Glimmers

wee poetry pharmacist sparrow by Colin Thom

The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press in collaboration with Poetry Pharmacy

In June 2026, we asked poets to send us their poems on the theme of "glimmers". Thank you to everyone who submitted.

Glimmers are small, positive moments that spark a sense of calm, joy, or safety in our everyday lives—the opposite of stress triggers. They’re often subtle and easy to overlook: the warmth of sunlight on your face, the sound of waves in the distance, a kind smile from a stranger, or the first sip of coffee in the morning. Unlike big, dramatic sources of happiness, glimmers are brief and gentle, but they matter because they help regulate our nervous system and shift us out of fight-or-flight mode. Noticing these micro moments trains the brain to look for safety and pleasure rather than threat, which can gradually improve mood, resilience, and overall well-being. By paying attention to glimmers, we build a habit of grounding ourselves in the present and finding comfort in the ordinary. These moments are pure medicine for the soul.

The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press´ editors Claire Thom and Cristina M.R. Norcross, and Poetry Pharmacy´s Deborah Alma have now chosen 26 poems which will soon be made into poetry pills and sold in Poetry Pharmacy´s shops. The selected poets will also receive one pill bottle each.

A sample image of poetry pill bottles. 

An example of the size of the poems included in the poetry pill bottles. 

Glimmer poetry pills coming soon...