The poems in this collection are products of presence. They are not creative exercises alone, but artifacts of connection – evidence of what can emerge when we listen deeply, with empathy and curiosity.
They serve as both testimony and tribute: to the Poemee who shared generously, to the Listener Poets who responded with care, and to the broader vision of what healing dialogue can become when shaped through the alchemy of poetic practice and compassionate presence.
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About this Anthology
What happens when a neurologist sits down, not to diagnose or explain, but to be deeply heard?
This collection brings together a unique intersection of narrative medicine, reflective practice, and poetic response. Centered on a live listening session between Dr. Birlea, a practicing neurologist, and Sibihan Lawrence, a Certified Listener Poet, these poems were written by members of Cohort 11 of the Certified Listener Poet Course – a program offered by The Good Listening Project, which trains individuals in the art of deep listening and poetic reflection within healthcare settings.
Each poet heard the same story. Each wrote a different poem.
Through this shared encounter, these poems explore how presence, language, and attention can become acts of healing. They are not merely creative exercises, but artifacts of connection – testimonies to the power of being heard. Whether you are a writer, clinician, educator, or reader seeking meaning through language, this collection offers a moving glimpse into the alchemy that unfolds when medicine meets metaphor.
This person is a neurologist of Romanian descent, in practice in the U.S. for 19 years, who draws inspiration from writers in his heritage. In his writing and work, he seeks to create a safe harbor for humanness while navigating the labyrinths of medicine to reach the essence of the humanity of his patients – even if all they want is a diagnosis or cure.
