie/poetr…

William Butler Yeats is my all-time "desert island" poet. Check out "When You Are Old." It's timeless and beautiful.

http://www.online-literature.com/yeats/9…

Sharon Olds offers the most remarkable imagery, so have a look at her, too.

Source(s):

Writer/Editor

Answer 2

William Blake's poetry is filled with wonderful images.
Also, Walt Whitman -- particularly Songs of the Open Road and Leaves of Grass.
Edgar Allan Poe (considering that this is his bicentennial year) is a good choice for macabre and rhyming poetry.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

The BBC in England published two wonderful poetry books, The Nation's favourite poems and The Nation's favourite love poems. Both are a treasure trove of delightful poems, and you would find any number to suit your needs! Good luck.

Answer 4

Get an anthology of poetry and take your pick. Are you looking for contemporary or historical work? Narrow your search a little, target your area and you will have a little more luck in your search. Good Luck

Answer 5

This is probably going to sound weird, but Edgar Allen Poe. His poems are odd, but they're fun to read. I did one for a speech assignment and had a lot of fun with it.

I hope this helps!

Answer 6

Fernando Pessoa.

Answer 7

Robert Frost! He's a classic.

Answer 8

William McGonagall

Source(s):

http://www.mcgonagall-online.org.uk/