Poetic Medicine

by John Fox

Powerful and exciting, Poetic Medicine illustrates the unique role that poem-making can have in addressing the situations that lead us to renewal in our lives. John Fox 's book is designed for readers wanting to tap their creative energy in order to make a difference in the world, including educators, therapists, parents and their children, writers, couples, and the infirm. As the author demonstrates, we all possess the ability to write. This gift enables us to access unlimited spiritual resources that restore our genuine voices and meaning in our lives, while healing and creatively satisfying us. Discussed are numerous stories of people from the author's workshops who exemplify how poetry has aided them I becoming more whole. Parents understand how to use poetry to foster their relationships with their children, recognizing magical bonds that they never knew existed; persons who are ill learn how to come to terms with their diseases; and those who feel helpless in the surrounding world discover the freedom to act and affect real change. With the poetic tools, instruction, and accounts the author supplies in Poetic Medicine , readers can start now to make their own poems while addressing, acknowledging, accepting, and taking charge of their lives.

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nonfiction, Art

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art heals. Poetry is art. Poetry heals. This is John Fox's companion piece to "Finding What You Didn't Lose" and well worth working through. It not only helps people delve into the places where they can heal, it helps those who work in healing professions to use poetry-writing as a guide for their clients.

The book gives small successful steps to writing and frequent examples. I teach poetry as a way to growth as well as a way to concise writing. Both are supported in the book. A flexible, intelligent book that doesn't pander to the lowest common denominator, this is a solid poetry writing book for the soul, whether troubled or not.

[Marianne Mersereau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author includes many excellent poems in this book and does a great job of explaining how poetry writing can assist in healing from emotional and physical trauma. He provides useful writing exercises to promote this.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about Poetic Medicine when I happened to be at a bookstore in Seattle who was hosting John Fox. The turnout was small, which made it intimate and more wonderful. I already loved poetry and was involved in healing work, so it resonated with me and I found the workshop wonderful. John is compassionate, skilled and personable. He teaches and lectures and does fantastic workshops all over the country. I have attended several and would highly recommend them. If you believe there are more ways to heal than medicines and surgery, you will love this book regardless of whether or not you love poetry. He operates with the Institute for Poetic Medicine. You can see more about that and about John on the internet.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good exercises, would maybe be better suited for workshops rather than individual use? Not really my jam.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for years and dip into it every once in awhile to encourage the muse. I finally decided to read it from cover to cover and enjoyed it all (even the parts I have read many times.) Fox has a somewhat more liberal view of things than I do, but he has really helped me find my poetic voice over the years.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making writing poetry as a form of self-expression is a must in my life. This book gave me many more outlets to inspire and share the love of poetry.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out a bit too woo-woo for my taste, but I'm glad I stuck with it. My favorite part was towards the end in his chapter "Poems of witness in a conflicted world."

[Michelle Monet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book on the healing powers of poetry. YES! Loved it! I learned so much about following my heart into the words. As a novice poet I so appreciated this life affirming book.