The Emergency Poet: An Anti-Stress Poetry Anthology

by Deborah Alma

Life has a habit of tripping us up at times, usually when we least expect (or can cope) with it. In The Emergency Poet, Deborah Alma (the Emergency Poet herself) presents a thoughtful and highly therapeutic selection of poems, designed to lift your mood, helping you relax and take stock.

We've all experienced moments when life feels overwhelming, and it can sometimes be difficult to see a path through troubled times. Organized into sections that follow a life through its challenges and hard times – from learning to be yourself, falling in and out of love and having children, through to ill-health, dying and coping with grief, as well as poems that serve as a tonic to lift the spirits – the anthology contains poems old and new, from world-renowned and lesser-known poets. What matters is that their words speak intimately, as though from one person to another, with grace and wisdom. They are soothing and carefully chosen to purge melancholy, provide hope and give courage in the most trying circumstances.

In this anthology of poems for every circumstance, Deborah Alma proves that poems really can be the perfect pick-me-ups for the soul.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

Reviews

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of the poetry pharmacy, and this collection of poems for the stresses of life provides solace and hope in equal measure. It’s a nice blend of the classics you’d expect to find in a collection like this and new-to-me poets. There’s also a list of further suggested reading at the end which I really appreciated. Definitely one to keep within reach for difficult times!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read another anthology of poems by Deborah Alma this year and loved it, so when I saw this one come up on net galley I was so excited to receive it. The anthology was just as amazing as the last one withe each poem encapsulating the theme and message that Deborah wants to express. These are really beautiful as gifts or little books to go back to when the moment is right.

Thanks to #netgalley for this ARC.

[Ella Bogie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first poetry anthology I’ve read and really only vibed with less than half the poems. I think I just really like the story telling with a poetry collection and the continuity of one poet’s voice so don’t think I’ll be picking up any more anthologies containing multiple poets.