The piece I wrote is very short, it's in the form of a diary entry commenting on the lack of freedom of speech in my country, Bahrain and how although I'd like to work in politics after I graduate next semester, I don't think I can.
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people who love me as long as i’m a good lesbian
people who love me as long as i don’t point out
that it’s a privilege to hold hands in public
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I will never be her, but I am like you: kissed by the sun, darker than night, built with strength and joy.
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This poem is about growing out of an abusive relationship. Moving in stanzas from grief and reliance on the abusive partner, self-blame and questions, but eventually develops into growth, acceptance, and understanding.
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I wrote this poem after having a good cry about missing my friends and my pre-quarantined life. It has been extra hard on my mental health, but writing out my woes always gives me some solace and comfort.
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they warned me about growing pains in preteen years
about sore legs and aching breasts
but there were never dos and don’ts for the time i tossed and turned til three
wishing my sexuality was something i could sleep on
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In my second year of university, I lived by myself. I woke up with no one beside me, went to lectures alone with the fear of having to speak, and fell asleep with a mind that never rested. This string of haikus is meant to represent the anxiety and fear I felt every day during my morning, my evening, and my night.
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'Where are you from?' she asks
and I hear the accusation in her voice
Today is the first time I realize that English has its own inner translations to be deciphered
Eg: ‘Where are you from?’
-- Translation: Why don't you look like me? --
-- Translation: Why are you here? --
Inspired by Vietnamese-American poet and essayist Ocean Vuong, specifically, his piece Notebook Fragments featured in his poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds.
“Should I become a doctor? No. I don’t want to go to medical school. Maybe I could be a scientist? I hate chemistry. A writer? I don’t think my family would want that. Possibly an accountant? Definitely not.”
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