My mama. Birthed six babies — five of us would survive. My mama. Grieved the loss — of her first-born son. My mama. Brought Joy — into the world. My mama. Woke before the sun — only to find the quiet. My mama. Wrote endless prayers — in journals we…

A Tanka

Falling in love fiercely Falling with fear Fear of loss Fear of the unknown Unknown struggles abound Unknown hurts sprout up Up from deep depths Up from the ashes Ashes of dead dreams Ashes of old flames Flames of passion dampen in time Flames of desire still flicker Flicker like…

a shadorma

A Haiku

Tanka

Warriors’ hearts, hardened for battle, reserve expectation the mind wages war within for years to come. I held no such belief. There were no boots laced up, nor goodbyes said, duffle bag in hand. Standing before family and friends, I dressed in my finest. I professed the best of intentions…