Body & Image

By Maša Hilčišin

There was a time when my body was not safe—my boundaries were crossed, and I didn’t have the words or tools to protect myself. I didn’t even know what the word “boundary” meant. The journey toward healing has been long, and it is still unfolding.

As I began to learn about boundaries, I also uncovered a deep, buried anger—anger at the pain my body endured, especially in my childhood and teenage years. For a long time, I carried shame, confusion, and silence. But slowly, I started to reclaim something I had lost.

I learned the power of saying no. I learned to honor my body—not just as something that had been hurt, but as something beautiful, worthy, and whole. This process of healing is an act of resistance and self-love. Through my art, I give space to both the pain and the power that lives within me.

Body

HAIKU FOR M

By Veronika, 47

She's scared he's just left
He came inside, she's kinda old
The Pill and the Wife.

Naively she thought
He liked her. He's just horny?
The next day? What now?

U need a massage.
I do, she realized. A
Kid conceived? Perhaps?!

Left in an uber,

right after. Alone in bed.
An after pill. Heeeeeelp!

She feels so stupid,
He didn't listen and came in.
44 not less.

Sex is not love dear!
U should know better. Not just
Men sleep around. Cheers.

She's gone, with kids. Far.
He came over, they made love.
Not just love was made.

Why should she cherish
Accountibility?!
Because he said so?

I was hard as nails,
Other boys were even worse.
Welcome to my town.

Pussy or heart!? Mom!
Why can one man not please both?
Ask them! Little girl!

Her heart said no. Why?
Those contradiction. His dxxx.
Came inside smoothly.

She wanted 2 f*.
F*** vulnerability.
The only way out!

He was cheatin' on
Her. Expat. She was back home.
I too am hurt, M.

Attraction is short.
Kate Bush was playing as she
drank her wine alone.

ONS? Was it?
Does she have to pay for it?
With the pill? So scared!!!

No condoms needed.
Got it under control, girl.
She's yet to find out.

Her friend's abortion,
She didn't care as much. Why would she?
Now she does. Too late.

What will she tell them?
Her girls? She barely knows him.
Baby on the way?

She wants to hug him!
The perfume. The same. She's bought.
Unisex. He's left.

Wine. Food. Massage. Sex.
She thought they were making love.
A cab in 5. Night.

I want to f*** you u.
I like u. No divorce planned.
Go figure, sweet babe.