Instagram Poets You Should Be Double Tapping

Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Robert Frost, Shel Silverstein, Rumi, Nikki Giovanni and Warsan Shirethe are the popular favorites amongst my selections.
Poetry is a timeless form of expression and connection.

I’ve read a lot of articles and blogposts saying that poetry is dead. Now, this is just my opinion, but I don’t understand how poetry can be “dead” if there are weekly slam poetry nights hosted not only by local businesses, but by schools & universities almost everywhere; how an organization like Button Poetry could be flourishing, how powerhouses, Zariya Allen, Rhiannon McGavin, and Belissa Escobedo have brought their words across the country, etc. You can study the greats all day, but there is definitely greatness amongst us too.

We can see that clearly now because of social media. Social networks like Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter allow us to follow some of our favorite artists and receive their work almost daily. Because of these networks, poets have a bigger voice and can easily reach an audience in the most efficient way. They can also gather a large following and by doing so, are able to make a living off of their art.

Here is a list of some of my favorite poets on Instagram that you should check out:

Rupi Kaur (@rupikaur_) is a Toronto-based poet whose work speaks on womanhood, being a woman of color, abuse, empowering yourself, empowering others, and love. She released her book Milk and Honey in late 2014.

Lang Leav (@langleav) is a New-Zealand based poet who speaks on a broad range of topics such as jealousy, reclusiveness, love, and friendship. Her books are Love and Misadventure, Lullabies, and Memories were best-sellers and are out now!

Cleo Wade (@cleowade) is a New York-based poet and artist. I found her account after my fave, Lauren Jauregui re-posted a poem of hers. Her words are almost exclusively about empowerment and spreading love.

Tony Ciampa is the face behind the creative account, emolabs. While his account resembles what the youth call “very tumblr”, his poetry itself speaks on living life to the fullest, travel, and love. Ah, yes. Very tumblr.

Robert Macias (@rmdrake) is a poet from Miami. He has over 1.4 million followers and has been re-posted by A-listers like Khloe Kardashian. My mom bought his bestselling book Beautiful Chaos for me last fall and I recommend it 10/10. It sits by my bed and is full of my doodles & reactions/responses to each poem.

Quarter Life Poetry (@quarterlifepoetry) is ran by Samantha Jayne, a 25-year old illustrator, writer, and actress who is documenting her “wild” life. Entertaining & honest, Jayne’s poems will have you scrolling down her account saying “truuuuue”.

Atticus Davis (@atticuspoetry) is a New York poet and fiction writer. A lot of his work is about love, adventure, and the longing to live an extraordinary life.