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Light Filters in: Poems

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In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence, this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation @poeticpoison perfectly captures the human experience. 

In Light Filters in, Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—does what she does reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling "how to be happy," and ultimately figuring out who you are.

This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline's account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters in will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 2018

349 people are currently reading
12119 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Kaufman

2 books381 followers
Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison on Instagram—began writing poetry when she was thirteen years old as a means of coping with her depression. A year later, she started posting it online, and what started as a personal way to combat mental illness eventually became an account with hundreds of thousands of followers across social media.

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5 stars
3,881 (41%)
4 stars
3,062 (32%)
3 stars
1,778 (19%)
2 stars
434 (4%)
1 star
136 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 972 reviews
Profile Image for disco.
751 reviews243 followers
June 8, 2020
A note to the author:

Why I say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”: It is not a crime or sin. We are not blaming this person when we talk about how they died. Suicide is often the consequence of a mental health crisis – and should be regarded in the same way as a physical health condition. We don’t say “they committed cancer”. When we carry stigma in our language we push others away from feeling comfortable asking for help. If you are dedicating a page in your book to those who have died by suicide, keep this in mind.
Profile Image for persephone ☾.
625 reviews3,672 followers
March 8, 2023
"In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence ..."
that's precisely the issue 💀

Profile Image for Maria.
98 reviews78 followers
November 8, 2020
And what else would I do in November but read sad, sad poetry?!
Profile Image for Schizanthus Nerd.
1,317 reviews304 followers
August 6, 2018
Trigger warnings are quoted below:
I talk about mental illness, self-harm, suicide, recovery, sexual assault, abusive relationships, violence, and other issues that may not be the easiest to swallow.
Caroline Kaufman is probably better known (so far) by her Instagram profile @poeticpoison. Published while still a teenager, this book is a mixture of dark and light, heartache and hope. Poetry can be very hit and miss for me and I found that to be the case with this collection as well. I connected with some of her words so deeply that I could have written them myself when I was Caroline’s age.
I’ve spent so much time
trying to become who I should be
that I lost myself along the way.
Others I struggled with but that’s probably more indicative of my stony cold heart than Caroline’s writing ability. When I read about relationships and heartache it’s akin to a vampire feeling the warmth of sunlight on their skin.

This book is divided into four sections: the darkness falls, the night persists, the dawn breaks, and the sun rises. What I loved above all else is the honesty of these poems.
sometimes I imagine my younger self
and I worry she wouldn’t recognize me.
Once upon a nitpick: One of my pet peeves is sentences that don’t begin with a capital letter. It bugs me whenever I see it and for some reason that baffles me it seems to be a cool thing to do these days. Some poems in this book include my beloved capital letters; others don’t.

This collection reminded me of the tumultuous experience of adolescence, a place I don’t like to visit. There’s a rawness to the writing that I really appreciated although overall I don’t feel as though I’m the target audience. I probably would have been when I was a teenager but a lot of the writing felt very young (and rightly so as the author is only 18). I hope that Caroline continues to write from her heart as the authenticity of her voice has the potential to impact a lot of young lives.

I’d give this collection 3.5 stars if that was an option but as it’s not I’m rounding up.
Profile Image for Jessica C.
693 reviews55 followers
June 25, 2018
This book was really well written. I felt the emotions in each poem, and I really enjoyed the metaphors.

Great read, but there are some trigger warnings to keep in mind: sexual assault, self harm, violence
Profile Image for Helen.
264 reviews163 followers
July 25, 2018
there is nothing more powerful / than a girl with a pen
these words are poetic poison

I have mixed feelings towards this collection. I have great respect to Caroline Kaufman for being able to put herself out there so unreservedly - if I could describe this in one word it would be 'brave.' She talks with painful honesty about her experiences with depression and self-harm, and it's by no means an easy read. There were also some great one-off lines which I feel had a lot of impact, and worked fantastically.

Stylistically, I feel that this collection was reminiscent of poets such as Amanda Lovelace and Rupi Kaur, so fans of their work would almost certainly enjoy this - it has this great knack of getting difficult emotions across without wrapping them up in a bow. However, something different about this poet is her use of rhyme, something which is becoming obsolete in the realms of modern poetry. I found this interesting, because as I said, rhyme isn't utilised often in much of the poetry I've read recently - however, I personally felt it could have been done a little better. There were many occasions when a rhyme felt clunky, or the rhythm was a little off. It could be jarring at times; if you'd read certain poems aloud, you'd definitely notice it.

all is fair when love's a war / and every day is a fight / tongues become the sharpest of swords / as they clash over wrong and right

Rhyming poetry can have a great ring to it if done well, and there are some instances where she does this really nicely. However, there are also some occasions where I cringed a little - in all honesty, rhyming poetry just isn't my thing, though I can respect the times when this poet makes it work for her.

I don't want to sound condescending, but Caroline is a young writer and I feel like that does show in some of her poems. There's a sense of immaturity to some of them, but some of her words are so powerful and her emotions are so strong - I don't doubt that she's going to keep growing as a writer and improving massively, and she definitely has a lot of worthwhile things to say. Caroline's words have made many people feel as though they aren't alone, and I appreciate her bravery in sharing these words with the world. I feel as though young teens in particular will be inspired by her words and by seeing someone so young achieving such great success. This book wasn't entirely for me, but I still think it has value and will be helpful to a lot of people.
Profile Image for Lia Strange.
649 reviews264 followers
December 28, 2020
"a person dies from suice
-from depression-
every forty seconds.
i am only one person
with one life
with one story."

este poemario es facilmente mi favorito, recorre la vida de la autora desde lo mas profundo de su depresion, de su tristeza, de su soledad y la vemos ir superándolo poco a poco a traves de distintas etapas.

"don't tell me
my brokenness is beautiful.
this is not beautiful.
this nearly killed me"

leemos sus mayores tristezas, sus mayores dolores y luego la vemos resurgir. La leemos mejorar.

"depression now feels
like an old sweater,
worn in and frayed
at the edges.
sometimes i am
cold and lovely,
and try to put it back on.
but sleeves are too short.
it's tight around the middle.
the material itches in a way
i don't remember"

y luego sana

"you are the most important person in my life"


es un poemario que me duele, y que tiene mucho sentimiento para mi y realmente me enamore y llore y me sentí identificada muchas veces.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,302 reviews3,462 followers
November 3, 2020
"I've spent so much time
trying to become who I should be
that I lost myself along the way."

I just love this collection.

The art in between is just amazing.

This collection talks about identify, abuse, acceptance, mental health (depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm), childhood and innocence, writing and poetry.


It's so personal.

I can feel you and understand you.
Profile Image for Alicia Cook.
Author 11 books467 followers
May 21, 2018
Strong debut by this young author. Full review to come following release. Thank you to Harper for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kaylee D.
22 reviews45 followers
March 12, 2019
This book made me want to not listen to what everyone says. It is motivational but once again is telling a story that many people will not talk about. She talks about her journey and how she really struggled and that it was ok not to be ok all the time. I found that this book was kind of the same as all the others that I read. I found it hard to keep reading it because I was kind of not into it. I think it's a good book I had just read to many books like this that all have the same purpose but it's an important purpose.
Profile Image for Grace Arango.
1,350 reviews676 followers
April 1, 2019
As much as this was a hard collection for the poet to write, this was definitely a hard one to read.
Yet it was all so important.

Before picking this book up, there are multiple triggers such as self-harm, suicide, anxiety, depression etc and may I warn you that it is a raw take. If you are able to brave it, I would definitely recommend this as it was worth the read.
Profile Image for kia.
142 reviews21 followers
May 22, 2022
the happiness
will come slowly,
the way light filters in
through the window
in the early morning hours.

so slowly
you don’t even notice
the night is ending,

until you wake up
and see the sunlight.



Light Filters In: Poems is a poetry collection that is divided into 4 “phases” (The Darkness Falls, The Night Persists, The Dawn Breaks, & The Sun Rises) that depicted the author’s stages of healing from mental illness. It reflected her story as she struggled from depression, self-harm, and all sorts of trust issues to her eventually accepting and loving herself as she grew older. The book also told a story about how she started to become a poet, which I found quite amusing.

It was a compelling read, and her words were emotionally strong, given that the author was only sixteen when she debuted this book. It is a book recommended for those who want to find one’s self and find healing through poetry.
Profile Image for maya.
2 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2018
Light Filters In: Poems is such an incredibly powerful book of poems. Caroline’s words are able to portray such raw emotion that really let you experience her feelings. This book was so emotionally jarring that i couldn’t put it down. I love this book so deeply and highly recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for J & J .
190 reviews75 followers
August 22, 2018
Impressive. Even more so considering the author's age. What an inspiration to young writers as well as anyone (but especially teens) going through life's hardships.
Profile Image for Elvina Zafril.
708 reviews104 followers
January 23, 2019
Updated Review

This book is about mental illness, self-harm, suicide, recovery, sexual assault, abusive relationships, violence and some other issues related.

The writing was good though I feel some of the poems kind of repetitive. It’s like I know what the author was trying to say and it kept repeating. All the poems are easy to understand. I liked few of the poems that I can relate to for example depression. Some of the poems made me feel sad because somehow I felt it related to me. At least one of them is.

Its not easy to find out who you really are. Its not easy to keep moving on. These poems are really like someone’s diary.

One of the poems that I really liked:

earth;

I burn and smoke
to keep others warm,
forgetting that
I need to breath.

I carry a first-aid kit
wherever I go,
forgetting that
I need to heal.

I give out love
to all who will take it,
forgetting that
I need some for myself.

Note from the author, “take care of yourself if you need to. your safety is always important. asking for help is not weak.”

Recommended!
Profile Image for Megan.
99 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2020
I'm so sick of obvious poetry. What happened to metaphor? She could have just written "I have depression" on every page. Also, don't read this during a global pandemic.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews123 followers
July 31, 2019
There are a lot of trigger warnings in these poems. The author opened up her heart and bled out in her words. It was brave and so very sad.
I am not really one to read poetry, but I admire it so much. To be able to put all your emotion into just a few words is a gift. These poems are tragically beautiful. But be prepared to pull out your tissues and weep for the brave girl in these words. And then applaud her for the work she has done and is doing every day.
Profile Image for RedL..
126 reviews32 followers
June 14, 2020
3 Stars for the style, 5 Hearts for the content

I didn't know the author, her account, her online fame, the hype, so I went into this collection with no expectations. I love poetry, I wrote too. This was a gift and the more I read it, the more I understood the reason it had been chosen for me...the message came through and I'm grateful.

I was comfortable with the way it was written and compiled, it surprised me (in a good way) there was so much rhyming and after a clumsier start, it kept getting better. The more refined the style got, the more personal the voice became, the more touching the communication. Some images were just perfect.

I personally don't find the language particularly poetic, but she's so young she can only get better and be even more her own writer. I also understands why as this started as private journals, a big part of it still looks and sounds like that. The real matter here is the content of her poems, content meaningful also to those who haven't lived it and poetic on its own. We're talking of mental health issues, self-harm, the aftermath of sexual violence and suicide, ill relationships and more. Things true to so many of us, things that should never be swept under the rug or kept inside in a shameful silence that will slowly kills you. She certainly is not the only author to deal with all of this, to me every voice counts on these issues.

True to the title, from the forest of despair and constant war with oneself to want to stay alive, the light of the healing process filters through and gets stronger and stronger. To witness and to feel how she got healthier and healthier by the end of the book reminded me of all the hope behind the grinding. You have to trust the process, you have to trust a therapist, the medication, you have to remember all the lies your illness keeps whispering in your ears if you just doubt a little bit or think you're already cured.

At the end of the line, self-love, safe relationships, faith and belonging to life...all worth the hell to cross to get there. Like Kaufman says, sometimes unlearning is so much more important than learning
Profile Image for thea ♡.
344 reviews94 followers
June 13, 2021
you know those friends that are surrounded by that yearning potential to be even closer friends but you’re unsure of where to push to get to that point? one of those kinds of friends gifted me this book — her push. and i’ve never been so touched in my life. my heart pounds with unrestricted love and gratitude for my friend to share a piece of her heart with me. i’m struck by this act with such painful sincerity to the point where my eyes blur from barely held back tears. this was a heartbreaking and hopeful read that’s better described as an experience, as a process.

i didn’t read this poetry book through a critical lens. i read it as myself getting to know another person through another person’s words. and i am so honored. words really do make us feel less alone. and words really do save lives. (also check out my book blog?)

(in case you were curious, here’s my favorite:

the most powerful word
in the english language is
no.

it is refusal
and control
and aggression
and authority.

do you still love me?
no.
are you comfortable with this?
no.
do you want to live like this forever?
no.

I used to be scared
of saying no
being selfish
making my own decisions.

but there is strength in refusal.
there is revolution in authority.
there is freedom in control.

so,
savor your strength.
revel in your revolution.
follow your freedom.
say

no.
Profile Image for Iphios.
103 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2018
When it comes to instagram poets I've always been wary. I have read enough of the published poets of instagram to feel this way. Not all instagram poets are made equal and a publication, to me, does not necessarily mean that the poetry is good. Popular, yes. Poetic? debatable.

Truncated lines do not make a poem.

When my friend told me about Caroline Kaufman all my alarm bells were up. Another instagram poet. Yet, I knew, that I could not judge a poet by where they were first known, because there are really good poets that started on instagram. Light Filters In did not disappoint. Yes, there's love poem. Yes, the language is comprehensible and easy. It isn't too obscure that we get lost in meaning, but it is a tight collection. Solid sustained metaphors. Well chosen words, rhythmic and raw.

It's heart on your sleeve, open and authentic. It pulls the strings without being trite. I savored the words, enjoyed the simplicity and when I finished reading it, i thought to myself this is what good, contemporary, popular poetry should be like.

I enjoyed this collection immensely. I'm glad that despite my bias, I still try to challenge it and give some of these writers/poets a try.
Profile Image for Anna P.
19 reviews31 followers
April 2, 2019
This book made me cry and think multiple times because I can relate to some of the thoughts the author was having. I picked up this book because I tend to read books I can relate to very easily so I figured why not pick this one up. I loved this book a lot and I would definitely pick it up again if I had the time.
Profile Image for Gabi.
341 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2018
Basically Rupi Kaur but from a teenager. It wasn't bad. Just not my thing. Could I find teens who connect and need this? Yes. Was it for me? No.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
344 reviews29 followers
August 15, 2018
This was the first poetry book that I've read and I'm so glad that I started with this! It was beautifully written and full of emotions. Lots of important issues were the themes of the poems such as mental illness, abuse, and suicide. I really admired the author for pouring her heart out and writing her personal experiences. Looking forward to read more from her!

find yourself
in a page.
look at
where you are.

find your past
in the pages
before.
look at all that
you have survived.

find your future
in the pages
after.
look at all that
you have ahead.

this is not
the end of the book.
you are right
at the heart of it.

keep reading.
Profile Image for Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice).
1,163 reviews166 followers
May 16, 2020
This Kindle edition was gifted to me by a friend!

I've followed Caroline on Instagram for a few years now and absolutely love her writing style. This debut collection was a fantastic read. Raw, shocking, haunting yet beautiful and heartwarming all mixed into one. One of my new favourites for sure!
Profile Image for Dulce .
206 reviews
December 29, 2020
Necesito un poco de tiempo para procesar esto *suspira* antes que nada debo de compartir que padezco de depresión y ansiedad desde hace 8 años, cada vez que mi cerebro da la orden de decir esas palabras mi boca duele y se cierra por si sola porque una parte de mi que pesa se niega en aceptar esto, hay una parte de mi que que me susurra ¿Y si no? ¿Y si solo soy demasiado dramática? Exagerada? Y los comentarios de mi familia no ayudan en mucho, sin embargo así es la realidad, la depresión y la ansiedad han consumido años de mi vida, me han destrozado, jugado conmigo y abandonado cuando se les da la gana para volver y hacer de las suyas siempre que quieren, gracias a dios he ido saliendo de esto poco a poco, pero es una lucha diaria. Ahora, este poemario *golpea el libro inexistente* ESTE POEMARIO ES TODO, todas las palabras escritas en el son un gran SAME, habla sobre cómo caes en el dolor, sobre cómo no puedes salir de el, Y LO MAS IMPORTANTE, como llega un punto dónde NO QUIERES SALIR DE EL, no porque quieras seguir sufriendo, si no porque esa tristeza y vacío que hay dentro de ti se ha convertido en tu acompañante por años, porque el mundo fuera de eso te da miedo y pánico, habla sobre cómo uno acepta que la felicidad al contrario de la depresión, no es un estado permanente y debes acostumbrarte a ello, habla sobre muchas cosas más que como buenas cosas que ame y me encantaron ahora no puedo recordar porque mi cerebro se quemo por los sentimientos que me causaron, sin más comentarios solo diré que esta grandemente recomendado y lo quiero en físico
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