I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror. Gray hair has taken over. It’s not just gray; it shows years. Years of sacrifice raising two kids with my husband. “That is where you see all your dreams and hopes, Shyama,” I tell myself. You kept it inside because you wanted your children to have the …
Category: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Blueprints
I sit here looking at how the past repeats itself with memories printed on the walls like a blueprint. Each wall of each room has memories of happiness and sadness. If only I could have the memory. Instead, I live it over and over. When I distract myself and look away and look back, there’s …
You Are Stronger Than You Think
In my home country, Algeria, when a woman is harassed or abused, only some men will defend or protect her. Most men would ask, “What clothes was she wearing?” because many Middle-Eastern men believe that a woman’s “inappropriate” dress can provoke their worst instincts. Wearing clothes we like, even when they do not fit the …
The Painting That Gives Me Hope
Last Saturday, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my teacher and classmates. We saw a lot of great paintings there. The painting that I liked most was Washington Crossing the Delaware River (1851) by Emanuel Leutze. It’s a history painting. I think that it is an amazing work of art. The painting is huge, …
Advice to Immigrants
I immigrated to the United States in December 2000. Even today, I remember how homesick I felt when I left my family and close friends behind to start a new life. The United States is a land of opportunities, yes. I had always heard that. But there are many challenges, like learning a new language, …
There’s Magic in the Rearview
The end of my tether, ardent to outstrip you, New place, new faces, starting anew. You’re behind me now, I can’t see you. You’re here, but I’m gone, I’ll catch up soon, Gurgling new life, alive now, renewed. Monotony spirals me back to that place, Fumbling over the same mistakes. New place, new faces, same …
Pan de Jamón
In my first family gathering that I can remember, when I was five years old, my parents gave me a piece of Pan de Jamón to eat. At first, I had a few doubts, but then I smelled it and tried it. The first time I ate Pan de Jamón, I loved the taste of …
Who Do I Want To Be When I’m Older?
Who do I want to be when I’m older? Right now, it is too complicated for me to respond to this question. I’m a dreamer, the kind of person who is usually in the air. My mind is blowing frequently with a lot of images, melodies, compositions, colors, bizarre ideas, and creative proposals. I want …
Ode to the Rocket
She’s already flying. One second and she will gnaw through a chain between past and future. The grass will burn green without getting old. The yellow leaf will fall but won’t touch the ground. She’s already flying. One second and the thread is torn, and beads fall into oblivion: unread books …