Book of poetry, She/Rose by M.A. Donato

Part of a collaboration between Border Patrol and THe Columbia Collective.

Taken from Border Control site:

Since the summer of 2023, Border Patrol has been working with Maggie and Marilynn on designing and publishing Marilynn's first collection of poetry, She / Rose. Penned before and after Marilynn's experience inside of the New York State Columbia Secure Center for Girls, the poems chronicle the artist's struggles and triumphs.

Artist & writer M.A. Donato was born in Charolette, North Carolina in 2004. At age 19,  she has already been through more the average young adult. At 13 she was placed in the Juvenile Justice System & remained in New York State custody for 3 years. Growing up she moved from place to place, the same thing applied to her time as she moved through five different detention centers. In May 2020 she was finally released. Since then her life has been a struggle, but she eventually graduated high school & picked up a new armature profession as a tattoo artist.

About the author:
During her time in juvenile detention, she used art & writing as a way to cope and to survive. “She/Rose” is not just poetry to her, it is her own thoughts & feelings. A journal she kept at one of the lowest points in her life. Personal struggles with mental health issues & body image have had a big impact on her life. This book has not only been a way for her to cope but is a way to show others that they are not alone.

-DJ