The Best Loved Poems Of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Ever had one of those days where everything feels a bit… off? Like you're wearing mismatched socks and the coffee machine is actively plotting against you? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, the only cure is a little dose of something beautiful, something that speaks to your soul. And guess what? For Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, that something was often poetry.

Now, before you picture her perched on a velvet chaise lounge, sipping tea and reciting Shakespeare (though, let's be real, she probably did that too), remember she was also a mom, a working woman, and a person dealing with… well, a lot. So, her taste in poetry wasn't all dusty tomes and complicated metaphors. It was often surprisingly relatable, like the literary equivalent of comfort food.

A Poet's Heart in a Public Life

Think of it this way: being Jackie O was like being a meticulously crafted meme, constantly under scrutiny. Every outfit, every gesture, every hair was analyzed. Poetry, for her, wasn't just a hobby; it was a refuge, a place where she could escape the spotlight and connect with her inner self. It was her mental yoga, her soul's spa day.

What kind of poems resonated with this icon? Turns out, some real classics, poems that have stood the test of time and still manage to punch you right in the feels today. You know, the kind that make you go, "Yep, someone gets me!"

"Ithaka" by C.P. Cavafy

Let's start with Cavafy's "Ithaka." This poem isn't about the destination, but about the journey. It's about savoring the experiences, the challenges, the detours. Imagine Jackie, navigating the treacherous waters of political life, the constant glare of the media, the personal tragedies. This poem probably felt like a life raft, a reminder that the process of becoming is more important than the achievement of arriving.

It’s like finally reaching the top of a mountain and realizing the breathtaking view was worth all the sweat, blisters, and questionable granola bars you consumed along the way. You wouldn't trade it for a helicopter ride, would you?

"After great pain, a formal feeling comes" by Emily Dickinson

Then there’s Emily Dickinson. Ah, Emily, the queen of quiet introspection. Jackie loved her, and you can totally see why. Dickinson's poem, "After great pain, a formal feeling comes," speaks to the numbness that can follow profound loss. It’s like when you stub your toe really hard. The initial pain is excruciating, but then…nothing. Just a dull, distant ache. You keep going, but something’s changed.

Given the immense grief Jackie experienced, this poem probably resonated on a deeply personal level. It acknowledges the strange, almost surreal feeling of carrying on after unthinkable heartache.

A Few Other Favorites

While those two are often highlighted, Jackie also reportedly loved the works of Tennyson, Wordsworth, and Robert Frost. Think rolling hills, nature's beauty, and the human connection to the land. Pretty fitting for someone who appreciated the finer things in life, right?

It’s like when you’re scrolling through Instagram and suddenly stumble upon a photo of a breathtaking sunset. You stop, you stare, you feel a sense of calm wash over you. That's the kind of effect these poems likely had on her.

Why Does It Matter?

So, why should we care what poems Jackie O loved? Because it shows us that even the most seemingly untouchable figures are just people. They experience joy, sadness, and everything in between. They seek solace in the same places we do: in art, in nature, and in the words of wise poets who have somehow managed to capture the essence of the human experience.

Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a page from Jackie’s book. Skip the doomscrolling and find a poem that speaks to you. You might be surprised at how much comfort and inspiration you find in a few carefully chosen words. It's like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your old winter coat – a small, unexpected gift that can brighten your day.

And who knows, maybe you'll even discover your own personal "Ithaka" along the way.