My Top Favorite Poetry Quotes of All Time

This was a spur in the moment blog post, but I’m thinking of getting my first tattoo and it will be a quote. I met a girl once because she had the word “Wallflower” tattooed on her forearm. I know a lot of people don’t understand the connection you can have with a book, but that one has a special place in my heart. I thought I’d do a round up of my beloved quotes, these are poetry quotes I’ve reflected on over and over again.

Emily Dickinson is one of the earliest influences on me, I would recite this poem as a mantra growing up in a turbulent adolescence.

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead

I lift my lids and all is born again.

I got into Sylvia Plath in high school, and this line from her poem “Mad Girls Love Song” I would recite any time I wish I could just disappear. Did you know that part of what makes that poems so lovely is that is is a  villanelle? I think I have my own, it’s #32 Hey Jude

First the sky was empty

Then there was a bird.

I’ll admit, right off the bat I don’t remember who wrote this. (When I remember what poem it is from, I will make sure to credit.) I always think about it when I’ve survived something like a bad relationship or failure. It makes me feel hopeful, like something good is going to come. It gives you that sense of being lost on an island and looking up to see a plane.

Let the animal inside you love what it loves.

Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets but I admit I don’t have any of her works (yet). This is the quote i am thinking of getting on me. It’s always meant to me to not be afraid of being who you are, and be unapologetic authentically yourself, honoring yourself, if you like something let yourself like it. What you love is what you attract. But most of all, love yourself and do what makes your soul happy.

 

What are some of your favorite poetry quotes? If you do this, tag me so I can see what words have made a lasting impression and find some new poets! I can’t wait to get to know every one here on WordPress and hope I can find some friends here.