white into the icy air

Extract from Winter Morning

But if I pause as I do now,
and watch the streetlights outside flashing
off one by one like old men blinking their
cloudy eyes, if I listen to my tired neighbors
slamming car doors hard against the morning
and see the steaming coffee in their mugs
kissing chapped lips as they sip and
exhale each of their worries white into
the icy air around their faces—then I can
remember this one life is a gift each of us
was handed and told to open: Untie the bow
and tear off the paper, look inside
and be grateful for whatever you find
even if it is only the scent of a tangerine
that lingers on the fingers long after
you’ve finished peeling it.

James Crews

Read the full poem here. This poem can be found in How to Love the World by James Crews.



In this newsletter, we’re pleased to share a small Christmas Gift Guide - an assortment of gifts created to nourish both mind and spirit. Whether it’s a book that soothes or sparks inspiration, one of our handmade poetry prescriptions, or a small bookish treasure from our collection, each item has been chosen for its ability to bring comfort, joy, or a moment of calm. These gifts are designed to uplift and offer gentle literary and emotional nourishment throughout the festive season.
We’d be delighted to welcome you in our shops right up to Christmas Eve for personal recommendations. Or, join us in Oxford Street for our Late Shopping Evenings throughout the festive period, when we’ll be open until 10pm Monday to Saturday. Our Oxford Street coffee shop will also be open late on Saturdays and Sundays, until 7.30 p.m., serving delicious mince pies and seasonal winter-warming drinks.
Christmas Gift Guide
Guaranteed to restore cheer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book of the Month Offer
 
Our Book of the Month is Virgin by Hollie McNish. Purchase a copy in store and enjoy a free drink in either of our coffee shops - choose from a comforting coffee, a pot of loose-leaf tea, a seasonal winter warmer, or any of our chilled drinks to enjoy while you dip into the book. Available at both Shropshire and Oxford Street.

You can also buy a signed copy online from us here.
Events and Courses

 



The London Poetry Tour is a collaboration between The Poetry Pharmacy and Bookmarked London. 

It runs every Sunday at 11.30am and guides you in the footsteps of some of the city's greatest poets and writers. 
Click here for more information and to book

Join two brilliant authors for a talk on animals,
wonder, and the path to a kinder world


How Nature Restores Us:
with Jay Griffiths & Gareth Howell-Jones
Sunday 7th December, 2.30-3.45pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle
 
Join authors Jay Griffiths and Gareth Howell-Jones for an inspiring evening exploring the healing power of animals and the simple wonders of the natural world. From hedgehogs to everyday encounters, they invite us to reimagine our place in nature with humour, hope, and heart. Discover new ways to nurture ourselves, our communities, and the planet.

Last few tickets remaining.
Click here for more information and to book

Between sleep and sky: Making friends
with your dreams through poetry


When the Night Speaks
with Leah Larwood
Monday 8th December, 6-8pm
Online


Every night, dreams visit us—strange, mysterious, sometimes unsettling, always full of meaning. We’re delighted to partner with The Moon Lab to bring you this special workshop, where poetry becomes a bridge between the world of sleep and waking life.

Through creative prompts, simple writing exercises, and gestalt-inspired ‘poetry therapy’ techniques, you’ll discover ways to listen to, honour, and explore your dreams. No experience is needed, just bring your curiosity, a notebook or dream journal, and an open heart ready to meet the magic of your night world.
Click here for more information and to book
Personalised poems crafted on a vintage typewriter
Jen Feroze's Bespoke Poetry
Sunday 14th December, 12-6pm
Poetry Pharmacy, Oxford Street
Drop in
 
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

A poetic celebration of the richness of winter,
from wild landscapes to the warmth of home


Skeleton Tree: A Guided Exploration
of Winter Poetry with Jan Westwood
Sunday 14th December, 11am-1pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle

 

Join Jan for an exploration of poems about the many aspects of the winter season celebrated by poets past and present. Let us come together to enjoy the season in all its rich variety from snow laden trees, animal and birdlife, the wildness of bleak landscapes to the domestic joys of friendship, food, drink and warmth with a hint of the renewal that the new year will bring.

Jan was a teacher of English for over 40 years and has had her poems published in various anthologies. She has an MA in English Literature and chairs various poetry groups in person and online.

Ticket price includes tea or coffee and cake!
Click here for more information and to book

Take poetry for a walk through London’s
most storied neighbourhoods


In Search of London’s Poets:
a Poetry Walk with Liz Ison
Sunday 25th January, 9.50am-12pm
London

Back by popular demand — and to mark the publication of 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence — join Liz Ison for a literary walk through Marylebone and Soho. We’ll visit the places that shaped writers such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dylan Thomas, Byron, Shelley, Katherine Mansfield, Blake, Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde, with poetry readings along the way. The walk ends at the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street.

£35 ticket includes:
• 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence
• Limited edition Confidence pills
• Hot drink and cake at the Poetry Pharmacy
Click here for more information and to book

A playful poetry workshop for budding young writers

Catch the Poetry Bug
Wednesday 18th February, 10.30-11.30am
Bishops Castle


Children's Poetry Workshop - for ages 5-8

Catch the poetry bug at the Poetry Pharmacy! Join in with poet Debra Bertulis as she performs some of her (really) silly poems, then when she stops being silly, learn how to write your own poem in this fun, inspiring, interactive poetry session!

This event is part of Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, being held in the space above the bookshop.
Click here for more information and to book

A playful poetry workshop for budding young writers

Catch the Poetry Bug
Wednesday 18th February, 2-3.30pm
Bishops Castle


Children's Poetry Workshop - for ages 9-13.

Poetry is contagious, but it’s okay because we’ll all be at the Poetry Pharmacy! Join poet Debra Bertulis in this fun, inspiring poetry workshop. Learn how to create a poem full of imagery. That’s not all! Want to know how famous poets do it? Debra’s ready to spill the beans on their tricks of the trade. Want to know what word does actually rhyme with ‘orange?

This event is part of Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, being held in the space above the bookshop.
Click here for more information and to book

A gentle workshop to reconnect you with your inner voice


Writing from Stillness
with Sarah Holland
Wednesday 18th February, 10.30-11.30am
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle
 

Join meditation teacher and writer Sarah for a mindful journey into writing.

After her last sell-out sessions, Sarah returns to lead a workshop on meditative writing to open the 2026 Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival programme at the Poetry Pharmacy.

In this gentle, grounding workshop, Sarah will guide you to write from a place of stillness — a place where the body can speak before the mind begins to interfere. Through guided meditation, quiet contemplation, and creative exercises, you’ll be invited to explore writing that emerges from depth and presence, opening new pathways of expression.

This workshop is part of the Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival and takes place in the space above the bookshop.
Click here for more information and to book

Write, share, and explore the art of haiku


Haiku Moments
with David Bingham
Thursday 19th February, 11am-1pm
Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishops Castle
 

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.
Click here for more information and to book
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