This list includes 20 of the best famous poets who have crafted some of the most enduring work, dating back not just centuries but millennia.
Poetry is a unique medium open to interpretation that allows people to bring their own insights and experiences to bear on the poem. The best poets take advantage of this by creating work that will resonate with different people for different reasons. They tackle issues of life, death, love, grief and more to connect personally with the reader. Famous poets earn acclaim because their work is universal—they combine beautiful writing with deep thoughts, often incorporating imagery, symbolism, metaphor and, of course, creative use of meter to create singular works. This list includes 20 of the best famous poets who have crafted some of the most enduring work, dating back not just centuries but millennia.