This new bookstore in York can prescribe you poems to support you through any phase of life.

There’s plenty of pharmacies for physical ailments, but what if you need some emotional support? Launching in York last Friday, The Poetry Pharmacy aims to mend your heart through the power of literature. 

This idea was founded by established Japanese poet Deborah Alma. It began when she used to prescribe poems to patients from the back of her converted ambulance.

Since then, her vision has grown to spread the love of poetry across the nation. After its success in Oxford Street and Bishop’s Square in London, the Poetry Pharmacy has recently opened its doors in Parliament Street, York.

Store worker, Kitty Muir, said: “Deborah always wanted the shop to be about facing out to the public, sharing the amazing work that is published and giving people what they may need in their heart.”

Whether you’re feeling low, wanting a spark of inspiration, or just in need of some comfort, this charming bookstore allows you to browse for books based on emotional state rather than genre. 

Even if you have no poetry or literature background, the shop provides a welcoming environment for you to find exactly what you need.

“We all have that experience of walking into a library and becoming blind to all the books,” Kitty said, “Which is why people love this so much because you can go by what resonates with you.”

Traditional books aren’t all this store has on offer, you can grab yourself or a loved one a ‘medication,’ too.

These aren’t your typical ‘pills,’ as each is a carefully curated scroll of poetry to support your unique situation. From heart-break to grief, there is poetry for any phase of life you are in. 

These are hand-crafted by the literature experts that work there, who will write you out a prescription note with instructions for your unique dilemma. 

“We wanted it to be a very special experience,” Kitty said, “That’s why every single book we stock is intentional, they have to be exactly right and what people will respond to.”

In a world swamped with AI, the shop acts as a love letter to poetry and art as a whole.

 “The poetry pharmacy is all about what we share in common rather than what makes us different, so no matter what your background is or where you are in life, these emotions are universal.”