Poetry, Grief and the Space Between the Lines
In this episode, Michael, Sarah and Berenice are joined by poet Kate Smith — known on Instagram as Millie the Poet and writing under the name Kathryn Millington — to talk about her poetry pamphlet Imprint (Fawn Press), which explores childlessness, IVF and grief. Kate reads three poems live on the episode and talks candidly about her own fertility journey, the process of writing about deeply personal experience, and what it's meant to bring that work into the world.
Meet our Guest
Kathryn ‘Millie ’Millington is a poet, performer and activist based in Sheffield. She ran the poetry charity ‘Nine Lives Poetry’, creating a stage for emerging local poets. Millie’s poetry tells us a story of grief as a result of involuntary childlessness.
It takes us on a journey “…into a world that feels niche, but is anything but…” (Wendy Pratt), to a place of acceptance of a future without children and ultimately a creative and fulfilling life. “You will know someone like me. We are everywhere: at your workplace, within your family, and your friendship groups. It’s such a lonely place. I want to inhabit that place and be that voice, to show that we can create.”
Millie has shared the stage with Helen Mort, Michael Pedersen, Toria Garbutt and Leyla Josephine. Her poem ‘Imprint’ was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. Her debut Pamphlet ‘Imprint’ received praise from Benjamin Zephaniah "I have no words, because you've used them all".
Millie is published by Fawn Press and her poetry is available to buy online. You can also buy direct from her, pop her a message via Instagram @milliethepoet or email
Recommended Books About Poetry/becoming a creative person
The Ode Less Travelled’ by Stephen Fry
How to Grow your Own Poem’ by Kate Clanchy
The Artists Way’ by Julia Cameron Workshops
Poets
Laurie Bolger has a website and is on Instagram Laurie Bolger
Marjorie Lotfi: Marjorie’s Table is a morning writing workshop which really helps me generate ideas Marjorie’s Table | Substack
Verve Poetry Press run regular online workshops with poets. VERVE Poetry Autumn Workshop Series 2026
The Arvon Foundation run amazing residential courses which are expensive but transformative. They also run online workshops and short courses. Creative Writing Courses at Arvon
Wendy Pratt is a childless poet. Her book ‘When I think of My Body as a Horse’ is incredible. You can follow her on Substack and Instagram. Notes From the Margin with Wendy Pratt | Substack and @wendyprattauthor
Ada Limón ‘The Carrying’ is a beautiful and emotional collection about infertility. You can follow her on Instagram @adalimonwriter
Hollie McNish is a great poet; she writes about contemporary often female issues (but also about being a mum so you may wish to avoid). @Holliepoetry
Helpline details
UK: Contact the Samaritans on freephone 116 123, they're open 24 hours and are there to listen and Mind.
USA: Suicide Prevention
Canada: Canada Crisis
Australia: Beyond Blue
Sarah Lawrence After The Storm
Pink Therapy (UK): Directory of LGBTQIA+ friendly therapists.
Many of our guests have channels online and blogs so you can follow what they do and read their words. Head to our podcast page, and click on the episode image to access the show notes and further reading.
Disclaimer
The Full Stop podcast and content posted by The Full Stop Community CIC is presented solely for general information, and educational purposes. The guests’ views may not represent those of the Full Stop Community CIC, online community members or the co-directors. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
