There are stars under your tongue

You are a universe of stories – constellations of metaphors. The glory of your ever-expanding mess; the inevitable collide with a story of mine takes my breath away. Then I remember, there’s no air in space. Your mind is an orbit of psalms and prayers all synced in a mantra so loud I can hear...

Birthday candles

I used to think my body was a minefield for dead and dying things, that my skin could only push up black war heads promising to blow me to smithereens, that I had an oil leak determined to sludge over what I dared to call a body until… Until the night she said: these marks...

I am good with my hands; you are good with my heart

My darling, I know I am good with my hands; I know you are good with my heart. I know there is dust in my lungs and sometimes I lose my mind trying to fight out of the fog.

Father figures

I figured out that my father was not a father figure when I was only three. It’s funny how counting is one of the first things that teachers teach. My father was a teacher and he taught me in beatings.

I am powerful because I can be broken

I believe that some people were made to break things. I believe that others were just meant to break. I am powerful because I can be broken. I am powerful because I do not leave myself this way.

If you’re reading this, you’ve attempted suicide at least once

I know this is a bold and brazen statement to make when I know nothing of your life. Even if you haven't actually tried to kill yourself, I am certain the thought has crossed your mind because light can't always be seen from the darkness. This is not a judgement; this is for me as...

A death march for the living

Wedding vows mean nothing if there is no one at the altar. No amount of flowers, placed on the floor of the church, can make this a wedding if there is no bride. I am at the altar. I am alone. Ring the bells and let’s call it a funeral. A death march at least...

This is how I will remember myself:

:: Click :: I am standing in a baby blue crinkled chiffon dress. It has a big golden bow tied around the middle and I am not wearing any shoes. I have been taught to smile even if I am uncomfortable… even if I hate myself… even if I am unhappy. :: Click :: I...