Olivia De Zilva's new poetry collection, 'Sick Note,' creatively juxtaposes a wide array of cultural references, from Nicolas Cage to Joan Didion, and from Disney's 'Mulan' to the Australian Tax Office. With a unique style that captures the essence of modern life through pop culture and internet vernacular, the Adelaide writer delivers a poignant critique of contemporary existence. De Zilva's inventive use of language transforms the trivialities of online life into powerful poetry, including spam messages that delve into themes of loneliness and Google search histories that reveal the struggles of unemployment.
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The collection opens with ‘Attachment styles,’ a poem examining the impact of a troubled paternal relationship through the lens of online quizzes. Here, De Zilva expertly combines cultural references and psychological insights with a rhythm that reflects the frenetic pace of social media scrolling. Her satirical approach critiques how personal insecurities are manipulated for data collection in a digitally-driven world.
In ‘This woman’s work,’ De Zilva explores the pressures of contemporary femininity, blending the 'girlboss' ideal with the relentless standards set by social media. This poem effectively highlights the exhaustion stemming from the constant bombardment of contradictory expectations faced by women, who are told they are inadequate yet continually sold solutions.
The title poem, ‘Sick note,’ is particularly striking for its humor and sharp observation. Presented as clinical notes, it sketches the struggles of a patient burdened by workplace stress, humorously linking workplace metrics to mental health challenges. The poem culminates in the dark revelation that even the patient's suffering is repurposed for corporate gain.
Throughout ‘Sick Note,’ De Zilva's playful manipulation of form enhances her commentary on modern life. In ‘Unemployed Google search,’ an entire poem is constructed from search queries, offering insight into financial insecurity and psychological turmoil. The poem ‘Click yes if this applies’ transitions from bureaucratic language to a more intimate tone, blurring the lines between institutional assessments and personal reflections.
De Zilva’s innovative layout and pacing also merit recognition, with some poems presented as dense blocks of text interspersed with strategic breaks for breath, echoing the quick, fragmented nature of online interactions.
The poem ‘Li Shang’ tackles the experience of growing up Asian in Australia, reflecting on the limited portrayals of Asian characters in popular media. De Zilva's relationship with popular culture is complex and informs her identity as she navigates the experience of cultural representation.
Another notable piece, ‘Genre: you are diagnosed with a chronic illness but don’t want to make a scene,’ humorously contrasts the heightened drama of fictional medical depictions with the disorienting reality of receiving a diagnosis, emphasizing the disconnect between expectation and lived experience.
Firmly rooted in Adelaide, poems like ‘Midnights at Fung Shing’ and ‘This is not a Melbourne poem’ highlight De Zilva’s playful yet critical view of her hometown. The collection encapsulates the absurdities of contemporary life while remaining tuned to the vulnerabilities we all share. 'Sick Note,' published by Pink Shorts Press, is available now. Olivia De Zilva will launch the collection at The Wheatsheaf Hotel on Saturday, October 24, alongside fellow writers Carissa Fischer, Katerina Bryant, Ken Bolton, and Walter Marsh.