It's hard to define "dark" poetry, as it can encompass many themes like death, despair, the macabre, and the psychological. Here are some books that fit the bill in various ways, with a mix of classics and contemporary poets:
Classics:
* "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot: A modernist masterpiece exploring themes of disillusionment, loss, and the decline of Western civilization.
* "The Raven and Other Poems" by Edgar Allan Poe: This collection features iconic poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee," known for their gothic atmosphere and exploration of death, madness, and love.
* "Selected Poems" by Sylvia Plath: Plath's poetry is raw and confessional, exploring themes of depression, suicide, and her complex relationship with her mother.
* "The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson: Dickinson's poems, while often short and enigmatic, delve into themes of death, immortality, and the nature of reality.
* "The Complete Poems of Charles Baudelaire: Baudelaire's poetry is known for its exploration of urban decay, vice, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Modern & Contemporary:
* "The Wild Fox of Yemen" by Threa Almontaser: This collection explores themes of displacement, identity, and the search for belonging, often with a dark and surreal edge.
* "The Grief of Stones" by Ocean Vuong: Vuong's poetry is deeply personal and emotional, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of trauma.
* "Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine: This book is a powerful and moving exploration of racism and the experience of being Black in America.
* "The Collected Poems of Frank O'Hara" by Frank O'Hara: O'Hara's poems are known for their urban setting, witty tone, and exploration of loneliness and alienation.
* "The Colossus" by Sylvia Plath: A selection of her poetry from her most experimental period, this collection explores themes of death, mythology, and the relationship between mother and daughter.
* "The Dream Songs" by John Berryman: This epic work explores the struggles of a fictional character named Henry, confronting themes of despair, addiction, and the search for identity.
Further exploration:
* "The Dark Horse" by Danez Smith: A powerful collection of poems exploring themes of race, sexuality, and the experience of Blackness in America.
* "The Body Papers" by Danez Smith: This collection offers a raw and unflinching look at the Black body, examining themes of trauma, grief, and joy.
* "The Dream of a Common Language" by Adrienne Rich: A collection of poems exploring themes of feminism, sexuality, and the political landscape of the 20th century.
Important Note:
These are just a few examples, and the world of "dark" poetry is vast and diverse. Explore, find poets that resonate with you, and discover what defines "dark" for your personal taste.