Comments from poets

 
A really lovely idea that can be nothing other than cheer the hearts of people who may feel that they are in a place where they would rather not be. Poet Stratford-upon-Avon

Yours is an excellent idea.. as a qualified psychiatric nurse I really wish I'd thought of it first.. I am submitting some of my own work for possible consideration.. Poet - Buckinghamshire

I think it is a wonderful project and would love to be associated with it if possible.... I teach both fiction and poetry and have also participated in various poetry readings.... Poet - London

I so appreciate the opportunity to get my voice heard, especially in such a fine vehicle as PITWR and any publications generated from it. Poet New York

Could you let me know the submission guidelines for Poems in Waiting Rooms, and also send me a sample copy and information on how to recruit new GP practices. I've been doing creative writing work for the local Hospitals Arts Programme, and think your project is a brilliant idea and am keen to promote it.  Poet Yorkshire

I will ask my local surgery to subscribe to this wonderful service. I know when I was waiting for osteopathy in Worthing once - don't ask, really - coming across the PitWR card really cheered me up. Poet Lewes Sussex

I was delighted to read a copy of Poems in the Waiting Room this morning when I visited my doctor. Congratulations on an excellent venture. It not only gives something of interest to those who are waiting but is also such an effective way to bring poetry to a wide assortment of people, many of whom may never have an opportunity to read such an eclectic collection as you produce. Poet London

I recently picked up a copy of Poems in the Waiting Room, and found it to be a fantastic alternative to the usual magazines. I was wondering where you get your poems from, and whether or not you'd be interested in using one of my own poems... Poet - London.

I think that the work you are doing is fantastic - simple and utterly inspiring. I have no doubt that you touch thousands if not millions of people's lives through these leaflets and the fact they are free to everyone is wonderful. Poet - Devon

I love the whole concept of Poems in the Waiting Room - a novel & innovative idea & would so like to get involved in it. Who hasn't experienced the dread of waiting in a doctor's waiting room feeling ill or anxious with time weighing heavily on ones hands where tatty, dog-eared magazines just don't look appealing enough to pick up and engross oneself in? ... Poet - South Africa

I simply loved your 'Poems in the Waiting-Room' leaflet - what a discovery! I am so often saddened by contemporary poetry which I too often find an urbane, aggressive, adjective-free zone. It was a joy to find such treasures among your compilation. It's almost worth popping into the surgery just to get the next one. When is it out? Poet London

Poems in the Waiting Room is such a brilliant scheme and I much enjoyed reading the current card on a visit to my doctor the other day - which is what prompted my submissions and a read of your excellent website. I would be delighted if you decide to use one or more of my poems at some stage. Poet Salisbury

My husband found this wonderful little booklet Poems in the Waiting Room and brought it home for me. I am a poet and have been writing for many years; my immediate reaction was one of praise for such an innovative idea. The poems are a delight and they make thoughtful reading at a time of stress and anxiety. I love the words of Alexander Pope as shown on your web page. I love the poem "The Benediction" by Julie Lumsden. Poet Yorkshire

I always enjoyed Poems in the Waiting room when I was working in an NHS setting and came across them. It reminded me that there was life outside of work! Now I am retired I have more time to devote to poetry both reading and writing it. I look forward to seeing future editions. Poet and Former Nurse Brixham

Thank you again for your encouragement and time taken. I regularly read Poems in the Waitng Room, putting them down only reluctantly when called. Otherwise I hate surgeries and avoid them Your pamphlets give much pleasure. Poet Bloomsbury

I am impressed and intrigued by the idea of Poems in the Waiting Room, how brilliant! I have a family member in London working in the health sector who uses creative writing with patients as a tool for expression and release. This is quite a novel extension of that idea, providing a form of relaxation and escape for those awaiting appointments. I like it! Poet Manchester

I recently came across your publication in Royal cornwall hospital in truro, I was there to visit my grandad sadly he died, in the very early hours of the following morning, but the poems stayed with me. I was lucky enough to chance upon your publication Poems in the Waiting Room in a hospital recently and was very taken with both the selection of verse and the concept behind the pamphlet itself.... Poet London

Poems in the Waiting Room is a wonderful idea. Reading the poetry cards will, I''m sure, alleviate, if only temporarily, the misgivings and perhaps inner distress most people feel in that situation. Poet London

I love the idea of PITWR and have often read the pamphlets in my own doctor's surgery. And it wasn't in that surgery, but in another one in Southampton that I saw an unpunctuated notice that I think qualifies as a poem in its own right - STROKE PATIENTS - DON'T FEEL ALONE Isn't it lovely! Poet Gloucester

It's great that poems are going out over such a wide area,  and reaching non-traditional readers. I teach Creative Writing two days a week in Winchester, and am currently doing the first year poetry module that I normally teach single honours Creative Writing students. One of the possible essay topics they can tackle, for one of their assessed pieces of work, is 'What are poets for?', and it's good to know that you're finding ways for poets to make people feel better, fairly directly! Poet Winchester

After enjoying Poems In the Waiting Room at our local surgery recently I thought to send you something for consideration. Here are two or three. Use what you like but let me know so that I don't offer them elsewhere. Poet Leighton Buzzard.