The Poetry Pharmacy
Poems are something I loved as a child but somehow drifted away from as life took over. It wasn’t until recently that I rediscovered them—thanks, in part, to the timeless work of Maya Angelou. Her poetry invited me back in with its freedom, vivid imagery, and honesty. What a joy it is to write—and to read—with such openness and truth.
Discovering The Poetry Pharmacy
On a quiet afternoon at my local bookshop, I stumbled upon a little gem: The Poetry Pharmacy. I couldn’t put it down. The concept—that words can heal, comfort, and restore—felt both familiar and deeply inspiring. It also resonated with the well-being mission of The Academic Coach Space, where we value reflection and growth.
Even before I opened the book, I was charmed by its design—the textured cover, the bright, welcoming orange, and its perfectly portable size. It’s the kind of book that fits easily into a bag, ready to be pulled out during a lunch break or a quiet moment.
Poetry as Gentle Medicine
Inside, I found a thoughtfully curated collection organised around themes of mental and emotional well-being, motivation, and loss. The poets range widely—from Tolkien to Rumi to Angelou—each offering their own form of gentle medicine.
Not every poem resonated immediately, but many did. And that’s the beauty of poetry: sometimes it meets you exactly where you are, and sometimes it waits patiently until you’re ready to meet it.
A Five-Minute Pause for the Soul
What I love about The Poetry Pharmacy is that it invites you to pause. It’s not a book you need to read in one sitting; rather, it’s one to dip into when you need a few minutes of reflection or stillness. As William Sieghart, the curator, suggests:
“You don’t need to be a poet to find solace in poetry.”
As we begin a new year—a time when many of us seek renewal and perspective—perhaps this is the perfect moment to rediscover poetry. Perhaps check out The Poetry Pharmacy from your local library- you never know when you might need a dose of poetic healing.
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