What does it mean to have a home—is it merely a structure in which to find shelter, perhaps safety and solace, or a connection between your soul and a sense of belonging? More of us are recognizing that the struggle to connect with one’s self and one’s culture is increasingly complex and nuanced. In the current state of transnational politics and diaspora, many find themselves at odds with their cultural and social circumstances. This struggle extends to our inner worlds: our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions can impact how at home we feel within ourselves.
Our latest issue of Inventio introduces ten newly published pieces of various categories, including two non-fiction essays, six poems, one short fiction, and one art piece. Our non-fiction works delve deep into identity and oppression. One features the story of a person whose curiosity about their family’s culture leads to a journey of self-discovery as they mature; in the other, a young man grapples with his identity as a queer person of colour, very aware of his otherness compared to the friends he makes as he comes to Canada.
This issue contains many different portrayals of personal growth and change. Ultimately, the pieces document how our authors grow into versions of themselves that find a physical, or metaphorical, home. One poem explores the complexities of growing out of childhood, while another stands strongly against the burdensome standards of beauty that have become internally and intensely disruptive. Alternatively, the next poem takes a deeply philosophical approach to self-discovery while learning to embrace the realities of the speaker’s unknowns. In one of our romantic poems, the speaker observes the intimate bonds that surround him, consistently finding fault within these unions; ultimately, he is confronted with his own intensifying solitude. Another rests in quiet contemplation, still and pensive to the reality of imminent heartbreak.
This issue’s art piece, the first of this academic year, visually depicts vulnerability through one’s internal struggles in a stunning creation of code. Further, our short story inspires an air of eerie intrigue in its world of magical realism, following the rambling adventures of the speaker’s mind as they wander in their adoration of nature and pursuit of its tales.
In deep appreciation of our authors’ artistry and inspiration, we at Inventio greatly thank each of our contributors: Valen T, Victor Rosewrath, Kristoff Nanan, Ella Silverman, Aurora Montejo, Emely Ortega Sanmartin, Amalyaa Dwivedi, Helga Peci, Lauren Russell, and Kira Christie. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of sharing your outstanding work.
Readers, we hope you enjoy and relish in the experience of these pieces as much as we have.
—Written by Michaela Putzer, Senior Editor of Nonfiction
Edited by Madeline Sanguedolce, EiC
Each night Aza sneaks out to the water to hear the voices that whisper stories only she can hear. But the adults don’t notice–they are too worried about the children disappearing from the village.
In this powerful essay, the author tells his story of identity, friendship, and belonging as he escapes anti-LGBTQ laws at home and immigrates to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting a bittersweet new chapter.
In this personal essay, the author weaves the history of Ukraine with their family’s story, making an impactful statement on the effects of genocide and the necessity of writing as a form of resistance.
Sew Me Up is a piece of digital art made with code that depicts a young woman and her vulnerabilities, ultimately pointing toward hope and healing.
“The Universe Walls” is a reflection of growing up and growing out of things you were once in to. The speaker looks at their childhood bedroom and comes to the conclusion that they are not who they used to be.
“Cupid Hangs” is a poem that experiments with formatting to portray the speaker’s desire to break the mold and change society’s perception of singlehood and romantic love.
Utilizing an extended metaphor of a library, “The Silent Library” is a rumination on how others perceive us, as the speaker reminds us that we are constantly evolving and to let others believe what they want.
“In Morning” is a poem that documents the feelings that come with the destruction of one’s home. When everything is in ruins, the only thing one can do is grieve their old life and have hope that a bright future lies ahead.
In “Sea Nettles,” the speaker attempts to find inner calm by observing the rhythmic movements of the sea creatures in an aquarium.
“Bird Song” is a poem that explores feelings of inadequacy through the eyes of a bird. It captures the harmfulness of limiting beliefs and how one can overcome these insecurities by learning to practice gratitude and self-love.