Where wildness, voice and visibility meet
Words that move
Poetry
Bethany’s poetry explores the intersections of nature, disability and wellbeing, often challenging ableism and reshaping how we see both bodies and landscapes. Her work has been published in The Guardian, Country Living, POETRY, the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Wales and more. She has won numerous awards for her works, including being shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Poetry Award 2024.
Poems that challenge ableism and celebrate connection
May 2022
This is a playful and lyrical celebration of the Forest of Dean’s wild boar. Witty and playful, the dialect is based on that of the Forest of Dean.
POETRY
Umbug
2024
Bethany’s poetry for children celebrates diversity, resilience and a love of the outdoors. You’re too young to grow wings, a poem about finding freedom and perseverance as you unfurl your wings, is featured in And I Hear Dragons, a ground-breaking children’s poetry anthology from diverse Welsh writers.
You’re too young to grow wings
And I hear dragons (Firefly)
Summer 2022
This poem is a lyrical and innovative journey through a tumultuous Accident and Emergency department.
Poetry Wales
The Heath
Cling Film
February 2025
Bethany's debut pamphlet. This collection explores existing as a young Disabled woman within a crossfire of ableism. The poems document how inaccessible and exclusionary design exclude many Disabled people. The collection lays bare the barriers that disable people from physical inaccessibility to the discrimination of others, such as incompetent doctors, ignorant passers-by or in dehumanising interviews for Universal Credit.
Seren Books
January 2023
Handley’s poem reflects on the complexities of memory, medical trauma and bodily autonomy through the metaphor of being wrapped and observed, like food preserved for later use. It’s a haunting yet tender exploration of how the body becomes both witness and object, especially within clinical and institutional spaces.
Poetry Wales
Cling Film
Hiya Butt Bay
November 2023
Handley’s poem captures a moment of joy and defiance as she and a friend navigate Rest Bay beach in her wheelchair, leaving bold tyre marks in the sand. The poem reclaims space through humour and confidence, challenging passive pity with presence and pride. It’s a celebration of movement, visibility and belonging in the natural world.
Poetry Wales
01 March 2024
To mark International Wheelchair Day, Country Living commissioned writer and disability activist Bethany Handley to write a poem. This powerful piece is about making nature accessible to everyone. At 24, Bethany reflects on how using a wheelchair has offered her a unique and profound perspective on the natural world, especially during springtime.
Country Living Magazine
I’m not advocating for all beauty spots to be tarmacked
November 2023
Bethany contrasts the physical and emotional toll of disability with the societal expectations and bureaucratic definitions that constantly question her worth and legitimacy. It's a powerful meditation on fatigue, autonomy and the quiet resilience of living a life beyond conventional measures of productivity.
Nine Arches Press
When I Say I'm Tired
July 2025
Handley’s humorous, subversive poem examines the treatment of disabled people whilst flying, and the wider, social barriers that disable them. The Guardian's Poem of the Week.
‘A sharp and witty look at the treatment of people with disabilities conveys its anger with arresting artistry.’ Carol Rumen
The Guardian
Poem in which I’m a transnational drug smuggler
"A sharp and witty look at the treatment of people with disabilities [Cling Film] conveys its anger with arresting artistry... Handley has found her weapon."
The guardian
Carol Rumens
"(Handley) has the reader consider what it means to cross out and erase the experiences of those whose bodies are considered to be different."
Poetry News
"Handley’s witty and defiant poetry highlights the systemic discrimination she faces as a Disabled woman."
The Bookseller
Caroline Sanderson
"A potent reminder that poetry can speak of both injustice and joy, even within the same poem/breath."
Buzz Magazine
Mab Jones
where to find Bethany
Upcoming Events
Blake Theatre, Monmouth
4 June 2026 | 19:00
Rossiter Books: Author Talk
Exchange Marquee, Hay-On-Wye
27 May 2026 | 11:30
hay Festival
Castle Hotel, Llandovery
10 May 2026 | 15:30
Reading the Wild Festival
The Old Market, Llandeilo
27 March 2026 | 17:30
Chronic Women book launch
Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon
7 May 2026 | 14:00
Stratford Literary Festival
If you’re here to spark change through writing, speaking, or reimagining access, Bethany would love to hear from you. She works with individuals and organisations who care deeply about inclusion, nature and wellbeing, especially those that want to move from intention to meaningful action.
Use this form to get in touch with Bethany.
