Humanity: Raw & Unfiltered
On a blank wall a purple line rises and falls as the painter walks alone, can in hand, heart fast, breath shallow, hopes high. The line will soon disappear at the hand of another painter, hired to cover this expression of joy, as it will be thought of by the Read more
In case you’ve missed the memo, calling someone exotic is not a compliment. As personal essays, academic articles and social media will tell you, the term reinforces white beauty standards, turning racialized people into outsiders, curiosities, and fetish objects. I understand this stance. As an Indian-Pakistani Muslim with brown skin Read more
To the restaurant I’ve worked at for four years, that’s equal opportunity, that prides themselves on how they do not discriminate against sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pretending like I didn’t overhear that I’ve been kept as a host so a pretty, smiling face is the first thing Read more
All night, she thought she heard storms, or were they just dreams? She thought she heard a voice speaking in dusty dreams. She was so sick that she could never go outside. So she planted a small garden of trusting dreams. They shared the same chain. One barked; the other Read more
Hold still while I rape you Set you on fire Slap you down Don’t move Or dream No starlight for you Receive me whenever I must Relieve my rage and lust Your body belongs to me And your soul belongs to god You own nothing Not even the dirt on Read more
It’s a Tuesday evening, and I’ve just returned from therapy. I pour a glass of wine before gathering the ingredients for dinner: six shallots, garlic, half a can of tomato paste, anchovies, and pasta. Outside, my neighbor who lives in the building behind mine pulls into the shared parking lot. Read more
My eyes focused on the illustration of the fallopian tubes as Dr. Marquez fingered me with two digits and a pencil light. Poking and prodding at my cervix, I spread my thighs like I was back at cheerleading practice warming up for a jump sequence. I wondered what she might Read more
