Month: April 2025
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A Real Boy
Pinnochio observed himself in front of the full-length mirror. It was a handsome mirror, carefully and lovingly crafted— just like him. The mirror was the same smooth, warm brown as Pinnochio himself, and at times, Pinnochio fancies that he and the mirror share a mother. He smoothed his hands down his vest, the way he’s…
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Murmurs in the Mirror
There are just too many mirrors in this place, it’s creepy to look around and only see yourself. Dylan had recently moved into a new house, it was small and felt even smaller with all of the mirrors. When he had moved in the house, it was already furnished and he did not have the…
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I Grew to Hate You (But I Don’t)
Amelia hummed to herself as she pushed the metal shopping cart down the endless aisles of Johnson’s Grocery. The squeaky wheel in the front of the pushcart would have annoyed most people, its high pitched whines scraping the air like nails on a chalkboard with every turn. To Amelia, it was a wonderful reminder of…
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Thematic Paradigm
Within Film, the audience is shown all different types of heroes all with all different moral compasses and motivations that drive them. The Author of “The Thematic Paradigm” Robert Ray has organized these heroes within 3 different categories based on their moral principles as well as actions throughout the film. The 3 categories are the…
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The Monster Inside of Me
When I was six years old and cried during the birthday song, nobody thought it meant I had anxiety. When I was eight years old and throwing up everyday before school, nobody thought it meant I had anxiety. When I was nine years old and crying every time my mom would leave me for the…
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Untitled
“Look at me, I will never pass for a perfect bride. Or a perfect daughter” These are the lyrics that begin Lea Salonga’s song “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan. I was eleven years old when I sang them in my elementary school’s talent show. I was obsessed with the song, and although I knew it wasn’t…
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Mixtape
Track 01: “Why Can’t I?”- Liz Phair: Have you ever had a playground crush that felt so seismic that you felt the need to stare out the window and sing along to a romcom soundtrack; feeling things that no one could possibly understand? His name was Ricky. He had hazel eyes, wore braces, and thought…
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The Pride of a Man
Arab man, change your ways.Be the best for your children.Cigarette smoke is your cologne.Daughters only.Each born in the hopes to have a boy.Feign ignorance, believe you are not responsible for theGenerational trauma passed down from you.Hide the truth of your ways from everyone, butI know the truth.Just pretend you know me as well as IKnow…
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Generational Wealth
It’s cold and painful,the feeling you get when you are no longer you.You’ll be okay, you chanted over and over and over again. You closed your eyes, readyto go, why must yougo. Now you stand in the middle of a fieldof dead dreams, tattered hearts, and broken-down bones.With tender flesh, black and blueand bloodied thoughts…
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Mosaic
I am a mosaic of everyoneI’ve everLoved. I have my mom’s smileAnd my grandmother’s bubbly laugh.I have my dad’s bone structureAnd my uncle’s constructive knack. But that’s not what I meanWhen I say I amA mosaic of everyoneI’ve everLoved. My ex-best friend,She never cursedSo now I say “Jeez the Wheeze”When I’m bound to burst. My…