Collection Grief and Bereavement Curated by Overland Editors The experience of grief is inevitable in the wake of loss. However, not only in the aftermath of the death of loved one, but also the loss of someone despised or one with little time spent. These selected pieces demonstrate a vast variety of perspectives, each a unique expression of the human heart, body, and mind navigating the depths and complexities of grief. As Marg Hooper’s 2021 essay title suggests, ‘Death is for Everyone’. That is to say, the experience of grief is an individual journey, in which one attempts to find solace and acceptance in unique ways. This collection is comprised of not only short fictions, but also of poems and personal essays and additionally, not only explore the grief of people, as John Jenkins poem ‘The Museum of Wishes’ explores the magnitude of missed opportunities and shelved dreams we may grief upon reflection. While a personal experience, grief and bereavement are experienced by all, and it is through works such as these that we may find comfort and empathy. In this collection Published in Overland Issue 123 — 1991 · Poetry Grief Frances Rouse it’sthe cockroachin the microwavethat won’t die the exercisesto heal an injurythat won’t mend the shootingand shootingand it still lives Published in Overland Issue 123 — 1991 · Poetry Body Philip Salom The body is like an ocean. It neverhears the Berlin wall is falling down, orthat Humpty Dumpty Stalin ever clambered upbut now at last lies broken. The body has no […] Published in Overland Issue 129 — 1992 · Three Hours Later Peter Rose It’s three hours since we parted.Sitting by an open window,too lazy to do any work,I listen to all the usual morning noises(the drone of a lawn mowerin some far, leafed […] Published in Overland Issue 129 — 1992 · Poetry The Museum of Wishes John Jenkins In the Museum of Wishes, legend says, are thingsthat never were, every forgotten thing:secrets left untold, love unspoken,wishes too elusive to be real. In the Museum of Wishes, are plansnever […] Published in Overland Issue 21 Winter 1961 · Poetry October Francis Geyer In Memoriam Istvan Farkas Companion, come at lastTo our last hour, we shareNo pain, my sorrow’s past.I dance on light and wearLight’s dazzle in my breast.My dear companion, rest,I leave […] Published in Overland Issue 24 Spring 1962 · Poetry Apopemptic Hymn Dorothy Auchterlonie All was as it was when I went in:The pictures right-side up, the chairs inplace,The flowers stood stiff upon the mantel-piece;I knew the voice, I recognised the face. Outside, the […] Published in Overland Issue 31 Autumn 1965 · Fiction She Let Them Know Kay Brown My brother Stuart and me met Mrs. Rigby our first day at Copper-Top. She wasdigging in the bed of the Leichhardt when we went down there to explore. The bankas […] Overland Editors More by Overland Editors › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 20 March 20262 April 2026 · Main Posts Final results of the 2025 Judith Wright Poetry Prize Editorial team Established in 2007 and supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize seeks outstanding poetry from new and emerging writers. This year’s judges, Shastra Deo, Harry Reid and […] 20 March 202620 March 2026 · Main Posts Final results of the 2025 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize Editorial team Established in 2007 and supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, the Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize seeks outstanding original short fiction of up to 3000 words themed loosely around the notion […]
