Hi I’m Katie
I’m Katie Middleton Tansley and I sometimes write poetry. You can find me on Instagram @ifshewasapoet
I’m currently working on my first collection of poetry
‘Don’t Think About Death’
Don’t Think About Death
My mum died. And it runs through everything I do like a tiny invisible thread.
I’m also a mum, and I started that job just four months before she died. The handover period was short. I didn’t complain to HR.
What is everything else? It felt like everything else I did for a long time was pure distraction. And in the distraction, I found poetry.
I’m currently working on my first collection of poems which will soon be available for pre order in the form of my new title; ‘Don’t think about death’
The collection is a selection of my work over the past four years and covers grief, motherhood, relationships, growing up, sex, lack of, longing, and erm nature and stuff.
Her poetry breathes life into the ordinary, finds beauty in the mundane, and lays bare truths about the complexities of life and existence. Her words are a gift to the world and I find a lot of joy taking a pause from my day to read what Katie has written.
Jovariya, charity systems manager from Leeds
The rawness and vulnerability of her words makes reading them feel somewhat intrusive, but the relatability of navigating someone’s childhood whilst full of melancholy puts plasters over wounds I didn't know I had. Re-reading makes me feel like I've overstayed my welcome but with each poem she keeps inviting me back.
Chloe, educator from Wakefield
I’ve never really ‘got’ poetry but Katie’s inspired to try writing my own as her words seep into me making me feel understood
Laura, entrepreneur from Wakefield
An outstanding talent for poetry from the heart
Daniel, cyber investigator from Rugeley