In Yemen, the civil war had broken out. Houthi rebels were in the streets, and our neighboring countries sent airstrikes. Schools were closed. Gasoline was hard to find. Water reserves were bombed, which caused the largest cholera outbreak in world history. My mother decided we must move back to America, where I was born. Since …
Category: Reflections
Mirror
A mirror is an ordinary thing,/ but not for me./ When I look at it, it is time for me to face myself./ I talk to my other self behind the cold surface,/ to my best friend whose life I share.
Face the Past
While walking through Washington Square Park, I ran into Bill today. My heart jumped, for it was quite a surprise to see him again after all those years. It was amazing to see how good he looked. We stood looking at each other, and my heart began to beat so fast, while all the memories …
Finding Myself
The night before the parent-teacher meeting, my daughter asked, “Mom, what are you going to wear for the meeting tomorrow?” I said, “Just gray sportswear.” My daughter said, “Can’t you wear a skirt, makeup, or something?” After listening to her, I felt speechless in my heart. I used to spend two hours every day putting …
The Dark Truth
It’s so easy to tell someone a lie/ It’s so easy to say I love you from the lips./ It’s so easy to make false promises./ But to say the dark truth, sometimes we lose friends, we lose loved ones,/ The world may turn their back on us.
Escape from Abuse
When I had my first child, I was 14 years old. I was homeless, hungry, and with a baby. God stepped in and gave me and my son a chance. We got adopted by a family that loved us. When Michael was locked up in prison at that time, he was 18 years old. I …
House
Big, small, or old—the size and age of a home doesn’t matter. The meaning of “home” is broader. When you hear the sound of laughter from the heart, when you eat simple but delicious food, when you feel safe in your house with your family—this is home. Home is the place we keep secrets, and …
My Ideal Home
The top part of the Chinese character 家 (home) looks just like the roof of a house, which shelters you from the wind and rain. In my view, a home does not need to be very luxurious or magnificent, but it must be a place where I feel warm, comfortable, and cozy. It must be …
Haikus About My Town
This orange autumn picks up its fruits and its leaves. Views of bare vineyards. Some roasted chestnuts are sold at a corner stand. Warm smell of firewood. Children run around enjoying a fearless time. Catch the ball and move. Coats and umbrellas cover the streets of color. Listen to the rain. A bowl of hot …
Dear Russia
Dear Russia,/ You are so powerful and so huge./ You are located on two continents./ You are washed by two oceans./ You are the largest country in the world.
Tears and Flames
At this moment, everybody knows what happened to Notre Dame de Paris. The Paris cathedral burned for 12 hours. American television followed each image for more than five hours. All the people around the world consider this event a tragedy, and it was one. I was shocked and saddened. I watched French and American television. …
We, Called Immigrants
the planet is called earth/ today I live in it/ there was no owner/ who said we are men/ women or humans/ arrogant or not/ I decided to be/ I am a Citizen of the World