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When I want to slow down intentionally, I turn to my favorite winter poems. I read them slowly, immersing myself in every word trying to imagine the poet’s world and emotions when they were writing. I imagine their hands holding the quill while pouring their words onto the paper, oblivious to the legacy they’re creating.
In winter, especially on cold days at home, poetry and I share the same sentiments: a longing for better times and an appreciation for the present moment.
Words That Light a Fire
It’s no wonder words have been my faithful friends when my real-life friends abandoned me. I have found more comfort, strength, and hope in a single page of a book than in years of superficial friendships.
I have also found that one of the greatest gifts in this lifetime is finding people who truly accept you for who you are on a cellular level. People who see you. Who laugh and cry with you. Praise you when you’re not with them and love you honestly, even when you’re cracked open from pain.
It is with these people that poetry gets a new meaning for me. What was once a solitary activity reserved for my private time is now a joyous, extraordinary, vibrant gathering of talented souls who appreciate the power of the written word.
And for this rare blessing, I am grateful.
Now, onto the poems.
Winter Poems To Keep You Warm
Here are some of my favorite winter poems I love to read on cold winter nights or quiet Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee.
1. In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti
Read the poem online: The Poetry Foundation
Buy the paperback: Christina Rossetti Books
2. Dust of Snow by Robert Frost
Read the poem online: The Poetry Foundation
Buy the paperback: Robert Frost Books
3. There’s a certain Slant of light (320) by Emily Dickinson
Read the poem online: The Poetry Foundation
Buy the paperback: Emily Dickinson Books
4. Woods in Winter by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Read the poem online: HWL by the Maine Historical Society
Buy the paperback: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Books
5. Winter-Time by Robert Louis Stevenson
Read the poem online: The Scottish Poetry Library
Buy the paperback: Robert Louis Stevenson Books
How to Read Winter Poems
Reading poetry is a unique experience for me. It’s always a beautiful ritual where I try to grasp how the poet felt when they wrote the poem, where they were, what they dreamed of, and what pains they endured.
Of course, I could just open a poetry book or a poetry website and simply read. This is perfect for busy days when I need an infusion of creativity.
Most of the time, though, I love to read as I take a bubble bath or when I’m tucked in bed for the night. I make a cup of my favorite lavender tea, make a list of poems, and settle in.
If you’d like to try out my winter poetry reading routine, here’s what it usually involves:
- A scented candle
- A heated blanket or weighted blanket
- A poetry collection – A Poem for Every Winter Day by Allie Esiri is a great read to get you started)
- A dedicated notebook for taking notes
- A cup of calming tea
- My favorite cozy socks
I play soothing music on my phone (you can find some beautiful songs for reading poetry in my Autumn and Winter Playlists).
And that’s it! I usually plan my poetry reading time in advance so I can relax after finishing my work for the day.
Soft and Slow: A Winter of Poetry and Creativity
I’ve been a poet since I was six years old. Many times since then I’ve wondered — what is the purpose of poetry? What can it do for you? What does it do for me? Is it useful in any way?
But like all forms of art in this surface-level world, poetry offers a respite from all the bleakness, stress, and disappointment. This is why I write it and this is why I read it.
Do you read poetry? Do you have a favorite poet or poem that’s made a difference in your life? I’d love to hear all about your literary loves so please do share them with me over on Instagram!
