Poems of Healing

Poets have responded to the troubles of the human body and mind through the ages, from ancient Greece and Rome to the current Covid 19 crisis. Poems of Healing is a collection of their words, illuminating many different experiences of illness, injury, and convalescence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Everyman

Poets have been responding to the challenges of the human body and mind throughout history, from ancient Greece and Rome to the current COVID-19 crisis. In "Poems of Healing," we gather a collection of their powerful and poignant words, showcasing a range of experiences related to illness, injury, and recovery. The book spans various periods and styles, featuring works by renowned poets such as John Donne, Anne Finch, Emily Dickinson, and Seamus Heaney.

The poems in this collection address a wide spectrum of illnesses, from physical ailments to mental struggles. They offer solace, hope, and understanding, providing a glimpse into the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. From John Donne's heartfelt hymn, "Hymne to God My God, In My Sicknesse," to Thom Gunn's poignant portrayal of the man with night sweats, these poems capture the raw emotions and physical sensations associated with illness.

They also explore the themes of recovery and healing, with poems that celebrate the strength and resilience of the human body in the face of illness. Anne Finch's "Spleen" and Jane Kenyon's "Prognosis" offer poignant reflections on the process of convalescence, while Emily Dickinson's "The Soul has Bandaged Moments" captures the moment of renewal and rebirth.

The book also includes poems from international poets such as Baudelaire, Hugo, Rudaki, and Cavafy, as well as Masaoka Shiki, Miroslav Holub, and Zbigniew Herbert. These diverse voices offer unique perspectives on illness and healing, showcasing the global nature of poetry and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.

In addition to the poetry, "Poems of Healing" features messages of hope and inspiration from other renowned writers, including Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson, Emily Bronte, Charlotte Mew, Sylvia Plath, Wallace Stevens, W. H. Auden, Tony Harrison, and Carol Ann Duffy. Their words offer solace and guidance to those facing illness, reminding us of the power of the human spirit and the importance of finding beauty and meaning in the midst of pain.

"Poems of Healing" is a perfect gift for anyone on the road to healing, providing a source of solace, inspiration, and hope. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch our hearts and heal our souls.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 113 x 165 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781841598222