Ever wanted to lift the curtain on one of Australia’s leading publishing houses? Missy Burrell, Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing student at the University of Queensland, reflects on her time learning the ropes (and wrangling the pages) at UQP.

Such an honour to be selected for publication in the University of Queensland Publications Society's Jacaranda 2020 edition.

I've enjoyed writing poetry since childhood, so it was really fun rediscovering my creativity and playing with words in this way. A big thank you to the Jacaranda team and Editor-in-Chief Marina Tulic for the support and consideration.

There are pieces you write that can make you feel proud. Perhaps it scored you a high distinction at uni, or it's your first time seeing your name in print. Or you got a byline in your favourite title.

But this piece? This piece makes me the proudest of all because it comes straight from my heart. Written during the COVID lockdown here in Queensland, I draw inspiration from the resilience and humour of my late brother to help navigate one of Australia's biggest health crises.

Waking from the deepest sleep of my life, I was relieved to find myself in bed and drowsy. I’d had a harrowing nightmare, but now I felt safe, warm. I reached my hand up to my belly.

Then I heard the clatter of instruments against a tray, the low, pained moan of a stranger, and the whiz of curtains being drawn.

My confusion broke and I felt a hot wave of heartbreak rush over my body, the nightmare was my reality. I was in recovery and my baby was gone.

Before I had kids, I thought maternity leave was like an extended holiday in itself. I imagined myself fitting in plenty of exercise, tackling that long-awaited family photo project, and perhaps even writing my brain-bound novel.

Ha!

There’s an old saying, “A change is as good as a holiday.” And I get it. I really do. But sometimes you just need an actual break! And that’s okay too.

It wasn’t until I was two vodkas deep, swinging in a hammock with a book in hand, listening to my kids scratching in the sand for coconuts that I realised we’d been missing something.

When your mind is in constant parent mode but your body screams “recharge me!”, a kid-free vacay might be just the tonic … or is it?

When one hears the words ‘Greek’ and ‘street food’ in the same sentence, thoughts usually turn to late night souvlaki, best enjoyed at around 3am from a nondescript hole-in-the-wall vendor. That’s all about to change.