100 Poems to Help You Sleep
Image: Supplied
100 Poems to Help You Sleep
Edited by Jane McMorland Hunter
Abrams
Review: Lauren O’Connor-May
This collection of soothing poems includes lullabies, hymns, ancient prayers and gentle verses by well-known poets such as Shakespeare, William Blake and Emily Dickinson.
According to the back cover synopsis, the anthology was designed as a trove for sleep-time meditation.
The introduction by the editor, Jane McMorland Hunter, says: “Since ancient times, poetry has been renowned for its healing qualities and the aim of this collection of poetry is to gently guide you into the mood for sleep.”
Most of the poems in the book are nature-themed but others are about silence, serenity or just sleep itself.
I don’t know how effective the book is as a sleep aid because two of my children battled for the book, and as a result, I rarely saw it.
According to my 13-year-old, the book did help to quiet her mind before bedtime. My 11-year-old has no trouble falling asleep but just wanted the book because she likes poetry.
I liked this book because everything about it is soothing: the font, the design, the colours and especially the poems.
I think it is the kind of book that would make a nice gift for an insomniac.