Same Story

did you know that rabbits have white butts to confuse predators? as the rabbit runs away, the predator zeroes in on the bright white. when the rabbit quickly changes direction they seemingly disappear.

Our bodies are described as temples, battlegrounds, playing fields. To be worshipped, weaponised, or toyed with. And yet, we are still telling the same stories over and over again. This raw and vulnerable collection explores the complexities of autonomy and intimacy as experienced in a body assigned female at birth, and the long-lasting effects of early messages about relationships and self-worth. Same Story is a hopeful meditation on healing, and how we learn to live with trauma through connection and tenderness.

“Joyful and hungry; a moving, kind, and powerful exploration of the tangled and sweaty rules of how we live and survive in our bodies. Same Story explores the joys and sorrow of being made of flesh and feelings and fluids and regrets and hope and space for more. It unpicks the endless lies we are told about our bodies, pulls back the duvet on shame, and lets us just be present with it in the moment.” – Fran Bushe, author of My Broken Vagina

“Kayla makes it impossible for you not to laugh, and/or cry with them. A gripping ode to womanhood; I too wish someone had told me the scented soap thing earlier!” – Desree, author of I Find Myself In Simple Things

“Same Story effortlessly straddles the personal and political, navigating grief, friendship, misogyny, sex and family histories with an impressive deftness. It is at once a feminist manifesto and one of those sprawling late-night conversations with a friend where you discuss anything and everything, all wrapped up in a gorgeous poetry collection. Feldman’s ever-present and beguiling voice moves through vulnerability, rage, comic bafflement and sage optimism, often creating an impression of barely contained chaos which is often neatly punctured by a wry insight about reality TV or group chats. Charming, exuberant and wickedly incisive.” – Rebecca Cooney, author of Where the Lights Come On