ESSAYS
imani is black for faith
by jamilla vandyke-bailey
imani is thinning out, shedding the childish pudge of single digit age, and it shows in the vibrant flush of her umber-toned skin. her thick senegalese twists, healthy and heavy with oil bounce as she speaks. and she’s always speaking. and when she does, her eyes are full of laughter, and her voice is full of light. it is middle school, you’re empty with jealousy and she is beautiful.
Woodsmoke
by Susheila Khera
A black smudge is slowly creeping across the flat blue sky and coming into view through the ICU waiting room window. It’s twenty below zero and a brilliant day in February in Fairbanks, Alaska. The snow covering the ground has crystallized into a thick blanket of frost, each flake sparkling like an icy version of the lacy paper cutouts made in school and taped to the classroom window. Thin and delicate, they would melt within seconds on bare skin. Throw a handful into the air and it lands with the tinkle of glass.
Wayfinding
by Susheila Khera
Running was relaxing, meditative, refreshing. Back then, I didn’t have a watch and my flip phone didn’t have GPS, so I don’t know how many miles I ultimately ran, probably around seven. After each exercise, I marveled at my endurance and pushed myself to go further and longer the next time.
I Ruined His Weekend
by Hannah Harlee
My family gathers to accompany me on my court date. I want to clutch one of their arms with both hands, but the gravity of the situation forces me to stand alone. If I get too close to someone who loves me, I’ll collapse right into them. If I stop holding myself up now, I won’t be able to stand again.