where to start reading / what you like most?

[benthejack]

If asked i suppose i would say that paradise lost by john milton is my favorite, and although the republic by plato is not exactly considered a poem, it can be read as such, especially when you get to the parts of the tales told within, like how some viewed the afterlife.

Henry David, and Ralph Waldo also wrote some lasting poetry, about appreciating nature and on mans nature.

Dantes views, related to miltons works take things in a much darker direction and deal more with mans sufferings, at least those who failed to accept redemption, or were beyond it.

Cheers for the recommendations, I'll add them to my list

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Kahlil Gibran is my favorite, I have to look up Omar Khayyam...I'm not familiar with their work.

He is an Persian poet from the 10th century. Here is one of my favourite excerpts:

Why, all the Saints and Sages who discuss'd
Of the Two Worlds so wisely they are thrust
Like foolish Prophets forth; their Words to Scorn
Are scatter'd, and their Mouths are stopt with Dust.

With them the seed of Wisdom did I sow,
And with my own hand wrought to make it grow:
And this was all the Harvest that I reap'd--
"I came like Water, and like Wind I go."

Into this Universe, and why not knowing,
Nor whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing:
And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,
I know not whither, willy-nilly blowing.

What, without asking, hither hurried Whence?
And, without asking, Whither hurried hence!
Oh, many a Cup of this forbidden Wine
Must drown the memory of that insolence!