I’ve always been drawn to words. When I was younger, I would even link words to numbers. Each letter would have a number and I would add all of them together for my family members’ names. I don’t know what it was that drew me to it, but it would be make me happy to…
Do you ever get a sinking feeling in your stomach? Like when you read something that breaks your heart a little and your stomach actually drops or twists a little? Or when someone in your life mentions that they’re upset and you’re waiting to hear why, afraid that the answer is you? I get that…
“How do you write like you’re Running out of time? Write day and night like you’re Running out of time? Ev’ry day you fight Like you’re Running out of time Like you’re Running out of time Are you Running out of time? How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive? How do you write like…
We did it, America. We reached 250 mass shootings this year. Actually, we hit a new record: two within 24 hours. How much higher or should I say lower are we going to go? Normalized, broadcasted, sensationalized. What you call a right, I call dangerous. It’s all out in the open now. But what happens…
I just landed at JFK and as I’m making my way out of the airport, I see a diner. I’ve always had a fascination with diners. I’m not sure exactly why. Maybe I’ve tried really hard to assimilate into life in America. Maybe I’ve just watched Gilmore Girls too many times. I’m not sure, but…
Something I’ve been thinking about lately is labels. I used to enjoy labeling things (YES labelmaker) but I also loved thinking about all of the labels that apply to me—daughter, sister, friend, Indian, Muslim, Ismaili, Indian, American, writer, human, dancer and so many others that could apply. Recently, some of these same labels feel suffocating.…
Sometimes you’re easy to write off Sometimes you’re impossible to ignore Sometimes I can go several hours Sometimes I can’t even go a few minutes Without thinking of You Sometimes you look at me And I know what you’re thinking Sometimes you’re a complete stranger And I wonder if I really know You Sometimes you…
