How my second poetry book speaks to the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

My second poetry collection Coffee Mug Rings has been out in the wild for a week now. It’s been surreal seeing my book on shelves in local hot spots, and even more surreal sitting down with NPR this week for an interview about why poetry has saved my life since becoming a mom.

When I sit down to write a poem, or, more often, when I jot a few lines down in my Notes app in-between meetings or daycare drop offs, I pull inspiration from my everyday life — whether it was a single moment that made me smile or a feeling that I need to work through.

I started writing poetry after my now four-year-old was born, and since then, I’ve been pregnant a few more times, and will be expecting my third baby in September. And I’ve documented it all — from the moment I saw the double line on my very first pregnancy test to this current pregnancy.

---

Coffee Mug Rings

When I sat down with the producer to prep for my interview, she asked me why I named my new collection “coffee mug rings.”

“Why does an imprint of a coffee mug remind you of motherhood? What is the connection there?” she asked.

In that moment, a lot of thoughts jumbled in my head, but the simplest answer I had was this:

Coffee mug rings are an evidence of life. A ring on the counter is a sign that we were there — and these messy, imperfect moments are often the most meaningful.

These coffee stains are a powerful symbol of the “beautiful chaos” of mom life. It represents a mark of love, of permanence. You are here and not alone in your journey.

Because motherhood can feel so isolating at times. You lose your sense of identity. You lose sleep. You lose hair. You lose control and ownership over your body. Everything you do is for your babies.

Motherhood is exhausting, and what better symbol is there than a coffee mug ring left by a mother who is finally able to take a sip? A mother who is finally able to fill her cup (literally and metaphorically)?

Poetry is a safe and cathartic space where I can process my emotions. It makes the sometimes invisible motherhood moments visible and legitimate. It’s an imprint on my soul — like a coffee mug ring.

Poetry has saved my life in so many ways — from its ability to help me exhale to the confidence and community it has helped me build. In these moments, I am the one holding the pen. I am able to take artistic freedom and feel liberated as I play with words and structure. Whenever I feel like my story isn’t my own, I turn to poetry to help grasp the narrative.

Here’s how you can support my work:

• Subscribe to my Substack.
• Like and comment on this post or others that you may enjoy.
• Buy me a coffee to support (and help fuel) my work!
• Purchase my new poetry book, coffee mug rings! Get a signed copy and bookmark/printable. Also available on Amazon.
• Purchase my first poetry book, poemspartum, directly from me (signed with a bookmark/printable!) Also available on Amazon.
• Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @keepitkassual