On giving up pleasures, addiction, and my future — Trigger Warning: The following article discusses my addiction to smoking cigarettes, mental health issues, and inability to give up instant self-gratification. I smoke one and a half cigarettes three times a day, once after every meal. It’s strange that I don’t remember how I got here, the beginnings of this…

Win some, lose some — I can finish a book in three days. It depends on the type of writing, number of pages, and spotty internet connectivity non-conducive to streaming. My sunscreen remained cozy in its seal. The heavy rain forecast didn’t come true, but the clouds never left. Casting a gray haze on the…

An attempt at holding my own — I sit relaxed, un-lady-like, With fine stuffing in my ears, Timer on my phone, Determined to be in the here and now. You all glance my way, One Mississippi, three Mississippi, You don’t see that I see, My eyes cold, my face unfazed. You’re jealous — I think so; based…

And start playing the part — I’m in a glass box, suspended high up in the air, free of the senses. Risen above the ground, the voices drown out, and I feel my hands move. I ran with the last piece of paper and couldn’t take the heated debate anymore. That’s it. All the world’s a…

Growing up, self-doubt and a sea full of unknowns — Brooke: I see reels in vibrant hues. When I imagine something, it plays in my head like a flawless scene from a movie. But, the reality is always in grayscale, full of clouds that never whisk away. And I feel responsible for this clash. Drew: When I wake up in…

Gendered clothing, fitting in, and body issues — Red was the color of the uniform, and red was the color I saw when I slammed my eyes shut in anger, counting numbers under my breath. The fabric was itchy, barely held together with coarse white thread, and tiny buttons hung loosely from its skin. The button holes gaped…

From a seasoned and experienced introvert — Hide in another room and turn off the lights. Reminiscent of my childhood, the study lamp on my desk was the only item switched on when I was alone at home. People assumed that no one was there, and in a way, that was an actual fact. I disappeared into…

One that makes up for the loss and pain — Ideas that expand my understanding of reality, turning my wayward thoughts into melodic lyrics, don’t turn up as often as I expect them to. I stay awake, holding my palm outstretched for the spark that makes my dull day worthwhile. A push so strong, like sailing in the direction of…

Thank you for your calming presence — Watched a movie the other day, A young woman in a big city, In the divulging arc of coming of age, Graduated from the pencil to a pen. I still remember the time, When expense was an issue, And you were a delicacy to be treasured, Brought out for special occasions…