Self-determination Stories

I was eighteen, a university student. I was trapped in a web of religiosity, guilt, and secret self-harm. I was hiding a terrifying desire-from the world and from myself. But then I met Olesya. TW: depression, self-harm, experiencing gender dysphoria, suicidal thoughts

Collection of poems It's not me that your looking, You want to look at yourself, in me, your mirror.

This is the second part of a three-part series about a Woman's experience with a Religious Cult. Angel and her family are now part of a cult. They have surrendered their possessions, mind, and soul to the Prophet. Will they be happy and how will Angel cope with this change in her life?

The tree stood tall Like a giant Never to fall Only its sight Filled my frail soul With acute fright My hands trembled On the wood axe Nearly stumbled Almost crying Then a voice said: ‘Keep on trying’ I struck in vain The tree stood firm The voice again I struck harder But my tale was Only sadder In grave dismay I turned my back To walk away The voice again I picked the axe I felt the strain I shut my eyes Aimed at the tree Resolute tries Each of the veins In my hands stood Was in great pains The voice’s stance My axe began Gaining entrance The tree began To shiver like A frightened man And finally Opened my eyes Confidently There was a thump Nothing remained But the tree’s stump