Poet Patricia O’Rourke looks forward to the launch of her first book that touches on mindfulness asking key questions about our identity
Castlewellan woman Patricia O’Rourke (57) is a first time author with a new collection of poems which has recently been published by Balbao Press writes Jim Masson©.
The mother of two grown up sons is excited about her work called “Borrow My Words (Until You Find Your Own)’. There is a humility about her reflective, personal freeverse style in sharing her candid raw thoughts and emotions through 48 poems in print, exposing her soul to the world through the medium of ‘words’.
“I went to St Malachy’s Secondary School in Castlewellan and I can remember having short pieces entered in the school magazine. This gave me back then a sense of personal value that I could write.
“However, it took me the best part of 45 years to eventually get my head cleared so I could write out my thoughts clearly in this first effort. It has been fun and exhilarating, and has certainly given me a greater sense of self and wholeness.
“There were times in my life I felt a ‘stuckness’ but have managed now to move beyond this through self-awareness and understanding.”
In her work there is a strong sense that everyone can grow within and project the positivity outwards.
Through mindfullness Patricia has discovered poetry, words that help people to recognise their own sense of self and purpose in life, as she herself has done and to untangle the many situations we find ourselves in.
In her poem ‘Asking Is The Brave Thing, you can sense her personal metamorphosis in the words:
“NO more !
Time to be brave
Speak
Maybe a whisper to begin with, but that is ok .”
Each day Patricia wakens up, she starts her thoughts on a positive vibe with thinking about all the things she is grateful for. “This helps me gear my mind and create a positivity for the rest of the day. Every day is different. We have good and bad days, but we have the power to remain positive through it all by the power of the gift of words
“We need to get in touch with our feelings and acknowledge them. That way we can maintain good mental health. Your health is really your wealth, and that includes your mental health.
“The ethos for ‘BORROW MY WORDS Until You Find Your Own’ is simple. My aim with this new book is to allow us to feel ok about safely tapping into our inner feelings and acknowledging those feelings, and reflecting on them to help us to discover there is a better way forward in life.
“So I’ve tackled some difficult ideas and questions, and through the medium of ‘words’ have tried to find the answers. Yesterday my niece had twins and I am grateful they are all well and healthy. That’s positivity.
“I am grateful for each time I go on a walking trip with the Wee Binnian Walkers, a local walking group. I am a long-time walker with the Wee Binnians. Each walk is different and you meet different people and have experiences.
“As an assistant walking coach I know you have to look at where you put your next step on the rugged trails, and still be aware of the weather and environment around you. Just like life! And poetry!
“In this case we need to control our ‘words’ as we did with our next steps out walking. The wrong words can even inadvertently cause harm and feed into a cycle in someone else’s mind. Words can hurt or damage relationships, or even inattention out walking can lead to a broken ankle! And words can also heal and create positivity.
“And I will be donating a percentage of all sales at my launch event to the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team. And I’m also very grateful for donations of vouchers for the raffle kindly donated by the fabulous team at Hillyard House and Cushla’s Health & Beauty Clinic, Clough.
As Castlewellan resident Patricia has, for a number of years, been attending local creative writing classes where she has been able to explore and develop her creativity and has been encouraged to finally put her ‘own words’ into print.
Creative writing tutor Helen Hastings said: “Borrow my Words is an incredible achievement as a first collection not just because it’s a beautiful piece of work but because it has a fearless quality.
“It’s the kind of writing that does not conform and can’t be pigeon holed.
“I love the fact that we can feel Patricia’s loving energy with every turn of the page.”
In one of her closing poems.’It’s Me‘, she said:
“I am here for a reason
I need to get going, stop playing small” .
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The launch of Patricia’s book BORROW MY WORDS is taking place on Saturday 31 January in Hillyard House, 3-5 Castle Avenue, Castlewellan from 2.00–4.00 pm.
Patricia said: “Please feel free to call into Hillyard House on Saturday 31 January 2026 anytime between 2.00 – 4.00 pm. Just drop in/out as your time allows and have a cuppa or even a glass of fizz. I’ll be reading some extracts from my book during the afternoon.
“If you’d like a signed copy of my book [costing £13.99 – softback] these can be pre-ordered, for collection on the day, or alternatively if you can’t make it I’m happy to post a copy [standard or tracked postage options available – UK, Ireland & Europe].
“Just drop me a message at [email protected] and I’ll get back to you with details of what you need to do. Books will also be available, for purchase [cash sales], at the launch.
