Do you read poetry regularly? Or are you one of those rare souls that actually write it? If you said no to either question, maybe it’s time to rediscover this perhaps underappreciated art.
Before you think, ‘yeah, but poetry’s never really been my thing’, remember, there’s something out there for everyone. If reciting Keats doesn’t float your boat, try some John Cooper Clarke. If you don’t think you can write reams and reams, have a go at a haiku. If devouring the classics isn’t your style, take a closer look at the lyrics to your favourite songs. Poetry comes in many forms – the trick is finding the right one for you.
The truth is, that reading, writing and sharing poetry can have huge benefits to our overall wellbeing – boosting cognitive function, helping us connect with our feelings, inspiring creative thinking and giving us a powerful outlet for self-expression.
The therapeutic benefits of poetry
So, why is poetry such a potent therapeutic tool? Steve Thorp is a Pembrokeshire-based counsellor, coach, psychotherapist and poet who helps people explore creative therapies that support their wellbeing, spirituality, creativity and activism. He often uses poetry in his work with others, as well as writing his own.
“Poetry is another representation of creativity, just as drawing or painting are. They all work with what comes up from the subconscious. Poetry is a really good way of expressing emotion – and naming it, which can sometimes be quite challenging for people.
But therapy isn’t just about what’s inside you, it’s also about the external (often difficult) world we live in. Whether we’re reading them or writing them, poems can be a good vehicle for addressing the issues that affect us and helping to ground us in the world. They help give us a sense of place and belonging.”
Steve also has some sage advice for anyone thinking of exploring poetry as a therapeutic exercise, and those who might lack the confidence to try.
“You don’t have to be ‘good’ at poetry for it to be an effective therapy. When you’re writing for the first time, don’t worry about structure, don’t worry about ‘poetry’ – just get the words out! Whether you read or write a poem that means something to you and brings out something inside, it’s done its job. It doesn’t have to be any more than that.”
If you’re interested in improving your wellbeing and exploring your creative and/or poetic side with a professional therapist, you can contact Steve at 21st Century Soulmaking.
What’s happening on the West Wales poetry scene?
For many people, their relationship with poetry is a personal, private, solitary one. For others, the sharing of work is what inspires them.
Renowned poet and The Cellar Bards co-organiser Jackie Biggs, whose third poetry collection was published earlier this year, regularly performs her work locally and at events across the UK. She understands the importance of people being able to share their love of poetry: “It’s great to write for all sorts of reasons, and it’s a courageous act to put our feelings on paper. Even more courageous probably to share that writing, whether poetry, prose, memoir or fictionalised accounts. There are some great spoken word events in this area that help us do just that in friendly and non-judgemental settings.”
West Wales has always inspired creative people and artistic expression, so it’s no surprise that the poetry scene here is a vibrant one. Although the lockdowns threw a few a spanners in the performance works, local poetry groups like The Cellar Bards, Poets and Pints and Write4Word have kept the scene alive and kicking with regular Zoom events. Thankfully, the live versions are now creeping back onto the schedule too.
Mel Perry, a therapeutic writing practitioner and a partner at Write4Word, adds, “Through Poems & Pints on Zoom over the last 15 months we have grown an international spoken word community by being welcoming, attentive and non-judgmental, which are foundations for the therapeutic purposes of writing.
People are empowered to write and share in performance very personal and private issues because they know that they will feel heard and be applauded. One of our members who joined us first on Zoom and is now able to attend live events says, ‘it’s absolutely liberating, it’s like finding the real me again, it makes me feel alive’.”
Write4Word colleague, Dominic Williams said: “The language arts have an enormous impact upon positive wellbeing and therefore participation is an intrinsic element of a healthy lifestyle. Our ambition was to normalise participation, bring the arts onto the high street and into the pub. Elevate spoken word to the same status as other participatory activities, music, dance, sport, hill-walking walking, cinema, darts, pool, pub quizzes.”
Whether you want to take the plunge and share your own work, work up some courage or just listen to talented local poets, check out the Facebook links above for more information on what’s happening around West Wales.
Further inspiration
And if you want to add a little more poetry to your life, these links should give you some food for thought!
· Jackie Biggs – The Spaces in Between
· Alchemy – The Transformative Power of Poetry
· Philippa Davies’ video poetry
