No one spoke –
the host, the guest,
the white chrysanthemums.
Ryota Oshima (1718 – 1787)
As the summer leans into its softer, slower days and the shadows lengthen, at the Poetry Pharmacy we find ourselves thinking about the value to be discovered in stillness — and how hard and beautiful it is to be in real silence.
These are not always easy companions. In the rush of daily life, stillness can feel unproductive, even uncomfortable. But at the Poetry Pharmacy, we know it’s often in these quiet spaces — these pauses — where something begins to shift and we allow in change.
We might call them liminal spaces — thresholds between one state and another. Times of waiting. Of not-knowing. Of neither-here-nor-there. And yet, these are also the spaces where change can creep in unnoticed, where inspiration can breathe, and where we allow in something unexpected or marvellous into our lives.
There’s a poem we often prescribe: Postscript by Seamus Heaney. In it, the poet drives “out west into County Clare” and finds himself in a place between a calm lake on one side, a wild sea on the other. And into that space, “something” enters — something marvellous and ungraspable.
This newsletter, then, is a gentle invitation to seek out your own westward drive — literal or metaphorical. To make time for silence. For stillness. For the strange and almost sacred space between what was and what could be.
Here's another poem to share with you and we've taken one of its phrases as this week's subject line; Kathleen Jamie's The Girls. Deb's included it in the anthology Poetry Prescription : Calm which is published at the beginning of October, but you can pre-order it from us here.
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Mindfulness tools recommended
by the Poetry Pharmacy
If you feel you need a little guidance to reconnect with the here and now , this pack of 50 beautifully illustrated cards might be just the thing. Designed to help you pause amidst the daily rush, these prompts invite you to disconnect from screens, take a break from to-do lists, and reconnect with the wonders of the world around you. Focus on what matters, and bring a moment of calm to your busy day. These cards are available here.
We also love these Small Pleasures cards from the School of Life. This set features carefully selected photographs capturing life’s simple, often overlooked moments. Each card’s reverse side offers a short reflection or prompt designed to help you pause and appreciate everyday joys. Whether used for daily mindfulness, a quick mental reset, or a thoughtful gift, these cards encourage you to slow down and reconnect with the small pleasures that bring calm and contentment to busy lives. Available here.
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Further Reading
We’ve curated a selection of our favourite books on mindfulness, change, and the joy found in small pleasures. Featuring authors like James Crews, Thich Nhat Hanh, Sophie Howarth, David Whyte, Helen Mort, and Alain de Botton, this shelf offers thoughtful reads to inspire and soothe. Browse the collection and purchase any title directly from us here.
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Mindfulness Tip
''Breathing mindfully, you simply
enjoy your in-breath and out-breath.
You bring the mind home to the body, and you realise
that you are alive, still alive, and this is a wonder.
To be alive is the greatest of all miracles.''
Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to use mindful breathing as a way to ground ourselves in the present and become aware of our surroundings. By tuning into the breath, we open a space to notice small details that often go unnoticed, naturally fostering a sense of gratitude for the things around us. Through this practice, we reconnect with the simple miracle of life itself, finding contentment in the present moment. If you'd like to explore the scientific connection between breathing, mindfulness, and health in greater depth, James Nestor’s book, Breath, offers a fascinating deep dive. |
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Ronald Blythe: The writer who inspired a generation of nature writers
Join Ian Collins for a talk about his newly acclaimed biography of the forefather of nature writing: Ronald Blythe. Loved and admired by the greats of the nature writing genre, such as Robert MacFarlane, Roger Deakin, Patrick Barkham, Richard Mabey; Blythe inspired artists, poets and writers alike.
Ian will be joined by artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, a friend of Ronald's after painting his portrait, here he exhibits for the first time a series of drawings inspired by the dream-like Bottengoms: Blythe's home in Colchester now bequeathed to the Wildlife Trust. Refreshments included.
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We're very excited to be welcoming Dan Whitlam to the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street a day ahead of publication of his first collection I Don't Want to Settle
Meet spoken word poet Dan Whitlam and have your copy of I Don't Want to Settle signed. The first 30 people will also receive a free bath bomb containing a small extract of poetry and Lush are generously donating some give-aways on the ground floor for visitors to the event.
We're also working feverishly with Bonnier Books to hand-make a new bottle of restoratives, Don't Settle - for Self-Worth & to Reignite an Inner Flame - all extracts taken from Dan's poems. Available from our website very soon.
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A friendly club for curious minds
and budding young poets
 Children's Poetry ClubSaturday 6th September 2025, 2-3pm
Bishops Castle
Children's Poetry Club starts again after a Summer break. Join the renowned Anna Dreda (formally Wenlock Bookshop and Wenlock Poetry Festival) for a warm, friendly and fun poetry reading and writing club. These sessions are held upstairs in the bookshop as usual, so parents can wait in the coffee shop if they'd like to!
Suitable for 7 to 11 year olds.
All very welcome to read, write and chat about poetry! £3 to cover refreshments
Please email Anna for dates: annadreda@icloud.com
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Breath and Verse: Unlock your creative flow
Discover how controlled breath can guide you through your inner landscape, revealing new insights and igniting your most authentic, creative expression.
Prepare to breathe, reflect, and release the vibrant world within you.
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How can we make more space for poetry among all the pressing demands of daily life?
The Poetry Habit introduces you to the transformative effects of a daily poetry prescription. We explore innovative ways to read, write, learn and share poetry, placing particular emphasis on cultivating everyday habits that inspire joy, deepen meaning and build creativity.
This course will reward anyone who wants to bring more wonder and connection into their daily life. It is designed to reward both those who are completely new to poetry and to bring fresh inspiration to more experienced poetry readers and writers. All that matters is to come with an open heart and mind.
"Brilliantly structured, thought provoking, mind expanding and playful"Sophie's book Everyday Wonder is available on our website.
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Explore the life and work of 19th-Century
Romantic Poet John Clare
I found the poems in the fields. And only wrote them down - John Clare
John Clare was a nineteenth-century poet who had little formal education but who wrote about his lived experience of nature in detailed and beautiful poems. He also lamented changes in the agrarian world which foreshadow present day concerns about loss of habitat. He wrote movingly about his own sense of alienation and profound loneliness.
Come and join Jan in a guided exploration of Clare’s poetry, his life and the times he lived in.
"The greatest labouring-class poet that England has ever produced. No one has ever written more powerfully of nature, of a rural childhood, and of the alienated and unstable self." - Jonathan Bate
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A gentle walk with poetry readings, beautiful views of the Shropshire hills and tea and cake to finish
Saturday 4th October 2025,10:30-1pm
Bishops Castle
Join poet Jonathan Davidson for a Poetry Walk starting and finishing at The Poetry Pharmacy Lab in Bishop's Castle.
Using a circular route, we will stroll along small roads and footpaths, stopping now and then to hear some poems read aloud in the open air. Copies of poems – by various carefully selected poets – will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring along short poems of their own to share.
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Explore the richness of our inner and outer landscapes
Sunday 2nd November 2025, 10.30-3pm
Bishops Castle
Join poets Roz Goddard and Jane Commane for a poetry spa morning of workshops and readings. We will explore the richness of our inner and outer landscapes where new creative ideas can spontaneously arise and be used for experiments in writing poetry.
“Roz Goddard is one of my favourite poets and Small Moon Curve shines with all that I admire in her poems: mystery, beauty, deep tenderness and a willingness to venture into the dark and light it with love.” – Liz Berry
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Join Tom and Rozi for an intensive poetry weekend
Join Tom Hirons and Rozi Hilton for a weekend intensive in the territory of what they call the Feral Angels of Poetry: poetry with its blazing head in the cosmos and its feet in the muck and murk of this world. Immersive, alive, embodied and richly experiential, these are not your average poetry weekends.
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Personalised poems crafted on a vintage typewriter
Jen is an award-winning poet and creative copywriter who transforms feelings, memories and ideas into heartfelt, personalised poetry. At her regular drop in events at the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street, she crafts bespoke poems live on her trusty vintage typewriter, capturing individual stories and emotions and turning them into unique keepsakes.
“Jen is an exceptionally talented writer. Her poetry conjures such vivid images that transport you somewhere else, and the way she puts words together is a beautiful art in itself.” Ceri, Poem recipient
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From travelling as the Emergency Poet, to opening the world's first walk in Poetry Pharmacy
Join our own Deb Alma in conversation with local poet Juliette Hart, discussing Deb's journey from the Emergency Poet to the Poetry Pharmacy. The event will include a live poetry consultation and some readings from The Poetry Prescription anthologies, including poetic cures for life’s ailments.
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Thank you so much for reading.
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