Fragmented by Miriam Leibowitz
Introduction to Issue Seven
Editor's Note: Issue Seven is three issues in one - a poetry issue, a prose issue, and an art issue. This is our largest issue to date. Each medium page - poetry, prose, and art - is separated into multiple sections to encourage readers & viewers to take breaks in between reading and viewing. As this is a journal largely for & by abuse survivors, the content contained in this issue is deeply personal and may bring up complicated emotions. We have done our best to provide content warnings for pieces with detailed descriptions of abuse, but we recognize that everyone has different triggers. Please take care of yourselves as you engage with our issue. If you need to talk to someone or you need help for what is happening in your relationship or with your family, please view our list of domestic and sexual violence resources and child abuse resources .
Opening Letter by Founder & Editor-in-Chief Meggie Royer
Interviews
With Lori Greene
Lori Greene is an artist who created the mosaic panels for the first U.S.-based permanent memorial to survivors of sexual violence. Lori's artwork explores her African and traditional Native American culture, trauma, memory, and the Indigenous Peoples' Movement.
With Shriya Bajpai
Shriya Bajpai is an 18-year-old writer based in India who explores themes of mental health and trauma.
With Mirabel
Mirabel is a longtime Persephone's Daughters staff member whose debut poetry collection was released this year and explores trauma and dreams.
With Meggie Royer
Meggie Royer is a domestic and sexual violence survivor, artist, writer and the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Persephone's Daughters. Her work explores Greek mythology, trauma bonding, and intimate partner sexual violence.
Poetry
Click here to read the Issue Seven poetry.
These poems cover themes of healing, coming to terms with experiences of rape, intimate partner violence, and child abuse, recovering from trauma, and self-love. Asterisks next to a piece's title (*) denote a 2021 Pushcart Prize nomination.
Prose
Click here to read the Issue Seven prose.
These prose pieces cover themes of fairytales, coming to terms with experiences of rape, intimate partner violence, and child abuse, understanding and recovering from trauma, and engaging in self-advocacy and self-care. Asterisks next to a piece's title (*) denote a 2021 Pushcart Prize nomination.
Art
Click here to view the Issue Seven artwork.
These artworks cover themes of depression, anxiety, child trauma and child abuse, seeking help and holding on, self-care, femicide, and understanding the trauma experiences of family members and loved ones.