The internet has revolutionized how we engage with poetry, offering platforms that cater to poets, readers, and literary enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a space to share your work, or simply a place to read great poems, there are countless websites to explore.

Here’s a curated list of the top poetry websites that every poetry lover should know about.

1. Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation is a goldmine for anyone interested in poetry. As the organization behind Poetry Magazine, it features an extensive archive of poems, articles, and resources. Their website offers:

A vast database of classic and contemporary poems.

Insights into poets’ lives and works.

A learning section tailored for educators and students.

Why It’s Great: Its clean, user-friendly interface and deep archives make it a go-to for both casual readers and serious poetry scholars.

2. Poets.org

Run by the Academy of American Poets, Poets.org is another indispensable resource. It’s home to the popular "Poem-a-Day" series, where you can receive a daily poem in your inbox.

Features Include:

Biographies of poets from all eras.

Lesson plans and resources for educators.

A free app for accessing poetry on the go.

Why It’s Great: Its commitment to fostering a love of poetry through accessible, high-quality content.

3. Hello Poetry

Hello Poetry is a community-driven platform that emphasizes sharing and discovering poems. With thousands of active users, it’s an excellent place for budding poets to showcase their work.

What to Expect:

A vibrant community where poets can connect and collaborate.

A space to comment and engage with other writers.

Personalized recommendations based on your reading habits.

Why It’s Great: Its focus on community and user interaction makes it a unique platform for poetry lovers.

4. AllPoetry

As one of the largest online poetry communities, AllPoetry provides a space for writers of all levels. The site hosts writing contests, workshops, and forums.

Features Include:

A robust community of poets and readers.

Opportunities to receive constructive feedback on your work.

Tools to track your writing progress.

Why It’s Great: Its interactive nature and wealth of resources make it ideal for both novices and seasoned poets.

5. Verse Daily

Verse Daily is the poetry world’s equivalent of a "song of the day" playlist. It highlights a single poem each day from contemporary poets, often sourced from literary journals.

Why It’s Great: A quick and simple way to discover fresh voices and stay connected to the literary world.

6. Poem Hunter

Poem Hunter is a massive database of poems and lyrics. It’s a valuable resource for finding specific poems or exploring works by well-known poets.

Features Include:

Searchable archives by poet, title, or theme.

A section for user-submitted poems.

A collection of famous quotes and biographies.

Why It’s Great: Its extensive library ensures you can find almost any poem you’re looking for.

7. Modern Poetry in Translation (MPT)

For those interested in global poetry, MPT is an invaluable resource. The site celebrates poetry in translation, bringing diverse voices to English-speaking audiences.

Why It’s Great: It’s a rare opportunity to explore poetry from across the world in one place.

8. Button Poetry

Focused on performance poetry, Button Poetry showcases spoken word artists and slam poetry performances. Their website and YouTube channel feature videos, books, and other resources.

Why It’s Great: It’s perfect for fans of dynamic, spoken-word performances.

9. The Poetry Archive

The Poetry Archive is dedicated to recording poets reading their own work. The collection spans decades, preserving the voices of some of the most significant poets in history.

Why It’s Great: Hearing a poet’s own voice adds a new dimension to their work.

10. Rattle

Rattle is both a literary journal and an online resource. It publishes accessible poetry from both established and emerging voices.

Why It’s Great: Its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a poet seeking inspiration, a reader looking to dive into new works, or someone who simply loves the art of poetry, these websites offer something for everyone. Dive in, explore, and let the words inspire you.

What are your favorite poetry websites? Share your recommendations and let us know which ones you plan to visit next!