The Bookshelf

Healing the Broken Things is a series of poetic essays written over a decade ago, now revised and expanded into this new paperback. There are two options for purchase. One is directly from this website. If purchased from here, the book will be sent directly from Kate's home in Roma along with "The Poetry Companion".

[The Poetry Companion is not a workbook, but a soft invitation — a place for the reader to respond, reflect, and create alongside the poems they’ve just read with their own experiences.]

Healing the Broken Things is for anyone walking through life's quiet ruptures - caring for elderly parents, raising children, letting go or simply finding themselves between chapters.

It offers language for these invisible transitions, the ones we often carry alone.

Whilst paperbacks are offered for sale on the website, and in person at markets, and other bookstores, ebooks can only be purchased from Draft to Digital, which distributes them to digital platforms such as Apple iBooks. You can buy from your preferred eBoook host by following the link below.

Ebook available on Draft to Digital by following the link

If you would like to read more of this sort of poetry, Kate has been writing from https://athousandbitsofpaper.com since 2016, and there is a wealth of both archival poetry and new pieces at that site. Some kind words from long-time readers of the blog are included below.

Words left Behind

"Kate's words envelope the essence of what it means to be human and I find myself in awe of her simple yet profound invitations to my inner soul.

Her poetry strikes a cord deep within and stirs thoughtful and digestible meaning. She is a breath of fresh air I bask in, while others try hard to make them meaningful and understood with too many words, her poetry simply holds and embraces me right where I am and I'm sure they will you as well."

Cindy Georgakas (long-time reader of athousandbitsofpaper.com)

"Kate, your poems feel like quiet companions in the noise of everyday life. They remind me to slow down, notice the smallest gestures—a bird’s unimpressed glance, the hush after creating, the soft weight of becoming. There’s a gentle clarity in your voice that stays with me after I’ve finished reading. I don’t just read your work—I sit with it."

David Bobomolny (long-timer reader of athousandbitsofpaper.com)

"Kate Duff is the Australian Mary Oliver. She sees the enchanted in the everyday and brings the reader along as she rediscovers the world, never failing to connect you with nature and soul. Her poetry journeys beneath the surface of simple moments, piercing the thin, stubborn membrane that separates the ordinary from True Meaning. Every poem induces a “eureka” feeling – when you catch your breath, remember something long-forgotten, and whisper, “Yes!”

Camilla Wells Paynter (long-time reader, athousandbitsofpaper.com)

"Kate was the first poet I followed when I joined the blogging community.

From the first poem I read, I thought, "I wish I could write like her." How do you describe such an exquisite, insightful, and inspiring work of words? Her words have their own unique rhythm.

As a reader I choose work that is not only relevant, but awe-invoking. The tone in which her words are "sung" are in direct harmony with my path of life. From love to loss, eternity to elusiveness, narrow thinking of others to the wide-open spaces of her life, heart, and head.

Her words of motherhood, choices, and the matter-of-fact are soulful and poignant. Each poem Kate crafts resonates in my heart. She is gifted beyond belief! My heart, head, and soul nods at every word she writes. Her authentic tone and word choices give me a glance into her heart.

Her curious and open mind notices things of the world that very few SEE or could ever put into words. When I bought her book, The Steps We Take Within, her very first poem, speaks of how we are all connected as humans.

She writes of encouragement to keep the faith and keep walking. She reminded me that God cries, we all make mistakes, and to protect our hearts. Her words remind me to let go of expectations and turn around when on the wrong path. Her beautifully haunting poetic words will stay with you like a good cup of tea, a warm flannel, and a gentle hug. Her overall theme in life is that it will all be OK and we are all one as humans. As a deep thinker and feeler, Kate's poetry will forever be...timeless."

Karla Hale - Flannel (long-term reader athousandbitsofpaper.com)

Note* Karla mentions Kate's second book "The Steps We Take Within" which is currently being revised and expanded. It will then be republished later this year.

"I'm a long time reader of Kate Duff's heart. Yes, heart. No easy sentiment or clever verbiage here. Kate has found a direct channel between her heart and ours. And that's why we read her, to discover missing parts of ourselves."

Mitch Teemley

"What can I say about Kate Duff’s poetry?

I find her words to be undeniably relatable and inspirationally authentic as she delves deep into the unfortunate and often unfulfilled moments of life. Her wistful words don’t usually end on a negative note though, instead she encourages her readers to keep going, uplifting their thoughts, giving them a reason to hold onto hope, with the potential of a new and happier tomorrow.

I think that’s you in a nutshell. And I hope you’ll continue to reach out to me so I know how things are going. Have a wonderful rest of your week and keep being authentically you. "

Michelle Cooke