Allison Mei-Li is a poet, mother, and speech-language pathologist living in Ventura County, CA. She reads poetry submissions for The Turning Leaf Journal and hosts poetry-centered events locally and online. Her work has appeared in anthologies, podcasts, and journals such as Rust & Moth, Coffee + Crumbs, MER Literary, Voicemail Poems, Ink & Marrow, and wildscape, among others.

Allison’s debut collection, A History of Holding, is now available!

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A HISTORY OF HOLDING

POEMS ON MOTHERHOOD

A History of Holding is an intimate poetry collection about the beautiful and brutal work of motherhood—how it cracks you open and rebuilds you from the inside out. Through lyrical, unflinching poems, Allison Mei-Li explores what it means to be a human while raising one: the ache of exhaustion, the wonder of small moments, and the way time bends and blurs.

Releasing November 11th, 2025.

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  • Cluster of white chrysanthemum flowers blooming in a garden.

    WRITING

    Poems, book reviews, & articles published in Only Poems, Rust & Moth, Coffee + Crumbs, and more.

  • Open book with handwritten text, a gold tassel bookmark, surrounded by candles and flowers.

    EVENTS

    Learn about upcoming events and creative offerings, both in person and online.

  • Wooden desk with open compartments, a silver laptop with a floral sticker, a lamp, a shell, a basket with notes, mugs with plants, a photo, and framed artwork on the wall.

    NEWSLETTER

    From the writing desk—reflections on the creative process, publishing, and how we can build meaningful communities.

  • Image of tote that says Motherhood is poetry

    SHOP

    A selection of totes, prints, and gifts designed by Allison.