I am a lifelong poetry lover. It began with my Shel Silverstein obsession as a child and carried through into my adulthood, as I discovered amazing poets like Lucille Clifton, Sharon Olds and Sandra Cisneros. I love poetry the same way I love short stories; it’s incredible the way a skilled writer can distill complex emotions and themes into a short form.
Although my love for poetry stems from childhood, I acknowledge that reading poetry as an adult can be an acquired taste. So, in honor of National Poetry Month in April, I want to offer a different way to celebrate, by recommending prose written by poets. It might even inspire you to pick up a volume of their poetry.
I’ll start with one of my favorite nonfiction books of the last decade, How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Smith takes you on a tour of monuments and landmarks that share the essential stories of enslaved people, often hidden in plain sight. The writing in this book is some of the best I’ve ever read, and I attribute that to his lyrical style.
All Night Pharmacy by Ruth Madisky is written in a chaotic, intoxicating prose that drops you right into the seedy underbelly of L.A. and doesn’t let up until you turn the last page. We follow our unnamed narrator as she confronts her toxic relationship with her sister (who has just disappeared), her addiction and her sexuality. Medisky’s sharp and visceral imagery jumps off the page.
Although this novel clocks in at around 800 pages, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is well worth your time. It chronicles Ailey’s journey through her family’s complicated past in Jeffers’ gorgeous prose. Over the course of the novel, Ailey comes to terms with her heritage and learns how to build her own life against the backdrop of her family’s history in the American South.
The alchemy of language is powerful, and these poets are masters of the craft. Whether you are picking up one of their books or a volume of their poetry, you will always find beauty in their work.
Jes McCauley is an adult services librarian at the Des Moines Public Library who truly believes in the power of a good book recommendation. When she’s not behind the desk helping patrons, she’s busy tending to her numerous houseplants, chilling with her cat Little Edie, and of course, reading. This article was originally published in Little Village’s April 2026 issue.
