Tom Shaw
Poet | Celebrant | Facilitator
About Tom
Tom turned to poetry and storytelling techniques to begin shifting his own self-limiting belief systems and patterns of self-sabotage. In doing so, Tom has developed a unique and powerful toolset in giving voice to truth and transmuting the unfavourable circumstances of our times.
As well as sharing his own material, he helps others become the heroes of their life stories and challenge the manipulative personal and societal narratives they hold. Tom achieves this as a celebrant, marking significant life events with moving words, along with live reading and workshops, poetry wellness support, and conscious collaboration with individuals, aligned brands and initiatives.
In Summer 2026, Tom is launching the Sovereign Poet Society to support others using the power of words to change the world around them.
Celebrating Your Life
“One of my favourite ways to use creativity in service of others is in helping write and deliver personalised ceremonies to honour the most important occasions in life. This includes weddings, funerals, naming and adoption ceremonies, and more.
My job is to capture the tone and energy that feels right for you. This isn’t about stiff traditions or copy-paste ceremonies; it’s about creating bespoke, genuine celebrations where everyone feels part of the celebration.
What sets me apart from other celebrants is how I integrate poetry and prose into the proceedings I deliver. Drawing on my extensive experience in poetry performance and workshop hosting around the world, I can help you select the perfect passages, and create new ones, to communicate your most precious memories and emotions with others during your life celebration.”
Books & Creations
Ways To Work With Me
Sovereign Poet Society
A community of passionate individuals using poetry for personal and collective growth. Curated self-directed resources, exclusive spaces and invitations to online retreats and workshops.
Poetry Wellness Facilitation
Standalone Poetic Poultice sessions, life-altering soul realignment through Master Your Word, and self-directed resources and meditations via my Poetic Realignment Bundle.
Commissions & Performances
Bringing the power of live poetry to shows, conferences and retreats around the world. Hire me for performances, talks, hosting, workshops and special commissions – or as a celebrant.
Poetry For Empowerment
Navigating the brackish waters of life and all its turbulent currents is no easy task. Poetry is the language of the soul, helping us to explore the expanse of those oceans. I’m here to show you how to be the captain of that ship.
My weekly newsletter is a perfect place to begin. By signing up for free, you’ll receive:
- The full, downloadable version of The Fire Within – a powerful poetic meditation for seeing the past that still burns within you.
- New poems and writings to inspire you in your own practise.
- Invitations to engage in soul-nourishing poetic spaces.
“Tom cultivates an environment where it feels safe to share, regardless of skill level. He has a great ability to find meaning between the words, or to help others discover that meaning for themselves. I came away from the session with a newfound appreciation for poetry and what it can bring to my life.”
Leon
“From the very beginning, Tom created a sacred space so that we felt safe to share our poems, it can be vulnerable to voice your heart language to others, but I was inspired to be brave and received so much in return. I left with both tangible steps and magic to implement my poetry into my daily life.
Kathleen