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Dear Friends,
Recently, with troubling news unfolding all around, it is hard not to feel the weight of it all. At times, that weight can make it difficult to carry on with day-to-day life, and even harder to hold space for ordinary joys and for time with friends and family. In moments like these, we are reminded that courage, in its many forms, remains vital. This week, we’ve been reflecting on the quieter, everyday kinds of bravery: the courage to observe honestly, to feel fully, to speak when silence would be easier, and to act with integrity even when the path is unclear.
Recently on Instagram, we shared lines from We Lived Happily During the War by Ilya Kaminsky, from Deaf Republic, a poem that considers the consequences of inaction. Its resonance is immediate and unsettling: courage, we see, is not optional; it is the antidote to apathy, the way we remain fully present to the world and mindful of our responsibility.
Poetry offers no simple solutions, but it gives us language for what is difficult to express, moments of courage when we need them, and the reassurance that we are not alone. It invites us to pay attention, to feel deeply, and to remain present to our inner lives and to the world we share.
Courage also flourishes in creativity. The simple act of putting pen to paper, journaling, or reflecting can be quietly radical. These practices allow thoughts and emotions to surface, be examined, and processed - a gentle and yet profound assertion of presence in a tumultuous time.
Spring will come again
To the scorched, blackened woods,
where all the wounded trees
Wait, with their old wise patience for the heavenly rain,
Sure of the sky: sure of the sea to send its healing breeze,
Sure of the sun.
- Charlotte Mew
Extract from our Confidence poetry pills, you can read the full poem here.
Recently, to celebrate the launch of 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence and our new Confidence poetry prescription, Liz Ison led a literary walk through Marylebone and Soho, visiting the streets that inspired writers such as Browning, Thomas, Byron, Shelley, Mansfield, Blake, Shakespeare, and Wilde. Along the way, Liz discussed how courage shaped these writers’ creative journeys and lives -how, step by step, they forged paths, faced challenges, and nurtured confidence. Courage takes many forms: social, creative, moral, self-trust, tenderness, and the bravery to begin again. We hope that through reading, writing, and walking your own path, you may discover these same sparks of courage in your daily life.
Recommended Remedies for Restless Minds
Putting pen to paper can help transform anxious, looping thoughts into something more manageable. Journalling creates distance, perspective, and clarity, allowing us to reflect rather than simply absorb what is happening around us. We recommend Five Minutes in the Morning for simplicity and ritual, and Draw Your Feelings for creative emotional expression.
 
The School of Life & Poetry Pharmacy Give-away
We have long admired the excellent The School of Life who describe themselves as "a passionate group of people on a mission to bring about healing, growth, calm and self-understanding".
They derive their ideas from psychology, psychotherapy, philosophy, art and culture. As their name – The School of Life – suggests, they "are here to teach people how life can be lived and what can make it truly worthwhile, effective and fulfilling." As well as their range of beautifully made and considered books and products, they also offer workshops, talks and coaching and you can find out more here.
One lucky reader will receive a thoughtful bundle designed to help you pause, reflect, be inspired and get to know yourself a little better:
Included in this wonderful prize:
- Know Yourself Prompt Cards
- How to Understand Yourself book
- 15-Minute Timer
- Journal Prompt Cards
- Writing as Therapy: Journeys Journal
- Inspiration First Aid Kit
- Inspiration Chocolate
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Poetry Prescription: Inspiration anthology
To be in with a chance of winning, simply:
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Follow @poetrypharmacy and @theschooloflifelondon on Instagram
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Like the giveaway post
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Comment with something that brings you joy or inspiration at this time of year - flowers, sunlight, a walk in nature - and tag a friend who'd love this giveaway too.
The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Instagram on Saturday 7th February. Good luck!
Bespoke Poetry for Valentine's Day
We are excited to welcome Jen Feroze back to our Oxford Street bookshop on Sunday 8th February, where she will be writing bespoke poems from 12–6pm. Pop in to see her for a truly special and unique Valentine’s gift for your beloved.
Reasons To Love You
You turned Green Day into an off-key lullaby
when you ran out of nursery rhymes. Your cookbook addiction
is worse than mine. Sometimes you leave messages
in leftover pastry. Puffed hearts, dragons, our initials
crunchy and deliciously impermanent.
You know when to hold my hand
and when to let it go.
You know the names of all the cheeses
in France and you’ve tried most of them.
You teach our daughter about photosynthesis
and nuclear fusion over spaghetti bolognese,
her eyes adoring and getting bluer by the second
with each new preposterous piece of knowledge.
You make me feel like a proper grown up.
You make me laugh like a little kid.
You make the house smell of warm bread,
and all of us inside it rise.
- Jen Feroze
Other prescriptions for Matters of the Heart...
              
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Let your creativity lead the way in this safe and
supportive free flow creative writing session
Start your morning with a burst of creativity at the Poetry Pharmacy London! Join poet Laurie Bolger for a relaxed, playful session of free flow writing in our lush first-floor space on Oxford Street. Tea, stationery, and warm vibes are provided—just bring yourself and your imagination. No experience needed, newbies welcome, and spaces are limited!
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Only three places left!
A playful poetry workshop for budding young writers
The morning session is now full, so Debra is kindly running another session in the afternoon. Join poet Debra Bertulis in this fun, inspiring poetry workshop. Suitable for children ages 5-8 ish.
This event is part of Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, being held in the space above the bookshop.
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A welcoming open mic night with special guests
 Verbatim Poetry Open Mic
hosted by Pat Edwards
Wednesday 18th February 2026, 7.30-9pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle
Drop in
Join us for a special open mic event as part of the Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, with special guests Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger. All are welcome, and anyone who wishes to can have the opportunity to read. No need to prebook - just sign up on the night.£5 on the door with refreshments included in the ticket price.
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Write, share, and explore the art of haiku
Poet and writer David Bingham leads a workshop exploring the history of haiku and guiding participants to create their own contemporary pieces for the Arts Festival.
Join David for Haiku Moments, a hands-on session where you will learn about the Japanese origins of haiku and the key features of contemporary haiku written in English.
Participants will have the opportunity to write their own haiku and share their creations with the group. The workshop will also cover ways to continue your haiku practice, including submitting work for publication and getting involved in local and national haiku activities.
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Poems, passages, and pints: an ode to the orchard
Join the Poetry Pharmacy and Long Mynd Cider at a celebration of this much loved fruit, hosted by SpArC theatre in Bishop's Castle.
The Poetry Pharmacy will host an open mic of apple-themed poems, passages and songs, followed by a screening of The Orchard of England, accompanied by a bar from Long Mynd cider for a full experience of the theme.
The film explores the deep relationship between the people of Herefordshire its historic apple crop. Sign up to perform your poems, passages and songs in appreciation of the apple.
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A gentle, seasonal workshop to reconnect
your writing with the world around you
Join award-winning poet Rhiannon Hooson for this workshop inspired by the natural world, its seasonal shifts and transitions. As winter softens and signs of spring begin to appear, we will look at ways of grounding ourselves and our writing through use of that most mindful tool in the writer's kit: noticing. Designed in conjunction with her popular online Wild Words courses, this workshop bridges the gap between the Winter course and the Spring course.
While there's no need for any previous experience with the online courses, for those who have participated, this workshop offers an opportunity for in-person seasonal creativity with your peers! Join us for a morning of mindful creativity and quiet inspiration.
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A creative workshop blending poetry, drawing, and character design with fantastic local artist, Liv Bargman
Join local illustrator Liv Bargman in this creative workshop for Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival to explore the whimsical world of nonsense poetry through imaginative illustration and playful visual storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from iconic poets such as Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, Ogden Nash, and Hilaire Belloc, the session will blend poetry, drawing, and character design. Liv will share her signature approach to character creation in a fun and accessible format, suitable for adults.
Participants will create fantastical characters using a playful prompt system inspired by the transmundane—things that exist beyond the physical or visible world. We’ll then explore visual interpretation of nonsense poetry through hand-drawn typography and illustration.
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Explore the poetry of bells
Touch Paper Poetry Writing Workshop
with Pat Edwards
Sunday 22nd February 2026, 12.30-2.30pm
Drop in
From alarm bells, through hand bells, cycle bells, bell-shaped flowers, and even pub names, the shape and sound of bells evokes memories and has inspired writers. Come and explore this evocative theme through exemplar poems, discussion and writing prompts.
£10 on the day. Refreshments and resource booklet included in ticket price.
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Join best selling performance poet Isabella Dorta to celebrate her latest collection of coming of age, coming out poetry
Join us to raise a glass to celebrate the launch of Isabella's latest - and favourite - collection, I Don't Think I'm Straight, the chronological tale of figuring out your sexuality and gender expression. It’s a coming of age, coming out story told through poetry, designed for readers on both sides of the closet door.
Come along to meet Isabella, get your signed copy of the book and be part of a small Q&A, and reading from the book. Ticket price includes a glass of bubbles and £5 off the book on the night.
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Join Holly Winter-Hughes for a guided online session
Join Holly Winter-Hughes (How to Leave a Body, Verve) as she gently guides you in using writing to connect with yourself and your embodied stories. Through exploring poems on embodiment and tapping into your own somatic experiences, you’ll create writing that is visceral, sensuous, and deeply personal.
Each session prioritises autonomy - you decide how deeply to explore your writing. Return for each session to build your practice, or join as a newcomer.
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Spend the night in the Poetry Pharmacy!
Join poet Jo Bell and artist Bean Sawyer for an unforgettable all-night poetry workshop that blends writing with visual art and creative camaraderie. The Poetry Pharmacy will become our poetry snug for the evening, with midnight treats, warm drinks, and comfortable spots to snooze.
Throughout the night, Jo will guide you through poetic prompts, while Bean offers foraged wordplay and hands-on crafting. There will also be space for quiet reflection, storytelling, and dreaming.
Whether you're long-established or poetry-curious, expect laughter, insight, and a flurry of inspiration. Come with a notebook, leave with a constellation of new ideas, connections, and memories of a dawn filled with potential.
10pm–7am, with time for snoozing and resting. Spaces are limited, so book early.
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Thank you so much for reading.
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