Notable Works: "Daddy," "Lady Lazarus," "Ariel" 5. Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, crafted verse infused with passion, love, and social consciousness. His lyrical style and vivid imagery reflect his deep connection to the natural world and his unwavering commitment to social justice. Neruda's poetry transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, resonating with readers across generations and continents. Notable Works: "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair," "Odes to Common Things," "The Heights of Macchu Picchu" These poets, each with their distinctive styles and perspectives, have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Through their words, they continue to inspire and illuminate the human experience, reminding us of the enduring power of poetry to enrich our lives. 6. Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

Maya Angelou, celebrated as a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, is best known for her autobiographical works and powerful poetry. Her verse, often autobiographical in nature, explores themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for equality. With her commanding voice and unwavering optimism, Angelou's poetry serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations of readers. Notable Works: "Still I Rise," "Phenomenal Woman," "On the Pulse of Morning" 7. Rumi (1207-1273) Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, is revered for his ecstatic poetry that celebrates love, spirituality, and the search for divine truth. His works, steeped in Sufi philosophy and imagery, transcend cultural and religious boundaries, speaking to the universal longing for connection and transcendence. Rumi's verses continue to resonate with readers worldwide, offering solace and illumination in turbulent times.

Notable Works: "The Guest House," "The Essential Rumi," "The Rumi Collection" 8. Walt Whitman (1819-1892) Walt Whitman, often hailed as the father of American poetry, revolutionized the genre with his expansive, free-verse style and celebration of democracy, nature, and the human spirit. His magnum opus, "Leaves of Grass," is a sprawling epic that embraces the diversity of American life and celebrates the interconnectedness of all beings. Whitman's bold experimentation with form and his embrace of the individual have had a profound influence on poets throughout the world. Notable Works: "Song of Myself," "I Sing the Body Electric," "O Captain! My Captain!" 9. Seamus Heaney (1939-2013)

Seamus Heaney, the Irish poet and Nobel laureate, is celebrated for his lyrical verse that explores themes of history, identity, and the natural world. His deep connection to the Irish landscape and his exploration of Irish mythology and folklore infuse his poetry with a sense of place and belonging. Heaney's profound empathy and keen observation make his work both deeply personal and universally resonant. Notable Works: "Death of a Naturalist," "Digging," "The Haw Lantern"