Intelligence Squared The Power of Poetry: Words to Heal and Inspire
8 snips
Dec 10, 2023 
William Sieghart, a poetry publisher and founder of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, shares insights on the therapeutic power of poetry and its role in healing, especially in the post-pandemic world. Natasha McElhone and Sheila Atim, renowned actresses, discuss their personal connections with poetry and its impact on mental health during tough times. They explore themes of resilience, everyday kindness, and the importance of human connections through poetry, illustrating how words can provide solace and inspiration in our lives.
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Radio 4 Discovery
- A Radio 4 producer, after hearing Sieghart's poetry prescriptions, invited him onto a show.
- This led to more appearances and eventually a national library tour.
Emotional Toll
- Sieghart experienced anxiety after resuming the Poetry Pharmacy post-COVID.
- He realized he needed supervision after internalizing others' problems for years.
COVID Inspiration
- During COVID, Sieghart received overwhelming emails requesting poems, especially from NHS workers.
- A doctor's email about losing 200 patients inspired his latest book.
