spilled ink

by Chiara Maxia

if it’s a message you’re looking for

a slogan, a guide, an opinion-leader

browse the newspapers or go to church

just leave the artists alone

I can be right, I can be wrong

I can be a saint or a bitch of the greatest kind

It’s not my job to educate your children

it’s not my job set examples of any sort

just leave the artists alone

I’m not a pastor, I’m not a party leader

I write stories, good and bad ones

not instructions manuals

(it’s embarrassing this has to be explained)

just leave the artists alone.

***Stay tuned for Chiara Maxia’s next monthly installment on August 12, 2025***

Photo of Chiara Maxia

BIO: Chiara Maxia is an actress and writer originally from Sardinia. She has lived in different places, including England, Moscow and Paris, where she graduated in Film Acting. She now lives between France and Italy. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals, including The Opiate, Tint Journal, The Argyle, Paris Lit Up, OpenDoor and Our Verse.