I often ask myself when writing a piece, “Am I doing this well?” “Could this be better?” “Am I good enough?” Perfectionism weaves a false narrative that I’m lackluster despite overwhelming proof of otherwise. It’s a consistent roller coaster of emotion, wondering if I come up short when I’m right on time. Too often, I’ve ...

It is a time of immense happiness. Our brother is coming back home from Canada for a quick visit. He has been away for four years pursuing a Master’s Program and internship. Even though we are far apart, a few letters and photos, keep us connected. His earlier messages depict the natural beauty of Halifax ...

Standing on the precipice Anticipating the plungeYet, poisonous talons of fear Tear into my flesh Sinking deep into my hand,anesthetizing prefrontal cortex Pumping procrastination obstructing my veinswith anxiety and doubt Blue inky blood Childish scribblingsEtched underneath Ashen complexion and dark circlesSurrounding my eyes Fidgety fingers Ripping at nails and skinfingers bleeding The sound of the ...

Nia’s cab stops at a dead end, where a sidewalk to the left leads to the castle. After getting her bags from the trunk and seat, Nia thanks the driver, who tips his hat and drives off. Nia starts walking towards the castle underneath a canopy of palm trees and twittering birds. Nia takes no ...

In a faraway land called Afghanistan, I hear her break his wine goblet, shattering the bowl to tiny bits. Bouncing, ricocheting off surfaces, broken pieces scatter to places unseen. He bellows, blames, name calls her. She screams back. Her voice, strong and bold echoes through the walls. Every crawling ant stops. He uses his hands ...

My brother swings open his office door, and a gecko scurries along. They trade looks. Briefcase slides off his sweaty palms, and he sits at the edge of the chair. What if she jumps on to me? What if she hangs from the ceiling to fall into my lap? I still remember that lizard. I ...

There is a storm brewingthe air is thick with tensionas silence muffles thedisquiet of a taxed nation a communityin waitinglike a storm brewingon the horizon waiting to showerthe nation witha tempered wrathcontained for too long the heavy rumbleof their voicesan occasional pocketof peaceful protest pushes against thebarriers that canno longer holdtheir pain and distress and ...

veins distended and muscles taut the pressure mounts upon my head and my skull caves in black thoughts swirl and unfurl my tongue madness injurious to those closest to me like a viper striking with mindless abandon i can’t stop these whispers from howling piercing my ears prodded like an inhuman experiment i open my ...

The nefarious nighttime monster stepped out from the portal, and an evil smirk possessed his face. The vile red-eyed beast never knew where the gateway would end up, nor did he care. All that mattered was making a kill—and receiving a reward of a whole-body judder when the human’s heart ceased. The forceful vibration sent ...

What to this breeze for a mortal like man Conquering mountains, as best we can   What to this shiver the winter will bring Foraging snow, what goodness will bring   What to this home that I have kept quaint  When seasons bring turbulent summers and spring   What to this path currently on Will ...