#uncoffeed...

I made a joke long ago that you could tell which Desi husbands were the most difficult and the most contrite by the number of bangles their wives wore. Pakistani husbands apologise with jewelry. Mine didn't apologize, maybe twice – once for calling me a whore, apology in email, and I still have it.  The other time is a different story. When we married, I knew there was a possibility that things could end, and even a possibility that things could end badly. So when we hit the 5-year mark, I was excited. I wanted a badge to commemorate the accomplishment. I suggested rings to my husband. “Of course,” he said.  This meant he wasn’t really listening, or interested. I really wanted a 5th anniversary ring, though, and I found something online I thought suitable:  silver Celtic rings, made in Ireland and representative of my part of our multicultural marriage. I bought one for each of us. “I don’t really wear jewelry,” he said.  And it was true; he still had th...

Djinn This is what I do Shutter tight the world's eyes Strip down to what's behind the mask Turn the water free, hot like fire, A memory of whence I came This is what I do Drop magic in the pool at my feet Vetiver like the earth holds me down Exotic acacia gathers far corners With calm hands from another lost life This is what I do Inhale the burning mist Press my wet face against the wall Escape via space between cold metal And demons washed down the drain They can't see me here.