Published in Overland Issue 237 Summer 2019 · Uncategorized Learning Jini Maxwell There is a very fine line between writing and just sitting down like the difference between asking and begging, a snowglobe and a crystal ball the most important distinctions can be the hardest to discern: a dropped plate, the beginning of violence; saying no, never answering at all; I once dreamt of the relief of leaving, or— was it of going with the comfort of a welcome return? A lake viewed from over an aeroplane’s wing. A cold coin in the world’s outstretched palm. Read the rest of Overland 237 If you enjoyed this piece, buy the issue Or subscribe and receive four brilliant issues for a year Jini Maxwell Jini Maxwell is a writer and curator based in Naarm. They co-curate Gay24, a film night for rare and radical queer and trans films. They are currently working on their first poetry collection. More by Jini Maxwell › 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 7 March 20257 March 2025 · Poetry 3 songs for Charles Darwin John Forbes begins with languor, / the past tense of caress / which, besides flies & heat haze / post stress, / the intense air supplies — no ostrich feather fans / or punkahs needed — just to be at rest. 5 March 20255 March 2025 · Human rights Showing what really matters to us: on Australia’s continuing failure to honour the UN Convention Against Torture Monique Hurley and Andreea Lachsz So why have there been no — or only limited — moves to implement the bare minimum obligations pursuant to the OPCAT? The answer appears to be a lack of political will and a dangerous disregard for the lives of people detained behind bars.
