Live poems composed in conversation and written in real time on a manual typewriter. Each piece becomes a singular keepsake, rooted in attention and shared presence.
Moments of pause within vibrant gatherings.
Slowness over immediacy
Attention over output
Presence over performance
Whether for a wedding, a gathering or a personal commission, we’d love to hear from you.
Custom poetry by Poetry O’Clock, written from what you share and sent to you.
Share a person, story, memory, feeling, celebration or moment you would like captured in poetry. We interpret what you share and create an original poem specifically from it.
One original poem. Individually typewritten. Wax-sealed by hand. Sent by mail.
We invited Poetry O’Clock to be part of our event and it ended up being one of the highlights. The poets carved out these small, meaningful moments for guests in the middle of the buzz. People kept returning with their poems, saying how personal it felt. It brought a kind of depth to the evening we didn’t expect.
Creative Strategist
Live poetry is a poem written for you, in real time, while you wait.
At Poetry O’Clock, each poem is typed on a vintage typewriter. The sound of the keys, the pace, the paper and the waiting are all part of the experience. It’s not rushed, not rehearsed and never copied. It’s a small moment of attention, made tangible.
When you find us at an event, pop-up, wedding or gathering, you’re invited to share a word, feeling or thought. Sometimes our poets may ask one or two gentle questions to better understand what you’re holding.
You can wait nearby or walk around and within about 5-10 minutes, you’ll receive a typewritten poem created just for you. It’s yours to keep.
Yes. Every poem is written from scratch, every single time.
Even if two people offer the same word, the poems will never be the same. Our poets respond to your presence, your answers and the moment itself. No templates. No repeats. Just attention and care.
You’re very welcome to.
Visit our website and head to the Live Poetry section to fill out the booking form. One of our team members will reach out to learn more about your event, your guests and what you’re hoping to create together. From there, we’ll share availability and a tailored quote.
We recommend enquiring at least four weeks in advance for most events and experiences.
For experiences intended to serve approximately 50-100 guests, we recommend allowing at least 6-8 weeks where possible. Projects intended for more than 100 recipients, or those involving significant personalisation, Pre-Written Poetry or other custom creative requirements, are best discussed 2-3 months in advance. Major weddings, brand activations and other substantial experiences can be planned several months ahead.
Lead time is based on more than the total number of people attending the event. We also consider how many guests the Poetry O’Clock experience is expected to serve, the duration, the level of personalisation, whether any poetry needs to be prepared in advance, and the wider event requirements.
Short-notice enquiries are still welcome and may be considered subject to availability and scope. Where accelerated preparation is required, a short-notice fee may apply.
No two events are the same, so pricing is never one-size-fits-all.
We take into account details like location, duration, number of guests and the type of experience you’re envisioning. We’ve written poems at intimate gatherings and larger celebrations alike. What matters most is that it feels aligned, thoughtful and meaningful on both ends.
Yes. The Post can be written for you or for someone else.
For a specific birthday, anniversary, vow, milestone or story, choose One Edition and share the context you would like us to write from. You can have the finished Post delivered to you or sent directly to its recipient.
Always in physical form.
Poetry O’Clock exists to bring back the feeling of receiving something real. At live sessions, you may receive your poem directly or choose to have it placed in an envelope and sealed. Mailed poems arrive carefully packaged, ready to be opened slowly.
Delivery is included with The Post.
Within Nairobi, we offer scheduled door-to-door delivery. Elsewhere in Kenya, editions are sent for courier office collection or by post where applicable.
International editions are sent by registered international post.
You’ll receive a notification once your Post is on its way.
No. Custom poems and the personal stories shared with us are treated as private by default.
Poetry O’Clock will only share or publish a custom poem, excerpt or the personal context behind it with separate permission from the customer.
An experiential poetry practice built around presence, attention and human exchange. We create live typewritten poems shaped by conversation and given as keepsakes.
Submit a booking inquiry
info@poetryoclock.com
