It’s been a hard morning, struggling to get the baby up, changed and dressed before walking to the bus stop. She needs to be carried and she is almost too big for it. It’s stinking hot too. Sweat is trickling down my back by the time we pass the corner shop and I wish I’d … Continue reading Short Story: Daily Commute
Short Story: After Dark
I watch the two boys dismember the marquee. Their bodies look stretched and wrong in the dark. Wrapped in layers to keep out the chill, they move awkwardly, reflective vests shimmering in the grey light – fish in a muddy river. I’ve given them responsibility for the whole row. Twenty tents. Eighty weights. Against the … Continue reading Short Story: After Dark
Shame
We slough skin from our bodies. Seven lives -- We emerge pink and newborn from each heartbreak. Fists closed; eyes squeezed shut in protest. Not again, Not again. Left cold by our past selves We flee each pin-prick of realisation. Breathing our cold breath out over the valley of expectant upturned faces Forcing our gaze … Continue reading Shame
Falling in love over and over again
A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships. — Jorge Luis Borges Like many people living in the modern era I spend at least 7 hours of my day in front of a screen, whether it’s on my computer at work, or on my phone texting friends … Continue reading Falling in love over and over again
To forgive and forget, or not?
What literature tells us about forgiving, forgetting and vengeance. Forgiveness is a concept most of us are familiar with. When someone has wronged you, whether its to break your heart or your phone, the virtuous way to deal with it is to forgive and forget. Right? Forgiveness is a psychological concept, enshrined in religion and … Continue reading To forgive and forget, or not?
You have a lovely vagina
I've been waxing since I was a teenager. Growing up in the modern world you soon learn that our relationship with body hair is contradictory. In winter it keeps us warm but having smooth silky body-parts is synonymous with being attractive. I'd love to say my attitude to body-hair hasn't been formed by a culture that … Continue reading You have a lovely vagina
The Australian Women’s Movement and White Privilege
https://vimeo.com/147760743 We need to talk about the Australian women’s movement and white privilege. [As published on Medium] Let me first clarify that I am a white woman and regardless of my upbringing, personal struggles or history, I am unequivocally white in a society that accepts white as the norm. I am passionate about equality and … Continue reading The Australian Women’s Movement and White Privilege
Delhi — also known as rape city?
As our plane touched down in Delhi my nerves were on edge. I was wearing my most unattractive ensemble (to hide any semblance of the female form), I hadn't washed in days and I had already been felt up at four different checkpoints between checking in and boarding the plane at Kathmandu airport. (Those Nepalese officials prefer the intimate … Continue reading Delhi — also known as rape city?
Tindermares
Tinder has got to be one of the most talked about apps of the last 4 years, at least within my friendship circle. Before we start discussing the hilarity of Tinder as a dating app, I must disclose that I have never downloaded it, despite drunkenly swiping for friends on numerous occasions. (I'm a modern … Continue reading Tindermares
Eating Phallic Food in Public
When I was 12 I had an experience that changed my life. I ate an icy pole on the tram. As I happily licked the delicious lemony goodness off a stick two elderly men sat opposite me with odd looks on their faces. I suddenly felt self-conscious. I looked at my icy pole and then … Continue reading Eating Phallic Food in Public
