Lost Souls nights are a haven of hope. A space to be fiercely honest, with a wide and open heart. Trust falling into the arms of others who have walked familiar paths.
People like to say -
Not all who wander are lost
Speak here! My brave souls.
Image copyright: Tim Foley: @writespeakrecover Poets: @lewistry2026, @Hannahsthepoet (host), @r3pdj
Why did you start the poetry night?
Hannah Stanislaus - Founder and Host
I started Lost Souls when I was first on the poetry open mic scene, I went to a few places to perform and I thought I could run an event like that. The inspiration came from being 18 months sober and clean, feeling like a lost soul. We started with 8 people in a church and over 4 years we have grown to be a wonderful community of poets who meet twice a month!
Image copyright: Tim Foley: @writespeakrecover Poets: @Samantha_coupe_poetry, Lucy, @Fauve.thorpe.poet
How would you describe the vibe of your nights?
We promote diversity, equality and inclusivity, everyone is welcome and we turn no-one away. We encourage first timers because we all were poetry virgins once, we are a poetry community that support each other during and outside of the nights.
Image copyright: Tim Foley: @writespeakrecover Poets: @Jorah_the_explorah, John Haney, @dreasconversation.poet
What do you love most about the poetry scene?
I love the poetry scene across London because I hear the most talented people who are undiscovered and I know I am blessed to be able to enjoy all their words with love in my heart
Image copyright: Tim Foley: @writespeakrecover Poets: @_.starlight pier, John Haney, @dblxx_said
Please share a poem with us, Hannah?
Can I just say
I don’t write poems that sound like an essay
Sometimes my poems sound a bit the same
I don’t use dead poets to quote
About what they wrote
My words are about my truth
The world I observe, my youth
Semi-autobiographical
Some are whimsical
And even made-up fantasies
In fact, I write about what I damn
Well please
Because to me
Poetry comes from my head and
My heart
Not a perfect start
To a polished piece
That wins 1st prize
Multiple accolades and in
Everybody eyes, you are better than
Every other poet
Who writes from their head and
Their heart, don’t you know it?
Unless you have a crew
And an ego that grew
To the size of a sold-out show
Queue
You can’t write with us
Can I just say
That is not ok, ok?
Poetry should not be
Exclusive or obtrusive
Dismissive of domestic or sexual abuses
Being apologetic or full of excuses
For hurting those less fortunate than us
Can I just say
That is not the way
I use poetry or spoken word
In fact, I find it absurd
That it’s saved my life for many years
From a women’s refuge to this stage
Can I just say
That is a miracle today
Hannah Stanislaus
My Lost Poet
(Inspired by a Lost Souls poet)
You won’t know you changed my life
That your words cut like a knife
Gently pried away my skin
Peeled it back and buried in
As I watched you tug your hair
You stood and laid you life out bare
I saw my story on the stage
I ate your sorrow, drank your rage
Such a brave and stoic tale
Tore through me, a silent wail
I found my body shaking, still
Swallowed it a jagged pill
Thank you, thank you, Jesus Christ
Have we lived a woven life?
Muddled through in mutual strife?
Held together through in the light?
What brought you here just at this time?
To save my life with every line.
As if you’d grown up from the ground
Crept through my mind without a sound
I watched your heart float out your chest
A gift of love to help me rest
The truth that you so boldly told
I’ll carry it until I’m old
I’ll wear it round me when I’m cold
My fellow, pilgrim and lost soul.
-Tim Foley
Useful Links
Big shout out to, and thank you to all the poets not featured here, please take it as a compliment that I was too into your poetry to get a decent shot! - Tim
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