Press Release For New Book Not Just A Mum By Katie Gowers
This debut collection from poet Katie Gowers offers a profoundly personal exploration of motherhood and identity. It invites you into some of the most intimate moments of a mother's life and presents an honest dialogue about the challenges and joys of motherhood.
This heartfelt journey navigates the complexities of becoming a mother, the consequences of a breakdown of her marriage, and the anxiety that she has lost herself in the process.
Discover writing that is rich with emotion, joy, and heart. Katie doesn't shy away from the challenges of this period in her life, but ultimately, this is a story of love and hope.
Not Just A Mum (I)
I’m not just a mum, I realise,
but a teacher of rights and wrongs.
Narrator of stories and rhymes,
and performer of cheerful songs.
A cook, a dietician, a tempter,
to try out new foods and tastes.
An artist’s assistant with pens and paints,
a cleaner of glittery pastes.
I’m a persistent laundry warrior
with piles of washing on the floor.
A nappy changer, bath maker, nail clipper,
and the parent you always ask for.
I’m a tantrum-tamer and boundary-holder.
My arms creating a safe space.
Playmate, toy mender, book reader,
somebody to tickle and chase.
I’m your pillow and source of comfort,
when your tiny body is full of flu.
Your detective and investigator,
when you’ve lost something dear to you.
I’m your comforter, holding you gently,
when nightmares haunt you at night.
Mediator to help you share and be kind
when a tempting toy results in a fight.
I organise and lead great adventures.
Buy you ice cream in a cone.
Splash in puddles in the pouring rain.
Make sure you’re never alone.
I support you to be brave and try.
Reassure when something goes wrong
Show you how to be kind,
and how in your loving family you belong.
You see, I’m not “just” a mum, really,
I try to do all that it takes.
Roles and responsibilities so endless.
A full-time job with no sick leave or breaks.
But I wouldn’t change it for a minute.
Even though I’m exhausted to my core.
Being your mother is my priority now,
I am yours forever more.