Poems have been at the heart of literature for eons, and whilst we find contemporary poets on social media I still prefer my pen and paper.

Of course, to share with the wider world we need to embrace technology, but I think that 2025 is the year to reconnect. 

I recently met a lady who was enjoying a coffee in the sunshine, and she commented on my smile. How strange, I thought, but I responded by sitting with her for a chat. 

It turns she was struggling with grief, and as a fellow writer I understood the brick wall that blocks our creative flow when our brains are under duress. 

To cut a long story short, I told her about my own challenges in the last six years; I lost both of my parents and seemed to become suspended in limbo. In January this year I decided to set myself a deadline by committing to a publishing date of a book of poetry about grief. 

Of course, I procrastinated. I didn’t feel ready to face up to my true feelings – even after all this time.

She became tearful as I shared my experience, which has ultimately been life-changing. I forced myself into writing sprints in hotels, car parks, and anywhere I could grab my notebook. On some days the words flowed (along with the tears) and on others the poems were stuck at one thought; regardless, I continued.

The Shape of Loss was published in March, and my enforced deadline ensured I didn’t over edit. The poems are raw, and they helped me heal. 

Poems Unlocking Emotions

As I left the table, she said ‘but I can’t write, there’s nothing there’. 

I picked up a sachet of malt vinegar from the tiny bowl on the table and said, ‘here, write about vinegar. See what happens.’

The next day, there was a thank you card through my letterbox with the poem about vinegar and grief. It was possibly one of the best moments of my life. Just taking a few moments to speak to someone who is lonely can make a massive difference. Knowing that I’d also helped her unlock years of sadness was incredibly rewarding. I know it won’t change her situation, but I helped…just a little.

Can Writing Poems Help You Overcome Grief and Sadness?

I believe so yes. Reading poetry can also help healing. but the act of expressing your emotions through the pen is powerful. 

Am I sure? Indeed I am. 

I speak from experience, and now feel so strongly about it that I want to use my experience to help others. I’m not sure how that will pan out, but the goal is to create a place where people can come to retreat to write. I’m also an artist, so painting will be on the agenda.

My support will start here on the website, but I will add physical locations when it’s viable. 

Poems have changed my life, and I want to help others feel the benefits too. 

Books of Poems

I have a collection of verse, so I will be sharing my favourites with you on my poetry books page. I’m also going to add regular blog posts filled with poems across themes and eras. There are so many wonderful examples though, so it’s hard to know where to start!

There’s one thing for sure though, I will be aiming to get myself offline whenever possible. My meeting with the lady in the coffee shop reminded me that there are people who just need the human touch. As a result, I intend to do my bit, and it would be wonderful if we can create a community of poetry lovers here then take it offline to retreats.

Poetry from The Shape of Loss

I’ll be sharing my poetry here on the website…you never know who might be looking for some healing words. There’s no better way for you to get to know me that through these poems. They are raw and authentic, and I hope they help others feel that they are not alone. 

Here’s one I wrote to my mum.

Kate Taviner is the pen name I’ve chosen to write poetry under; it seems to have given me a new found freedom, so it was the right decision. Putting your words out into the world can be overwhelming, so this is something else we can explore in my workshops. Will stepping into a new character help you release inner stresses? 

Poets of Times Gone By

I’m going to finish this article with a nod to the past. It is reading the poets that have gone before me that has inspired me to write. With that in mind, I’ll be writing more on the literary geniuses who live in my head and heart. 

There’s a one minute read on the quote by Joseph Addison ‘True Happiness’ already, I’ll expand on this soon!

I’m now off to enjoy a cup of tea in the garden. My notebook is coming too…it’s a great day for writing poems.