The Honey in the Bones: A Book of Poetry for Changing Times
My first book of poetry is out now via Golden Dragonfly Press
I’m delighted to announce that my book of poetry, The Honey in the Bones, launches today, 21st December 2022, with Golden Dragonfly Press.
The bee has been released into the wild, and I wish it every success on its flight from here on out!
Today is the perfect birthday for a book which both begins and ends at the midwinter solstice. When I started sharing poems online a few years ago, I never thought that one day I would be publishing a book which is an offering to our most beautiful world in these changing times.
The Honey in the Bones is a spiralling pathway, a medicine wheel or living mandala designed to balance and nourish, rather than a linear book of days. Here is a brief synopsis:
‘The book is a spell. A rewilding of the soul. A realignment with the sacred cycles of nature and our bodies, and an invocation to restore kinship, reciprocity and harmony in barbarous, disconnected times.
From one winter solstice to the next, we dance from darkness to light and back again, encompassing sweetness and bitterness, times of rest and celebration, grief and healing, and cohering in the beauty, magic and wisdom of embracing the whole. “The Honey in the Bones” reminds us that the sweetness and nourishment we seek in life are always available within.
This is poetry as witchcraft, activism, healing, prayer and play. It is gentle, potent medicine for anyone who holds a vision for a kinder world. Above all, it is a love letter to an Earth on the cusp, and a mother’s dream of hope for the future.’
Praise
Here is what a few kind and generous souls have had to say about the collection:
“These poems are so beautiful — in direct, deceptively simple language, Caroline Mellor spins word spells that enchant, move and bind us back into the wild world that is our true home. There is both solace and challenge in these words, and a deep-rooted hope for change. A wonderful, heartfelt collection.”
— Anna Hope, prizewinning and internationally bestselling author of Wake, The Ballroom, Expectations and The White Rock
“The Honey in the Bones is a collection of evocative poems that remind people to slow down, look up and connect with their senses and surroundings. Caroline Mellor’s prose is honest and thought provoking with themes of nature and nurture written from the heart.”
— Roxy Freeman), author of Times bestseller memoir, Little Gypsy
“Caroline’s writing reveals a writer of great sensitivity and wisdom, with a gift for putting into words what she sees with her eyes and her heart. In reading her poems and stories, we discover a woman connected to nature, a loving mother who marvels at everything around her. Her texts, always poetic and hopeful, are like paintings that move us and stay with us forever. They are mirrors that reflect the beauty of the world back to you and leave you with a strong desire to embrace life and cherish the earth. Caroline’s pen is a remedy for melancholy and a sweetness for the soul.”
— Thomas Gaudex, Editor of Scribe and Curator of the poetry collection The Embrace of Dawn
“If you need a transfusion of love, light, and all things supplemented from Nature, then hold tight to Caroline Mellor’s book of poetry, Honey in the Bones. You will be transported to the crux of holy. Each word will grace your soul and send shivers to your heart. You will breathe deeper and feel the stillness you need. Like an exhale from the weight of this world, you will be touched by her transparency of being real.”
— Carolyn Riker, author of My Dear, Love Hasn’t Forgotten You and This is Love
“Caroline Mellor is a remarkable poet, and her poems are deep and thought-provoking. She touches the chords of your heart with her authentic writing style. Her poems talk about a whirlwind of romance, darkness, light, love, and despair, and most importantly, her words are like a magic wand which pulls you out of your setbacks. Many times we try to read someone whose words stay with us even after we are done reading, that’s how Caroline’s work is for me. Her never-dying spirit always raises me back to my feet. This book is a product of her strength along with her powerful voice.”
— Gurpreet Dhariwal, author of My Soul Rants: Poems of a Born Spectator and Kaurageously Yours
“Caroline’s words colour the page with exquisite imagery feathered with such emotion it makes my eyes weep with liquid sapphires. That sounds a bit odd I know, but true, as she writes with a deep connection to nature, a heart honouring Mother Earth and all of her precious children. Read her words. Feel her love and utter respect for life. This magically talented human.”
— Sally A Mortemore, award winning actress (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Game of Thrones, Elizabeth I) and author of online poetry collection Tulipa Moon
Poems
Here are a few poems from the collection, many of which first appeared here on Medium:
So many people have supported and encouraged me on this journey, so heartfelt thanks goes out to to rich, vibrant and evolving “happy pillow fort” poetry community here on Medium.
Truly, I can’t thank you all — along with all those who have read, clapped and commented on my work — enough.
For anyone interested in the process, I share everything I have learned about traditionally publishing a book of poetry here. As I say in the article, reviews are like gold dust for fledgling authors like me, so if anyone should feel moved to read my poems and leave a review, I will be endlessly grateful!
The Honey in the Bones is available to order now direct from the Press
Also available on Amazon
You can leave a rating or review on Goodreads here
Sending out good vibes for the coming year, and wishing all a bright, peaceful and merry midwinter solstice.
Here’s to once more around the sun, and brighter days ahead 🐝✨
Love Caroline x
Thank you for reading 💛 Connect with me on facebook or on my website
