Motherhood poetry collection to Trapeze Books

Trapeze has signed a collection of poems on motherhood, edited by Ana Sampson, including work from classic poets such as Sylvia Plath and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, as well as new voices Nikita Gill and Kate Baer.

Sam Eades, publishing director at Trapeze Books, acquired World rights to Night Feeds and Morning Songs to publish in hardback, e-book and audio on 4th March 2021.

The book "examines how it feels to be a mother, from the mess and the madness, to the joy and the wonder" and is edited by Sampson, who has edited seven poetry anthologies since 2009. 

Eades said: "I am a huge fan of Ana Sampson’s work as an anthologist, and working with her on this book as we balanced childcare during lockdown has been a delight. In this brave and honest collection, the poems Ana has selected explore the maelstrom of emotions associated with motherhood, mapping the journey from pregnancy, birth and beyond. It is the perfect gift for mothers-to-be, as well as a reassuring guide for those wanting to know that they are not alone in how they are feeling."

Sampson said: "I have been squirrelling away poems about motherhood since my eldest daughter was born, so it was the realisation of a long-held dream when Sam asked me to compile this anthology. During this mad year when I — along with so many other mothers — have been juggling work and childcare, it was restorative on every level to be immersing myself in work that reminded me of the magic among the chaos. These poets achieve the seemingly impossible task of taking experiences that are unique to everyone, and saying something about those experiences that will speak to every reader. They made me laugh, cry and time travel, and I'm so excited to share their words."