EDITORIAL
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.” – Frank Kafka (Metamorphosis, 1915)
Metamorphosis is the essence of experience. From the tiniest fragments in our bodies shifting, to the greatest movements throughout humanity’s existence: change is a constant and undeniable force.
Change exists in many spheres of life—physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, spiritually. And yet, though it is inevitable, it is not inherently positive or negative. Change has no prejudice, it is unbiased: it simply is.
In some situations, change can be awkward, different and isolating. In others, change can be empowering, transformative and enlightening. How do we respond to change and what are the impacts of our responses?
Welcome to Issue #14: ‘Metamorphosis’. This Issue attempts to dive into the human psyche and explore the ways we handle change. It is a collection of curated works including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, micro-fiction and even an innovative multi-modal piece.
‘True Colours’ presents a rumination on the prejudice and bigotry faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and how as gay man, facing those experiences led to a life-changing realisation of survival and liberation. Listen along to the soundsphere created by Kirsten Oakley, as you navigate through and reflect on the journey of motherhood and loss presented in ‘After the Phoenix’. Immerse yourself in ‘The Results are In’, which exposes the realities of a post-Trump era. Our addiction to social media and the strain it brings to relationships is cleverly conveyed in Eva Matheson’s ‘Two Thumbs Make Butterfly Wings’. And the fantastical and comedic ‘The Wedding Eve’, by Alison Graham, explores a wayward Prince learning the value of kindness and understanding.
An indebted and grateful thanks to the Managing Editor, Jane Messer, whose support pushed us to create a journal we could all be proud of. An overwhelming not to the rest of the editorial team: Natalie Bejin, Ashley Duck and Jasmine Giuliani, who have made this project an unforgettable and transformative experience.
By Bohdi Byles and Danah Pantano
Issue #14 Members of the Editorial Team
