Giving Sorrow Words

Trauma & Poetry Project

The National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) and Baltic Street Arts-Into-Action are conducting a project to learn more about which poems are therapeutic for clients who have experienced trauma. This project is for anyone who has experienced trauma. We are hoping you would partner with us by participating in the project and/or sharing it with other trauma survivors who might be interested.

NAPT published Giving Sorrow Words: Poems of Strength and Solace, a collection of healing poems, after September 11, 2001. Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins, Robert Bly, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Naomi Shihab Nye, Lucille Clifton, William Stafford and others join with notable poetry therapists to create a trail map for navigating the difficult terrain of tragedy, loss, grief and healing. The collection uniquely offers writing and discussion ideas for each poem, as well as guidelines for helping professionals. The book has had several sold-out print runs and NAPT is now seeking funding to publish a revised and expanded edition of Giving Sorrow Words, which will remain a free resource for individuals and communities navigating grief and loss. 

We believe that the wisdom of the poets offers a rich perspective; therefore we have chosen poems of hope and positivity. You can participate by filling out the pre-survey, reading one of the selected poems, and then completing the post-survey.