The Poetry Pharmacy Returns with William Sieghart and Sarah Dunant

Nov 8, 2019

William Sieghart, a prominent poetry publisher and author of The Poetry Pharmacy, shares insights with Sarah Dunant, an acclaimed novelist known for her work on Renaissance Italy. They dive into the healing power of poetry, discussing its role in addressing emotional struggles like loneliness and heartache. Both explore how poetry fosters identity and empowerment, particularly for women navigating societal expectations. Their conversation highlights poetry's ability to connect us amidst the complexities of love and domestic life, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits for all.

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ANECDOTE

Accidental Pharmacy

William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy idea originated unexpectedly at Port Eliot Literary Festival.
He was asked to prescribe poems for people's problems, realizing poetry's power to soothe.

INSIGHT

Poetry as Solace

People turn to poetry for solace and a sense of shared experience, especially during difficult times.
Poetry offers a sense of complicity and understanding, like a secular liturgy.

ANECDOTE

Initial Resistance to Poetry

Sarah Dunant initially disliked poetry due to negative school experiences.
She found it dense and inaccessible, preferring transparent and elegant language.

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The Poetry Pharmacy

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William Sieghart

The Poetry Pharmacy is a collection of poems curated to offer comfort and solace for various life challenges. It presents poems addressing a wide range of emotions and experiences, providing readers with relatable and emotionally resonant verses. The book's unique approach to poetry makes it accessible to a broad audience, regardless of their prior experience with the art form. It's a comforting and insightful read for those seeking solace and inspiration. The book's success led to the creation of a sequel and further projects.

The Moment

Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now

Bakari Sellers

In 'The Moment', Bakari Sellers examines the modern political landscape and policies impacting Black families and communities, offering solutions for a better future. The book delves into issues like healthcare, education, and policing, drawing on interviews with thought leaders to address structural racism and provide prescriptions for change.

Tumescent Adolescence

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Martha West

No information available.

This Is What It Is

Eric Frey

No information available.

First They Came

Martin Niemöller

This work is a powerful expression of guilt and responsibility, highlighting the incremental purging of different groups by the Nazis. Niemöller's words serve as an indictment of passivity and indifference during the Holocaust. The text varies in different versions but generally follows the theme of persecution, guilt, repentance, solidarity, and personal responsibility.

Invitation

Bronisław Kaper

Paul Francis Webster

The song 'Invitation' was composed by Bronisław Kaper for the 1950 film 'A Life of Her Own' and later became a jazz standard after being used in the 1952 film 'Invitation'. It is known for its lush and haunting melody, matched by Webster's equally haunting and mysterious lyrics. The song has been recorded by numerous jazz musicians, including John Coltrane, Rosemary Clooney, and George Shearing, among others.

Kindness

A Poem

Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye's poem 'Kindness' reflects on the importance of kindness as a response to life's challenges and sorrows. It emphasizes that true understanding of kindness comes from experiencing loss and recognizing the universal nature of human suffering. The poem was inspired by Nye's experiences while traveling in Colombia.

The Poetry Pharmacy Returns

More Prescriptions for Courage, Heartache and Everything in Between

William Sieghart

In 'The Poetry Pharmacy Returns', William Sieghart presents a new set of poems that act as remedies for different emotions such as grief, anxiety, and self-doubt. The book includes both classic and contemporary poems, accompanied by Sieghart's meditations on their therapeutic value. It is designed to provide comfort and healing through the power of poetry.

A life's work

on becoming a mother

Rachel Cusk

Rachel Cusk's "A Life's Work" is a memoir that delves into the complexities of motherhood, identity, and the challenges of navigating life's transitions. The book is characterized by Cusk's signature blend of intellectual insight and emotional honesty. It explores the profound changes that motherhood brings, both personally and creatively. Cusk's reflections on her own experiences are interwoven with broader observations on the female experience and the societal structures that shape women's lives. The memoir is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, resonating with readers who have experienced similar challenges and transformations.

The Peace of Wild Things

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Wendell Berry

Wendell Berry's "The Peace of Wild Things" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. The poem uses vivid imagery and a peaceful tone to depict the restorative power of nature. It suggests that finding solace and peace can be found in observing the natural world and connecting with its rhythms. The poem's message is both calming and inspiring, encouraging readers to seek comfort and renewal in the beauty of nature. It's a reminder that even in times of stress and anxiety, there is always the possibility of finding peace and tranquility in the natural world.

Here is a Relationship Booster

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Rumi

Rumi's "Here is a Relationship Booster" is a short, witty poem offering insightful advice on navigating relationship conflicts. The poem's humor and simplicity make it easily accessible and memorable, while its message of understanding and compassion resonates deeply. It encourages readers to approach disagreements with empathy and a willingness to see the other person's perspective. The poem's brevity and directness make it a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding in relationships. It's a timeless piece of wisdom that continues to offer valuable guidance on maintaining healthy and fulfilling connections.

Making a Fist

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Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye's "Making a Fist" is a poignant poem that explores the complex relationship between a mother and child, particularly the anxieties and uncertainties of childhood. The poem uses a first-person perspective to depict a child's fear of death and the mother's reassuring response. It juxtaposes the child's immediate fear with the mother's wisdom and perspective, highlighting the passage of time and the enduring power of love. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, creating a strong emotional connection with the reader. It's a moving exploration of the universal themes of mortality, love, and the enduring bond between parent and child.

In the Bazaar of Love: The Selected Poetry of Amir Khusrau

Selected Poetry

Amir Khusrau

This book features a diverse selection of Amir Khusrau's poetry, including the famous poem 'He Visits My Town Once a Year.' It highlights his skill in genres such as ghazal, masnavi, and Hindi riddles. The collection offers a glimpse into the poet's deep connection with love, spirituality, and the cultural landscape of his time.

Hold Your Own

Kae Tempest

Hold Your Own is a poetic exploration of the Tiresias myth, weaving together elements of classical mythology, autobiography, and social commentary. It delves into themes of identity, gender, and societal expectations, offering a contemporary vision of ancient stories. The collection is divided into sequences that reflect different stages of life, from childhood to late life.

Blood and Beauty

Sarah Dunant

Blood and Beauty by Sarah Dunant delves into the myth and reality of the Borgia family, offering a vivid portrayal of their power struggles and personal dynamics. The novel masterfully weaves historical facts with engaging storytelling, focusing on figures like Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia amidst the corruption and beauty of Renaissance Italy.

Ambulances

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Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin's "Ambulances" is a poignant poem that explores themes of mortality, everyday life, and the human condition. The poem uses vivid imagery and a detached tone to depict the arrival of an ambulance and its impact on the surrounding community. It subtly highlights the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, while also acknowledging the ordinary routines that continue despite tragedy. The poem's strength lies in its ability to capture both the emotional and physical realities of death, creating a sense of shared human experience. It's a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of appreciating the present moment.

Differences of Opinion

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Wendy Cope

Wendy Cope's "Differences of Opinion" is a witty and insightful poem that explores the dynamics of power and communication in relationships. The poem uses a simple narrative structure to depict a conversation between a man and a woman, where the man insists on his own viewpoint despite the woman's attempts to correct him. It subtly highlights the frustration and power imbalance inherent in such interactions. The poem's humor and irony make it both entertaining and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on gender dynamics and communication styles. It's a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue in relationships.

In the Name of the Family

Sarah Dunant

In the Name of the Family is a thrilling exploration of the House of Borgia's final years, set in 1502. The novel follows Niccolò Machiavelli as he navigates the complex world of Renaissance politics alongside the infamous Pope Alexander VI and his children, Lucrezia and Cesare. Dunant humanizes these historical figures, offering a nuanced portrayal of their lives amidst the intrigue and power struggles of the time.

The Divān of Hafez

A Collection of Poems

Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī

The Divān of Hafez is a masterpiece of Persian literature, comprising ghazals that delve into themes of love, mysticism, and the human condition. Hafez's poetry is known for its lyrical beauty and spiritual depth, making it a timeless treasure in Persian culture.

Grease

Barbara Jane Brickman

Say to the downkeepers...

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Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks' "Say to the downkeepers..." is a short, powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The poem uses strong imagery and a defiant tone to encourage perseverance and self-belief. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and striving for a better future, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The poem's brevity and directness make it easily memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light and a better tomorrow.

The Impossibility of Femininity

Anna Logan

The concept of 'the impossibility of femininity' is explored in various academic discussions about gender roles and societal expectations.