The poets that inspire Cree storyteller Louise Bernice Halfe

April is National Poetry Month andCBCBooksis highlighting Canadian poets throughout the month!

Louise Bernice Halfeis a Cree poet, author and storytellerraised on the Saddle Lake Reserve in Alberta. In 2017,Halfewon theLatner Writers' Trust Poetry Prize, which is given to amid-career poet with a remarkable body of work. Her poetry collection,Burning in this Midnight Dream, is inspired by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission andexplores the traumatic legacy of residential schools.

• Louise BerniceHalfeon the difference between poetry and prose

Below, Halfetalks about the poets and poetry she's loved reading over the years.

Patrick Lane

"I love Patrick Lane's poetry because it ishonest, fierce and heartfelt. The poemsdon't tell the reader what to think andhow to feel. They are written without judgment, without self-recrimination.They just are."

• Patrick Lane on his writing routine and embracing change

Ceremonial Songs by Pablo Neruda

"With Pablo Neruda, sometimes the poetry is simple, other times complex. I love his invocations whether it is of the land or person, he prays to be heard, and invites this exploration'Take this crown made bloody with your bones.'So finely descriptive and provocative."

An Idiot JoybyEli Mandel

"Truly he has longings that to him seem like he's a foolish man. He does this with woman, earth, boys, girls, the grandfather that he is. And he bears no shame."

Eavan Boland

"Eavan Boland, is an Irish poet, who is the author of the chapbook, A Kind of A Scarand the book, A Poet's Dublin.She feminizes her country, the angry, hurt, recovering, silenced female. Her voice is as clear as the cold winter ices on exposed flesh and yet, she does this without blaming and anger."

Stranger Musicby Leonard Cohen

"Leonard Cohen,who wouldn't love the philosopher, the man, the 'Tower of Song?' He writes with such eloquence, depth and passion."

• The great Canadian reading list: 150 books to read for Canada 150