As year-end lists emerge, poetry often finds itself underappreciated. To uncover the poems that made a mark this year, I reached out to several contemporary poets, asking them to share the works that resonated most with them in 2024. The only criterion was that the poems had to be accessible online without paywalls, lending a degree of exclusivity to the selection.
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Here are 93 significant poems from 2024, curated based on the poets' recommendations and insights. Interestingly, few poems were mentioned by multiple poets, suggesting a broad range of excellence within contemporary poetry.
The selections begin with those mentioned more than once, followed by the rest in no particular order.
Sasha Debevec-McKenney’s "I Went Out to See All the Downed Trees" captures sociopolitical tensions through a narrative of neighbors surveying storm damage. Karyna McGlynn calls it "casually devastating," while Erika Meitner highlights its exploration of class.
Laura Newbern’s "Black Forest" from *A Night in the Country* illustrates a haunting transformation of social manners into primal fear. Christopher Kempf admired its stunning conclusion.
Robert Hass’s "A Sunset" speaks to the intersections of gun violence and nature, merging lyrical richness with a contemplative narrative, as noted by both Victoria Chang and Elisa Gonzalez.
In m. nourbeSe philip’s "The Poets Awoke," the limitations of language in crisis are explored, described by Maggie Millner as a significant meditation on art's role in witnessing atrocity.
Rosanna Warren’s "Concerning Ceremonies" dives into a woman's complex relationship with ritual and faith across her life, showcasing a blend of disbelief and the struggle for understanding, according to Lisa Russ Spaar.
Doha Kahlout’s translation of "Images from the War" echoes the dark realities of conflict, prompting gratitude for both the poet and translator from Simon Shieh.
Bruce Snider’s "At the Rainbow Cattle Company" intertwines humor and faith in a vivid portrayal of a gay cowboy dive bar, richly noted by Jacques J. Rancourt.
Tyler Barton’s graphic poetry reflects the layered experience of loss and displacement through visual poetry, leaving a lasting impact on Alison Thumel.
Diane Seuss's "Folk Song" compels with its detailed portrayal of identity and place, reaffirming its standing among contemporary poetry, according to Kim Addonizio.
Matt Poindexter’s "The Child Who Follows the Child Who Dies" moved Ross White with its depth of emotion, exploring themes of love and loss.
Erika Meitner’s "I Refuse to Be Intimidated By Time" confronts the concept of temporal awareness in a witty yet poignant manner, drawing praise from Anna Journey.
Each poet shared their personal reflections on these works, emphasizing the power and beauty of poetry in navigating complex emotions and societal challenges throughout 2024. The collection serves as a testament to the vibrant landscape of contemporary poetry and invites further exploration of these significant pieces.