Heart, Mind and Soul … ‘prescription poems’ for the
underside of life … when anyone is feeling down for whatever the reason …
… poems to be read by oneself … to give a sense of
meaning to ‘the underbelly of life’ we maybe feeling at this time; or to read
to others …
<<< for
us all – to everyone in need >>>
<<<
we probably know someone we can help – thoughts / poems / prose to read
>>>
I heard William Sieghart talk about this book on the
BBC's World Service – remembered enough to make me want to check it out … and
once that was done, instantly buy the book, which I did …
… seriously such a good book to own, to peruse …
there’s even a note on how to read a poem … one tip is ‘read it almost like a
prayer’ …
 |
| Photo of the book: The Poetry Pharmacy |
The main headings are: Mental and Emotional Wellbeing;
Motivations; Self-Image and Self-Acceptance; The World and Other People; Love
and Loss …
Some of the poets (attributions) quoted: Rumi; John
Donne; Seamus Heaney; Tolkien …
A few of the sub-headings within the main ones:
Anxiety; Glumness; Feelings of Unreality; Loss of Zest for Life;
Self-Recrimination; Fear of the Unknown; Unkindness; Infatuation …
 |
| # We Are the World In Darkness, Be Light |
I’m going to give you other aspects addressed: Index of first lines; Index of Conditions; then also very worthwhile reading: the Introduction; The History of the Poetry Pharmacy; and ‘How to Read a Poem’ …
This little book is for all of us – to use, to give
away, to share … please look to buy or ask your library to purchase: so well
worth it …
This month … my prescription for …
We are the World Blogfest
“In Darkness, Be Light …”
… is to check out this book to help ourselves, or offer to others – you won’t regret it.
 |
| We are the World Blogfest |
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Inspirational Stories
71 comments:
Someone (Rumi?) said that poetry is the language of the heart.
Huge thanks for the reminder this morning. I needed it.
I will be sure to see whether our local library has this book, Hilary. It has obviously moved you greatly so it is no doubt worth checking out. I think the publishers should be sending you a cheque for your great job as a publicist!
I do need to check this out. I like the idea of reading a poem like a prayer. I am not religious at all, and yet when I read some works (i.e.Mary Oliver ), I do feel illuminated..like an Amen is warranted. Excellent book for these times - something for days that aren't the best.
Hope your have a splendid weekend ahead.
hi Grandblogmom
wow! what a cool book. i love poetry. i like reading it and writing it. this book sounds like self-help poetry. good subjects that touch most every aspect of life. reading the poems in this book might do well being read like a prayer, but don't think it works with all poems. thanks for another interesting post.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it.
I love the title! ♥ Wonderful to have a collection of poems to "soothe the savage breast". I will definitely check it out. Thank you, Hilary!
Gonna check out our local library too Hilary. Sounds a great little book to read and possibly possess.
As a young woman, I used to write poetry but usually when I was feeling down or depressed. A book like this would have been very useful.
It's not at my library Hilary so I checked Amazon, they do have it plus two sequels, The Poetry Pharmacy Returns and The Poetry Remedy: Prescriptions for the Heart, Mind, and Soul - for those interested, it comes in a Kindle version as well as a book version.
Hari OM
Thank you, Hilary, and to Jo above this comment... will be checking these out! YAM xx
@ EC – I haven’t read the whole book … and can’t obviously see that phrase … but for some people I can quite believe poetry would be ‘the language of the heart’. I sincerely hope those fires aren’t causing you too many problems – but I can imagine the stress everyone is feeling …
@ David – thanks … it’s such a great little book – I’m going to take it out and about. At the moment I think I’m the ‘great’ promoter … vineyards and lunch, and now this little book … but definitely worth looking at …
@ Joanne – yes I was interested to see the suggestions about how to read the poems … and I agree with you re how some things we just take to … and yes an Amen could well be warranted. I think this might be a book I regularly dip into …
@ Lenny – your comment is so apposite … and I know you love poetry, and self-help subjects … certainly the idea of the ‘pharmacy’ approach does touch many aspects of life; while I agree some poems could not fall into the being read like a prayer scenario. Delighted you enjoyed the ideas here.
@ Liz – it’s a great little resource book …
@ Debbie – isn’t the concept of the ‘Pharmacy of Poems’ clever … and I’m sure it will soothe many a savage breast – and great you’ll be checking it out …
@ Jo – so pleased you looked the book up … yes I don’t promote where you buy books from … just that it’s worth reading. I hadn’t realised you used to write poetry … perhaps you should take it up again …
@ Yam – thanks – I’m sure you’ll enjoy the book … however you read it …
Great to see you all … definitely a book for our times … and we can help many through reading them, or offering ideas to others … enjoy – cheers Hilary
Sounds like something worth finding. I do buy poetry books ever since my mother died when I was very young and I was given one of her school prizes - Palgrave's Golden Treasury.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s ultimately unthinkable Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
That sounds lovely Hilary - must check it out.
I can't resist, Hilary. How clever is this!
Sounds intriguing!
I came to music at a very young age as my mom insisted I learned to play the piano. Poetry came much later perhaps in high school but most clearly now they both touch my heart and soul...........
I love this Hilary - the very idea of a poetry pharmacy delights my heart. Thanks for bringing the book to our attention.
I've already got quite a collection of poetry books, but this one sounds a bit different... and in a good way. I like the idea of sorting poetry by the "hurts" it can help heal. It's similar to a guide I have that categorizes various issues and then references applicable verses in the Bible.
Have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!
@ Bazza - it's definitely worth listening to, and/or reading. What a wonderful prize for your mother tohahve received at school ... Palgrave's Golden Treasury is a real treat to own, I have one here.
@ Fil - excellent - enjoy your look ...
@ Jacqui - don't resist ... so well worth it ...
@ Anabel - well I was immediately hooked ...
@ Ray - sadly I wasn't much good at either ... but acquired both habits during life. Your mother set you off on the right path ... and you followed on at school ... and yes they can touch our hearts and souls ...
@ Deborah - thank you ... I'm sure you'll love it ...
Delighted you've all taken the idea of this little book to your minds - such an interesting read ... cheers and thanks for being here - Hilary
Thanks Susan - you beat me to commenting by one minute! I really liked the idea of the way it's set out ... and I'm sure people will enjoy knowing about it ...
Interesting to know about the guide referencing issues and the Bible ... thanks for letting us know about it.
Cheers Hilary
I am going to be quite honest - I am not much into poetry - and it doesn't really like me either! I have tried - it is just not my friend. lol
I can't write it but I like to read it
I'll be looking out for that one, for sure!
Poetry for nourishment - that makes complete sense to me.
I look forward to reading this book.
Thank you, BBC World Service. I have travelled in lots of countries and wherever I am, the BBC World Service has been my reliable source of information.
Poetry offers a unique meaning to every reader, so it's easy to see it as a way of healing or helping that process.
Thanks for this reminder of the finer things in life.
Ah yes poetry that gets to the heart of it all. I love the idea of reading as if a prayer. A real ray of light, thanks Hilary!
What a neat idea to index poems like this, to make a mental medicine cupboard.
@ Sandi – that’s fine … but if you don’t give it a go … you’ll never enjoy it – give it a try … check this book out if feel like it …
@ Jo-Anne – that’s great … enjoy your reads …
@ Jz – excellent to know you’ll be checking it out …
@ Donna – it’s a great little book … I’m sure you’ll enjoy it … and probably will be promoting it to others … as I intend to do …
@ Hels – yes the BBC World Service has some wonderful programmes – it was my ‘home’ when I was in Canada …
@ Dan – I was fascinated by the way the book was divided up … and the snippets, poems, articles that it offered … a delight …
@ Nas – yes – solace for the soul – I’d say ….
@ Susan – it’s got so much to go for it … lots of ideas and poems from different eras of life … 13th C onwards … yes it is a ray of light … I’m sure you’ll enjoy it … and that ‘read it like a prayer’ … seems to make so much sense …
@ Ian – thanks … it was a fun and valuable find – I’m going to enjoy it … mental medicine cupboard = a good description for the break-down of subjects …
Thanks so much to you all – I’m sure you’ll enjoy the entries and ideas … healing for the soul at difficult times – cheers Hilary
Thank you Hilary. What a great idea. I'm definitely hopping over to Amazon. Hugs <3
How inspiring.
Read a poem like a prayer--what a lovely thought.
Love,
Janie
Thanks, Hilary. Poetry is straight from the heart, and carries a lot of not just meaning but inspiration too.
@ Debby - it's a great little book ... I'll be showing it to a few people here ...
@ Sandra - yes ... it is definitely fascinating ...
@ Janie - thank you ... that idea made sense to me: reading a poem like a prayer ...
@ Pradeep - I can see that: poetry being straight from the heart; it's not a medium I'm very au fait with ... especially with interpretation, unless it's literal ... then I can make sense of it.
Thanks for being inspired by this little tome - cheers Hilary
Poetry has always been a favorite of mine. My grandmother wrote poetry and she's always been my inspiration.
It's important to own the books we love. I make a habit of buying my most favorite too.
Thanks, Hilary for always being so supportive. It means the world!
I have a lovely book with poems and paintings for each season. I don't read it every morning, but when I do, my day gets better.
I am intrigued, as I love poetry. Thanks for sharing this with us. There are poems for every mood.
Have a lovely week!
~Jess
Prescription poems pretty much says it all, doesn't it?
Hope you enjoyed your trip to London town:)
Hugs
Hi Renee - I've never been into poetry ... but didn't have the inspirational grandmother drafting her poems away - that must be a wonderful memory. I loved the words I heard in this book (as I first heard the radio programme) - and though I don't need bolstering up ... the ideas really interested me - and who knows when I may need to either read to others, or be lifted up ...
@ Inger - your book of paintings with poems (or poems with paintings) sounds quite amazing ... and I can easily see why you get drawn to it nearly every day - creative hope and creative solace for the soul.
@ Jess - The book with its poems, prose, snippets about life make so much sens - I hope you can get a copy to look at ...
@ Sandra - it's a brilliant title for a poetry book ... prescription for the soul in need. London was cold, damp ... but fun - exploring previous homes, see exhibitions, looking at a little history ...
Thanks so much for visiting ... cheers Hilary
Perhaps I should check this book out. I'm not a poetry lover simply because I'm a bit of a free spirit and don't like applying rules to writing! I've read lots of poems on other's blogs and invariably find myself thinking how much better the message would be if it was reinterpreted as prose. But I'm obviously in the minority!
I need to look for this book. Thanks for the recommendation!
Poetry is the best kind of pharmacy! Treat the soul. Sooth the mind. Heal the body. The best kind of treatment. Thanks, Hilary.
Very important, now more that ever. To be light in the darkness. :)
Prescription poems. I love it.
Great article Hilary - as I write poetry, this is a must-buy book for me - thanks for highlighting it!! And I love the idea of the monthly blogfest "We are the World, In Darkness be Light" - such a positive inspiration! :)
Hi Hilary. It's been a while since I've read poetry. I'm not good at writing it but do like reading to help keep me balanced.
Poetry Pharmacy - I love that. I read a book years ago, "Writing as a Way of Healing," that really stuck with me. Putting words down, in any way (poetry, fiction, journals, essays, whatever) can be very therapeutic. At least I've always thought so.
Oh wow I want this book now. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing it with us!
@ Keith – it’s not that sort of book, so I hope you have a look at the content – as it includes prose, and doesn’t dictate how to write anything …
@ Chrys – it’s definitely worth it …
@ Lee – yes poetry at times can most definitely soothe the mind, and help to heal the soul … I’m sure you’ll enjoy …
@ Mark – yes it’s a good time for owning this type of book – to give to friends, or just promote …
@ Lynda – that’s what I loved about these pharmacy prescriptions ideas …
@ Judy – excellent … so delighted you’ll take a look at it;
Isn’t the monthly ‘We are the World, in Darkness be Light” Blogfest wonderful – such a great range of ideas from around the world– it’d be great if you’d join us … ?
@ Stephen – these are poems, small articles, snippets … relating to the various prescription subjects on offer … and this should help your balance …
@ CD – isn’t it a great idea – for reading; but I can understand people wanting to write to heal … and most of us here in this blogosphere … enjoy writing in one way or the other …
@ Julie – great – that’s what I thought when I heard about this little book – so I’m delighted with your reaction …
Thanks so much to you all for visiting – I’m just delighted you all reacted positively to this little book – cheers Hilary
Sounds like a beautiful book as poems tend to promote tranquility. The title is irresistible ;-)
So glad you shared, I'll look for the book.
Hi Diedre - excellent to see you - isn't the title irresistible - I loved it and wanted to read it ... delighted you'll take a look at it ... cheers Hilary
Poetry is definitely the language of the heart and I so admire poets for the way they meditate on a word, a phrase, a sentence fragment, to bring us to the heart of the matter as they see it. What a lovely book, Hilary. Thanks for the recommendation.
Hoping to see you on the Cafe Terrace soon!
Denise
Hope you've had a great day and pleasant evening, Hilary.
Cheers,
@ Denise - you're so right I hadn't thought of poetry or poetical prose that way ... perfect succinctness: makes so much sense - thanks for enlightening me! Glad you appreciated finding out about the little book ...
... and yes I'll be on the WEP Cafe Terrace soon ...
@ Sandra - I do hope the family are progressing with their health ... and hope you have a happy weekend ...
Cheers Hilary
This sounds like a well-organized and thought out poetry book. Poems are for reading again and again. Every time I read a poem, I learn more about what it means. This is a good thing. Thanks for reminding us of the power of poetry, Hilary. All best to you!
sounds like a wonderful book!
and i especially like the advice on how to read the poetry, lovely
thanks for always stopping by with a cheery word!
Tara Tyler Talks
I also like the idea of reading a poem like a prayer. This poetry book sounds quite uplifting, as well as, a wonderful spiritual guide to reference again and again. Thanks Hilary!
Julie
Sorry I’m late in getting back to you, Hilary, and thanks as ever for your kind support, much appreciated 🌹 Carole.
Hi Hilary, I have only recently started reading Poetry, again. Some of the bloggers I follow write beautiful, thought-provoking poetry saying a great deal in few words. I also like how it is open to interpretation. Your phrase ‘read it almost like a prayer’ really resonated with me and many others, from the comments. Thank you for bringing this book into my radar.
This little book sounds like what the doctor should order for me. I have taken so many pills lately, gone through so many tests that this type of medication looks very appealing. I’ll look for it. Thank you.
Totally love the idea of poetry pharmacy - so nails it! Poetry is therapy. Thanks for the reminder.
This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hope you have a lovely week, Hilary.
Poetry Pharmacy has such a ring to it! What an imaginative and restorative title... it sucks you in!
Hope you're well, Hilary!
... and thank you for the ongoing support.
You always stop by my blog (and many others...) to share words of encouragement.
I know a few people who might benefit from reading this book. Thanks for sharing.
I just bought it. What ia lovely, inspirational read it's going to be. I can't wait to dive in! Thank you for the suggestion! It won't be for a few weeks...so it must be popular.
Elsie
(new domain)
Gorgeous post. Thanks.
Greetings from London.
Poetry Pharmacy! This is going to be really interesting. Thank you for sharing.
I like a little poetry every now and again!
@ Victoria - it’s a delightful book and I’ve enjoyed reading some of the ideas … giving me food for thought … Pleasure that I’ve reminded you to take a look at poetry …
@ Tara – it’s a great poetry book to have and yes there’s lots of interesting tips in it. Glad that my words are cheery …
@ Julie – it’s an interesting way to look at a poem … makes sense though. It is uplifting and for helping those in need of some positive thoughts …
@ Carol-Anne – no worries … just glad my being there helps you … you’ve a lot on your plate …
@ Erica - I don’t usually read poetry … but I’m opening my eyes – and anthologies like this really give me something to think about. It’s always been out recently … so I’m glad you’ll be looking out for it … enjoy!
@ Vagabonde – it definitely has some wonderful ‘readings’ in it – I’m sure you’ll take something from it … and keep it around to use quite often – good luck …
@ Nila – It sounded so good when I heard about it … so I just ordered straight up … poetry can be therapy – as you mention …
@ Christine – enjoy reading the little articles …
@ Michelle – thanks – it just resonated and even more so, once I heard more about it …
All well here – and I’m delighted my support helps others …
@ Sherry – that’s great … I’m sure they’ll benefit …
@ Elsie – amazing … so pleased you reacted like me and went off and bought it. Enjoy reading it when you get there … I’ll check out the new domain – anon!
@ ACIL – I expect you’ve heard about it … but it’s a great little book to have around …
@ Damyanti … the title is just so right ... enjoy!
Cheers and thanks for coming by - Hilary
@ Thanks Rosey - it has some great snippets in ... which I regularly pick up to read through ... cheers Hilary
Post a Comment