The Shapes I’ve Been is Zwolinski’s second chapbook and weaves poetry of childhood innocence with writing that addresses the harsh realities of the body image issues that are anchored to ballet dancers. The pages evolve into poetry of motherhood, and we learn that body dysmorphia isn’t merely an affliction that is exclusive to ballerinas, but in fact, is a common obsession due to societal influence and pressure. One poem features the audacity of a man informing the speaker “not to have children because it will ruin her body” to which she internalizes and carries with her but ultimately ignores.  The titular poem closes out the book and couples a move across country with body image issues – loathing her body while loving being a mother. Ultimately the poetry highlights superficial struggles that leave deep scars carved into bones and while uncomfortable or raw, the words are beautifully compiled to elevate the strain of disorders to the surface.

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Published April 2025 by City Bus Print