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Poetry Books to Help Heal a Broken Heart

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Toronto MU chapter.

By: Gabby Montesano

My love for poetry began right after a breakup at the beginning of university. I can say that poetry really did help heal my heart when I needed it the most. If you’re struggling to find words to express how you feel, grab a cup of tea, pick up these books and read away.

 

 

1. Whiskey, Words, and a Shovel – R.H. Sin

The first of many poetry books on love, heartbreak and self-love by R.H. Sin. He puts himself in the shoes of the women in relationships and uplifts them to see their self-worth and leave toxic friendships and relationships. The poems are short and to the point but will leave you with a sense of warmth. Follow R.H. Sin on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

Some optimism –

“it hurts like hell

every minute of everyday

but it’ll get better

one day you’ll understand

hat everything meant to destroy you

only made you stronger.”

 

2. The Nectar of Pain – Najwa Zebian

One of my all time favourites. A book that I just recently found going through a breakup. Lebanese-Canadian author Najwa Zebian writes about heartbreak and longing for that special someone. The book continues with empowering poems allowing the reader to find their self-worth and move on from toxic relationships. Follow Najwa on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

“In a coffee shop

one day,

you will see me sitting

next to the window, sipping on my coffee

the same way

I used to

and looking out the window

the same way

I used to. You will wonder if I still think about you

the same way

I used to

or if I am still waiting for you to come back

the same way

I used to.

You better walk away, because

I no longer crave you in my life

the same way I used to.”

 

3. Born to Love, Cursed to Feel – Samantha King

This book exemplifies pain and heartbreak. King talks about her experiences with cheating and mistreatment and how she was able to overcome it. She is now married to R.H. Sin in the perfect love story. Follow Samantha King on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

Misguided –

“Maybe I don’t know what Love is

The only kind I cherish hurts

It whips like a storm through my life

Destroys everything in its path

Unearths my insecurities and fears

and just like that it’s gone

Leaving me to rebuild and repair

No foundation, no substance

Just the better part of who I am

scattered for miles.”

 

4. Milk and Honey – Rupi Kaur

If you haven’t read this yet, then where have you been? Beautifully written and as famous as it is for a valid reason. The mix of love, heartbreak, healing, femininity, and culture is perfect for readers of all types. Follow Rupi Kaur on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

“I don’t know what living a balanced life feels like

When I am sad

I don’t cry, I pour

When I am happy

I don’t smile, I beam

When I am angry

I don’t yell, I burn

The good thing about

Feeling in extremes

Is when I love

I give them wings

But perhaps

That isn’t

Such a good thing

Cause they always

Tend to leave and

You should see me

When my heart is broken

I don’t grieve

I shatter.”

 

5. Offering My Heart – Ivan Nuru

This is probably the most genuine of all the books. Ivan Nuru is not as recognized as the others on the list but his writing is absolutely beautiful. You can feel the heartbreak in everything he writes. He starts by explaining how someone he loved had left him and the book continues with him becoming stronger and moving on. Follow Ivan Nuru on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

“I put learning me on hold to raise you into a lover

That I never got to experience

I never had the experience

But teaching you love felt natural

The vibe was spiritual

I watched you grow from my soil

Every time I see you I see my soul

Everytime I see you I lose my self control

My ego been telling me that you can’t let me go

Like you ain’t got memories of me stored in you

Like you ain’t got pieces of me left in you

But I’ve been telling my ego that I have to let go

Every person that learned from me wont stay with me

Like the lovers that left me

Like the friends that no longer speak to me

Like the people who share the same blood as me

My lobe is meant to fill others to fill others

To love like broken but strong mothers

To heal everyone that suffers and right now that’s me

I raised you into a lover and now its time to raise me

It’s time to break soul ties

It’s time to fulfill past due goodbyes.”

 

6. Memories Unwound – Ruby Dhal

If you like short and sweet poetry, then you’ll enjoy this book. Seperated by sections that involve experiences, love and healing, there’s something for any emotion that you’re feeling. Ruby Dhal speaks about loving yourself before you can love someone else. Follow Ruby Dhal on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

“I’ve stopped giving parts of myself

To help heal others.

Because in the end

When they start to feel whole again

I am the one that ends up with all of the missing pieces.”

 

7. Love Her Wild – Atticus

Something with a more upbeat and easy-going style of writing. The book is split up in sections called love, her and wild which all have a different flair of poetry. Atticus writes about life and all the little things that makes life so great. Something to read when you’re in need of an adventure. Follow Atticus on Instagram here.

Favourite quote:

“I want to be with someone

who dreams of doing everything in life,

and nothing

on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”

Hi! This is the contributor account for Her Campus at Ryerson.
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Lena Lahalih

Toronto MU

Lena is a fourth year English major at Ryerson University and this year's Editor-in-Chief.   You can follow her on Twitter: @_LENALAHALIH