VerseMagazine_Edition62_issuu by Verse Magazine

VERSE

Front Cover Artwork by Tushar Kishorbhai Patel

Back Cover Artwork by Lilly Henwood

It was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Verse Magazine acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the traditional custodians of the unceded lands that are now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

Verse Magazine respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Verse Magazine also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia.

New year, new Verse!

Welcome to Edition #62

Good news is that the Verse team for 2025 are absolutely thrilled to have the privilege of being a part of the magazine. Bad news is that we’ve been tasked with steering Verse to its final destination, its last year of publication. With knowing that this is the final year for Verse, we hope to blast off into the new school year, and go out with a bang.

This issue invokes feelings of discovery, uncertainty in the unfamiliar, and embracing whatever life throws at you. Some of us will be finding our footing and starting to build foundations to support our ambitions. For others this may be a time for betterment as they prepare for oncoming change. A door may close but others will open. Although, amidst the chaos, we can still admire the richness and beauty that the world can offer. As a new horizon dawns for Verse, our wellversed contributors have contributed poetry and prose, illustrations and sculptures, that we feel reflect these concepts in their own way.

In Verse’s final year, we hope to see you (yes, you!) be a part of this thriving creative venture. We want to see the loud, the whimsical, the kooky, and maybe even the downright bizarre. Throw apprehension out the window and hit the submissions link which can be found in our socials.

Again, we’re so excited to be with Verse this year. See you next issue and stay funky, fun, and fresh,

HEAD EDITOR

Fresh!

Roasting Marshmallow

Digital Art by Lavica Wu

A life chosen

Words by Sanusha S Sritharan

“Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living.”

JONATHAN SAFRAN FOER

foot to the outside of my palms sinking into lizard pose a tremble then mirrored frozen fight-or-flight impulses thawing

head into her stomach cradled with care like a mother should have kneading down my shoulder her concerned are you okay silent tear drips onto sarong

clinging to a buoy buffeted by waves and the memory of abandonment a mask waiting to be removed for salt water to meet salt water tears into the tide

breath frozen arm upon my head lungs grasping for air the slow burn rising and a collapse inwards a body suffocated in survival

knee to the side spine twisted warm palms on me easing from hip to shoulder a shudder a hand in mine pulse whispering: you are seen you are safe you are held a year of release grief of burdened pasts and unlived potential of choices lost and imagined up and out and through to soaring weightlessness a life chosen

Photograph by Jessie Showell

A Journey Beyond Borders: The Struggles and Bondings of an International Student Adelaide

Words by Priya Malhotra in

In a land so far, under skies so wide, I arrived alone, with hopes as my guide. From distant shores, I came to stay, A wanderer searching for a new way.

Adelaide, the city of festivals and light, Holds secrets to be found in its silent night.

Yet the streets felt strange, the faces unknown, A path I had to walk, though I was all alone.

At first, the city seemed both vast and small, The way people passed, the market’s call.

The clink of wine glasses in festive cheer, While I stood silent, with my thoughts unclear.

The hills stretched tall, the rivers so wide, But I was lost, with no one by my side.

I thought I’d found a place so fine, But it felt so distant, like a distant sign.

The bond with home grew distant, too,

In this city of wonders, what could I do?

The food was different, the air so dry, I learned to smile but couldn’t say why.

Each day brought a challenge, each night a test, A journey I hoped would one day feel blessed. Yet in my heart, a battle raged, As I turned another lonely page.

The struggle was quiet, deep inside, A longing to return, a desire to hide.

But Adelaide, though foreign, had its charm, A beauty unseen by eyes that were warm.

The festivals, the colors, the cheerful crowd, Made me feel small yet somehow proud.

Though I missed my family, my culture, my song, This city whispered to me, “You belong.”

The university campus, a sea of faces,

But each one was a world of different places.

The accent, the steps, the way they spoke, I felt like an outsider, afraid to provoke.

But in the classrooms, the minds began to meld, Ideas and stories were shared and held.

A connection formed with a stranger’s glance, An understanding that began to dance.

I found friends from lands I’d never known,

From China, Africa, and places I’d grown

Curious about, a world beyond the seas, Now sitting together beneath Adelaide’s trees. We’d share our meals, our tales, our dreams, Over coffees, across crowded streams.

Each face was a map of a different shore, Each heart was a place I could explore.

The city, though vast, was now my friend, I wandered the streets and found no end

To the new experiences, the life, the sights, The festivals lit up the magical nights.

Fringe, Clipsal, and even the Adelaide Show, Each was a reason for our spirits to glow.

In laughter and colors, the city would cheer,

A place where each struggle was never severe.

Through the trials, I began to see,

A new part of me that longed to be free. A freedom that came from walking alone,

In a city that now felt like home.

The loneliness softened, the fears slipped away, Adelaide taught me that life would sway.

But in the swaying, I learned to grow, In this city where dreams began to glow.

The bondings were deeper than I’d first believed, Each moment of struggle was something achieved.

I found a rhythm in the unknown air, A courage I hadn’t known was there.

In the strangers I met, I found a friend,

In the city’s embrace, I began to blend.

The struggles remained, but now they were light,

For I had found my place in the night.

The hills whispered stories of old,

While the river sang songs, quiet yet bold.

I learned to listen, to feel the flow,

Of a life that was changing, that I didn’t know.

And as the festivals continued to rise, I looked up, seeing new horizons in the skies.

I was no longer just a student from afar, I was part of this city, part of its star.

Adelaide became more than just a name, It became the place where I found my flame.

Through the struggles and bondings, I came to know

That growth comes from places where winds often blow.

In the festivals’ lights and the quiet nights’ peace, I found the courage to let my worries cease.

For in this city, I had learned to be free, And in the struggle, I found the best parts of me.

So to the students who come from afar, And wander through life, chasing each star, Know that the struggle is part of the way,

And the bond that you build will guide you each day.

In Adelaide’s embrace, with its warmth and glow, You’ll find new parts of you that you didn’t know.

For in every festival, in every song, You’ll discover where you belong.

The city may challenge, it may even test,

But in its heart, you’ll find your best.

Adelaide, the city of new dreams and cheer, Holds your journey, far and near.

So take that step, let the adventure begin, And in the end, you’ll find you’ve always been.

A part of the city, a part of the dream, Adelaide, forever, where you’ll be.

Photographs by Dhruvkumar Rajubhai Darji

Which Verse team member are you?

Keep track of how many A’s, B’s, and C’s you get—no need to overthink it!

At the end, check which letter you picked the most to find out which team member you vibe with.

1. Which of these describes your social energy?

a. Resident yapper

b. Grab a drink while the world burns

c. Reserved with strangers, unhinged with friends

2. Which music genre speaks to your soul?

a. RnB / Pop

b. Pop Rock / Indie Pop

c. Arena Rock / Indie Rock

3. What type of movie never gets old for you?

a. Cheesy Romcoms

b. Adventure / Celtic Mythology

c. Dystopia / Sci-Fi

4. What’s your go-to procrastination activity?

a. Working for 5 minutes then taking a break for 40 minutes

b. Internet surfing and calling it “research”

c. Going down a research rabbithole

5. What’s your ultimate midnight craving?

a. Burrito bowls

b. Meiji Muscat Gummy Chocolate

c. Grated cheese

6. How do you like to spend your weekends?

a. Staying in and watching a movie from my Letterboxd watchlist

b. Exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors

c. Play it by ear - I’m up for anything

7. What’s your work vibe?

a. Only productive in the late hours of the night before the deadline

b. Efficiency first – I make things happen fast

c. Overthink everything – it has to be perfect

8. How do you unwind after a stressful day?

a. Putting on a tiny desk concert and journal

b. Wandering around outside alone

c. Ice cream and a TV show

Untitled

Photograph by Oak Buckley

Ancient Kitten

Artwork by Lilly Henwood

Courage

Words by Tushar Kishorbhai Patel

All is done and dusted, This is all the process. What I have been hiding? ... What I have been hiding?

All those bad memories. All my pain and miseries. What I have been hiding? ... What I have been hiding?

I am losing everything. Looking into abyss. What I have been hiding? ... What I have been hiding?

I don’t know if I can win, This battle for everything. This is what I’m hiding. ... This is what I’m hiding.

Photograph by Jessie Showell

MALASAKIT

Artwork & Words by Kate Reyes

This artwork explores the Filipino value of “malasakit”, which represents caring for others and fostering unity.

Using pages from Verse Magazine, the piece transforms this intangible value into a tactile experience through traditional weaving techniques. The depiction of a mother and child symbolizes the nurturing essence of “malasakit”, connecting individuals to each other and their community. The woven magazine pages bring this emotional value to life, turning care and compassion into a physical form that invites reflection on human connection, empathy, and the importance of supporting one another.

Soul

Artwork by Scarlett Schultz

Box of Goblins

Shuyu Liu

Digital Art by

Crossword

2. Pious film nominated for the 2025 Oscars

5. Phrase often said at the start of the year

8. 2024 Nobel Literature Prize winner

1. A trendy inner-west suburb of Adelaide

3. Festival season nickname from mid-February to mid-March

4. Foxhound dog breed

6. To desire something

7. Part of stage name for a Grammy winning artist Down

Cozy Cottage

Artwork by Scarleth Molina Arias

Pencil drawing by Amitkumar Prajapati

MyBaby,MyBaby....

Polymer Clay Sculpture by Madison Haynes

Stolen Valor

Photograph by Thomas Horton

Daddy’s Girl

Words by Anonymous

I used to hate how my dad, was in a bad mood all the time, Used to hate how he never put trust in me, and suspected me every time.

Until I started growing up, and with years passing by, I realized I’m no different than him, we’re the same kind.

Now maybe, I dislike him a little less, maybe I understand his stress, Fighting these thoughts everyday surely is draining, and it leaves you depressed.

Insecurity, anxiety and anger, swallowing me as a whole, Happiness never lasts, it feels like a blackhole.

Living in the past, and sinking in those thoughts, Makes your life harder, a little more.

So daddy I’m sorry, for how you feel, No one will ever believe you, but I know it’s real.

I’m sorry life destroyed you, mommy won’t understand, I’m sorry I blamed you, but now I’m holding your hand.

If there’s a creator, he obviously knew, He knew what he was doing daddy, when he created me like you. You deserve to be understood, by someone you love, Someone of your own, someone who’s purely your blood.

When I was little, I used to scream, “You can’t be my father!”, cus you never made me, my love for you, my tears, or my feelings feel seen.

Blood runs thicker than water, I know that now, I hate it so much, but do I? I guess we’ll never know. I’m the same as you daddy, so finally I’ll answer your calls, You’re my father, remember? And I’m your daughter after all.

— A daughter who got her eyes and her heart from her dad —

Untitled (1) Digital Art by Anisha Sama

Untitled (2) Digital Art by Anisha Sama

How Nice It Must Be

Words by Madhuvy Vaithialingam

I saw them today,

Five little girls at the cafe

Sharing laughter over steaming cups of coffee, Nothing grand, nothing rare

Just the kind of joy that lingers in the air.

They weren’t hushed, No one to curb their laughter, No one to tell them to sit straighter, Or whisper how they should behave.

Their giggles spilled like sunlight on a cloudy day, Untamed, free, alive.

They broke bread together,

Passed fries across the table like secrets, Spoke in a language of glances and smiles, Soulmates, I thought, How rare it is to find such a bond, Such a treasure.

Click ! Went the flash

Memories were made between sips and crumbs, Moments etched in the fleeting light,

The kind they’ll recall

When the world grows quieter,

When youth becomes a whisper of a time gone by.

How nice it must be

To know this kind of love,

To sit and laugh until the world melts away,

To belong somewhere, to someone or Some people

Without a second thought.

A place you feel safe

A place you feel heard

A place you feel seen the most

But how would I know?

I never sat at a table like that, Never felt the easy warmth of friendship’s fire, Never shared food or laughter for no reason at all.

I watch them from the loneliest corner

A stranger to their kind of joy, And my heart aches

For what I never had

For what I’ll never know.

How nice it must ..

Hmm..

How nice it must be.

We Together, A Family

Cover Highlight

Artwork and words by Tushar Kishorbhai Patel

This painting’s background mimics my childhood mud house’s pattern, reflecting my clan and sister indigenous groups. The image represents Mother Earth, containing us all. Inspired by Bhimbethka cave paintings, the artwork celebrates diversity and community. Personally, it honors those who supported me in times of need, protecting and helping me. Thank you.

Words by Isabella Fischetti

Long after the lady has fallen asleep beside him, he remains alert. It doesn’t seem that peace can find him until he’s sure it’s found her first. He is a good man, this I know to be true. Although, her wellbeing isn’t the only thing that keeps him up at night.

His eyes, in their ever-awake state, are never still. Every night, they wander - crawling down the wooden bedframe and out the rectangular window until they land on the starry sky. Sometimes, they linger there as tears well in them. Other times, they dart back and forth between the paper in his lap and the night. On this particular evening, he’s scratched away at the leather-bound book and now stares silently at the world above.

I can’t seem to place exactly what keeps him transfixed. There isn’t much up there, save for a few specks of light. Maybe that is why he stares– the vast field of nothingness is a place where no hurt, no illness, or death exist. Unlike down here where death follows on his heels. I can smell it on him; the sickness.

His fascination with the sky is as much a mystery to me as being a human is itself. The one thing I know with certainty, however, is how cruel this world is. To this man whose life will end too soon, but also to me. Upon the streets, slurs like ‘stray’ are spat upon me as I slink behind the man. He’s never called me such vile names, despite all that I will take from him.

Finally, I notice his eyelids fluttering and he lays back on the woman’s chest with tears streaking his cheeks. I wish there could be a better outcome for him, but I am not the decider of fate – I just execute its orders.

But I won’t tonight.

Tonight, he will be just a man and tonight, I will just be a dog.

I will just be a dog.

Digital Art by Biye Wang

Pouch

Digital Art by Lavica Wu

I’m not okay

Words by Noor Grover

“It’s okay! Did you hear me? It’s okay!

Stop overreacting, stop overthinking

Stop this self-doubting and this self-questioning!

What have you become and what are you becoming? Can’t handle this, oh you are too weak!”

These words echo in my head every now and then.

And I’m tired!

I’m just done now, ordering and scolding and detesting myself. I don’t like it, do I?

Or maybe I don’t like myself.

I say things are not okay,

But maybe they are, maybe I’m overthinking. Maybe I am overreacting.

Because maybe, it is me who is not okay..

But How

Words by Noor Grover

You are a healing goddess, divine and rare You let people open up their heart Words of positivity you share In your calm embrace, no one gets hurt

With a tender touch, you mend the broken pieces Stitching gentle threads, where pain releases You exude hope’s light Providing reassurance, dispelling other’s plight

But I know, how you fought your battles alone How you healed yourself alone How you endured the treatment others gave How you kept your aura safe

I know, How many nights you have cried yourself to sleep How many betrayals you have received How many rejections and invalidations you saw But still how can you be so pure?

Clown Curtsy Digital Art by Tia Kyriacou

Stay

Created by students for students

Verse want to publish all student work; written, drawn, typed, recorded or scrawled.

Specs: Articles 600-2400 words of any topic. Or images at 300 DPI or larger in jpeg, tiff or pdf file format), in all visual styles & mediums. SUBMIT YOUR WORK!

Pin Design by Frankie Legaspi

Daisy Cottage | Beaded Jewels & Charms Jewellery by Avneet Hunjan

Odile

Illustration by Frankie Legaspi

Owl

Illustration by Anadi Sharma

Culture Connect

Be part of the diverse community, find essential support, and build lasting friendships!

At USASA, we’re dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for UniSA students from all cultural backgrounds. This program is uniquely designed to cater to your cultural needs- be it finding friends from your own country and others, or be it finding your country and culture-related local resources in Adelaide, we have got you covered!

What to expect?

• Make new friends!

Through Culture Connect, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse group of students, share experiences, and forge lasting friendships. No matter where you’re from, you’ll find a community that embraces you!

• Discover Local Cuisine, Markets and many more local insights

With our curated list of local hotspots, you can enjoy familiar flavors and discover new culinary delights in Adelaide! You can get many more local insights by joining the community.

• Stay Updated on Cultural Events

We will keep you informed about upcoming cultural events, festivals, and gatherings in Adelaide, ensuring you never miss out on the celebration. From cultural festivals to community events, there’s always something exciting to participate in!

How to join?

Just scan the QR code below. Your answers in the sign-up form will help us provide you with information tailored to your needs and connect you with fellow UniSA students from your country and beyond

Student

Financial Wellbeing

Clubs & Societies

Social Events

Volunteer

President’s Letter

Hey there, I’m Oliver Shephard-Bayly, your Student President for 2025!

Beginning a new chapter can be a challenge, but no matter if you’re starting your first year at university or returning for another semester, USASA is here for you.

Let me share a bit about myself—I’m a Social Work student, a proud unionist and an active member of many student clubs. I lead with my values, and I am passionate about the vital role USASA plays in amplifying student voices. The work we do here isn’t just about improving your university experience; it’s about pushing for meaningful change, ensuring your needs and concerns are recognized both at the university and in the wider community.

At USASA, we’re behind the fun stuff on campus—clubs, events, student spaces, pub crawls, and so much more.

But our role doesn’t stop there. We’re also committed to addressing the challenges students face. USASA is here to make sure your voice is heard—especially when it comes to the big decisions that impact your life and your future. In a place as large as a university, it’s easy to feel disconnected or overlooked. That’s why we exist.

USASA acts as your advocate. Whether at UniSA or through the National Union of Students (NUS), we work hard to ensure that student perspectives aren’t just heard but acted upon. Through campaigns and by being a strong presence in decision-making spaces.

Last year USASA and the NUS had a lot of wins for students!

✔ Introduction of paid placements for Nursing, Teaching and Social work students

✔ Reform of HECS indexation, wiping 3 billion dollars of student debt

✔ Introduction of 40% minimum SSAF for Democratic student associations so theirs more funding for USASA to do fun and important things on campus!

And at UniSA

✔ New USASA Food Pantry & Op Shop’s

✔ $2,700 increase in HDR stipends from 1st of January this year

✔ Launch of the revamped Club House as a new student/club space

However, there’s still so much work to do, at a national level we’re campaigning to reverse unfair changes to Student Visa’s, we’re working with NUS on the Change the Age campaign, aiming to lower the age for income support from 22 to 18. While also advocating for a larger reform of the HECS system to reverse all of the Job Ready Graduate package introduced by the previous federal government.

And that’s just the start. USASA plays an essential role every day in shaping the policies and practices that impact you, from academic policies to student welfare and more. The campus community is at the heart of everything we do, and the stronger it is, the more we can achieve together. I encourage you to get involved—whether through clubs, volunteering, or simply speaking up and sharing your thoughts.

University can be a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows, but remember that USASA is always here to support you, no matter what. I’m always happy to chat and help however I can, so feel free to say hi when you see me around.

Here’s to an exciting 2025 ahead!

Cheers, Oliver