Get 10% off all year round! Join Thryft Club
Get 10% off all year round and $10 off your next order! Join Thryft Club
Buy 3 Get Another Free On All Under S$10

Your cart

Your cart is empty

Check out these collections!

Bestselling Fiction
Bestselling Nonfiction
Bestselling Books for Children
Vintage and Rare Books
Vinyl Records
Women's Clothing
Men's Clothing

"A Luxury We Must Afford"

In 1968, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew told a room of University of Singapore students, "poetry is a luxury we cannot afford". 

It's an attitude that has unfortunately persisted past its context; in many ways the country's perception of poetry isn't so different from what it was decades ago.

Still, it's moments and situations in which we have to confront the unknown, and the uncertain, when poetry can offer us solace. So here's a compilation of local poets, and anthologies we might turn to. Learn more in this blog post.

8 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!
Poetry
Clear all

8 Results

No results

No results

Poetry
Clear all
Caterwaul - Thryft
Sold out
Jennifer Anne Champion | Math Paper Press

Caterwaul

from RM25.96 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.76

from RM25.96 MYR

Out of stock

Caterwaul would appeal to someone looking for an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story. Champion's memoir, presented in scrapbook form, interlaces the poignant with the mundane as she recounts the pain and desire of a poorly poet in middle-class Singaporean suburbia. Readers looking for an authentic, unflinching account of growing up will find it in Caterwaul.
Finders & Keepers - Thryft
Sold out
Adam Tie | Landmark Books Pte Ltd

Finders & Keepers

from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 51%

Goodreads rating: 4.67

from RM14.52 MYR Save up to 51%

Out of stock

"Finders & Keepers" could be a great read for poetry lovers who appreciate the art of weaving words and emotions together to capture a person's essence. The book offers a unique blend of personalized poems based on three words given by strangers, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. The author's ability to tap into universal human experiences through spilled ink makes this book an enjoyable and relatable read.
Footnotes on Falling - Thryft
Sold out
Joshua Ip | Math Paper Press

Footnotes on Falling

from RM33.13 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.36

from RM33.13 MYR

Out of stock

If you've ever found yourself reflecting on your less-than-perfect decisions with a blend of humor and pensiveness, "Footnotes on Falling" could strike a chord. Joshua Ip craftily spins the awkward dance of life's missteps into verse, offering you a space to consider your own journey with a smile. The collection's self-awareness and cultural nuances might just echo your own internal monologues, making it a companion for moments of solitary contemplation.
Professions - Thryft
Sold out
Amanda Chong | Math Paper Press

Professions

from RM24.97 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.8

from RM24.97 MYR

Out of stock

Professions can be a good read for people who enjoy poetry with a touch of melancholy. Amanda Chong's collection captures the nuances of relationships tainted by professional demands, and the resulting heartbreak. The poems are relatable, yet unique in their observations. The glimpses of strong relationships amidst the heartaches make the book even more poignant. Overall, it is a beautiful collection of poetry that can resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of relationships.
Call And Response: A Migrant/Local Poetry Anthology - Thryft
Sold out
Rolinda Onates Espanola, Zakir Hossain Khokan, Joshua Ip  | Math Paper Press

Call And Response: A Migrant/Local Poetry Anthology

from RM28.36 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.93

from RM28.36 MYR

Out of stock

Call and Response could be a great read for poetry enthusiasts seeking to explore the experiences of migrant and local poets. The anthology captures a diverse range of voices, with each poem being a unique prism of language that reflects and refracts the experiences of migrant workers and local residents. The creative responses from local writers add an interesting dimension to the work, creating a dialogic space where perspectives are shared and reflected upon. Overall, the book is a beautiful exploration of identity, migration, and the power of language to bridge worlds.
Occupational Hazards - Thryft
Sold out
Mayo Martin | Math Paper Press

Occupational Hazards

from RM25.96 MYR

Goodreads rating: 2.43

from RM25.96 MYR

Out of stock

Recommended for poetry lovers seeking wit and quirkiness. The poems in 'Occupational Hazards' embody a unique blend of humor and absurdity, with characters ranging from an art critic to a superhero. The author, Mayo Martin, explores the strange compulsions of these and other oddball characters, with a versatile style that reflects both sadness and tenderness. Poetry lovers looking for a fresh take on humor and quirkiness will enjoy this collection.
Singathology : 50 New Works by Celebrated Singaporean Writers - Thryft
Sold out
Sa’eda Bte Buang, Gwee Li Sui, Tan Chee Lay  | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Singathology : 50 New Works by Celebrated Singaporean Writers

from RM58.27 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.33

from RM58.27 MYR

Out of stock

Singathology showcases the richness and diversity of Singaporean literature, featuring pieces from acclaimed artists like Cultural Medallion and Young Artist award winners. The unique inclusion of mother tongue languages provides an immersive experience for readers, while English translations allow for wider accessibility. Edited by literary expert Dr Gwee Li Sui, this two-volume anthology is a must-read for those looking to discover and appreciate Singaporean literature.
Dreaming Cities - Thryft
Sold out
Eddie Tay | Math Paper Press

Dreaming Cities

from RM22.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.72

from RM22.00 MYR

Out of stock

"Dreaming Cities" offers a unique blend of poetry and street photography, presenting a vivid depiction of the modern city landscape of Hong Kong and Singapore. As a long-time resident and associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Eddie Tay brings an insightful perspective to the imagery and language. The poems in this collection are both imaginative and grounded in reality, and would be an ideal read for anyone interested in the urban space and the creative intersections between poetry and photography.