By Yolanda M. Joosten you stay as late as you can, given that you haven’t slept much in a couple of days, but who can sleep in a chair in the ICU when their mother is so close to death, so you listen to the doctor, talk to the nurse and leave them your number … Continue reading Intensive Care
Ercan
By Ashok Shenolikar “What’s your name?” I asked the taxi driver after my wife Bharati and I settled in the backseat. “Erjan,” he said. “You want to visit the Hagia Sophia?” he asked. When we agreed he said there would be a two-hour minimum charge. We thought that was reasonable. And we didn’t have any … Continue reading Ercan
Deer Heart
By Phyllis Bordo The sky was turning from pink and gold to evening’s hazy dusk and shadows crossed our path in front of the car as it snaked its way along the country road. We neared the top of a hill, and as if appearing by magic, they were everywhere! “Look out! Slow down. … Continue reading Deer Heart
The Joys of Neighbourliness
By Dr. Elizabeth V. Koshy I. We are an eclectic mix of Gujaratis, Punjabis, Maharashtrains and Malayalees at Krishnakunj. Most of us are second generation children of parents who have migrated from their home states for work. In the evenings, young mothers watch their little children at play, exchange news, pleasantries and the joys and … Continue reading The Joys of Neighbourliness
Hollow Pain
By Mona Angéline Wanting to take back her words, it was too late. The teacher made eye contact with me, and her face had lost much of its color. She tried to hug me as my tears came. Moments ago, she had led me into our classroom, away from the group outside, to stow my … Continue reading Hollow Pain
Ode to My Blue Target Watch
By Hailey Pierce I wear my watches on the inside of my wrist. Counterintuitive and strange, to lift my wrist, the joint cocked palm-away from my face to expose the blue spider veins under pale skin. But I see the time amongst the backdrop of my blood; heartbeats counting just like seconds, the rhythm of … Continue reading Ode to My Blue Target Watch
Going With the Flow
By Clara-Ève Landry Knowing my grip could not fight a force comparable to being hit by 5000 basketballs per second, I take a breath in the pocket of air created by the flat area of the raft and let myself go down the Kennebec River. “Feet up and let yourself be guided by the waves” … Continue reading Going With the Flow
For Mami
By Kaitlyn Byer moth·er noun a woman in relation to her child or children. verb bring up (a child) with care and affection. For Mami: I always loved your light bronze skin with hints of olive. I remembered it being soft as snow, as if the concept of aging simply never applied to you. Your … Continue reading For Mami
Rocky Road
By Ellen NotbohmThe door to the high school principal’s office stood open, so I nipped in to get a quick opinion on my son’s desire for a summer job. He was not yet sixteen, and possibilities didn’t seem to extend beyond fast food, which he didn’t want to do. “You have to hate your first … Continue reading Rocky Road
Not Unlike a Tūī
By Marie-Eve Bernier We made the decision on a windy day. Walking around our local park to discuss this, as we always did with important matters. After many failed opportunities to move to New Zealand, the fourth time was a go. This time it was calling loudly and there were no more excuses. Exchanging my … Continue reading Not Unlike a Tūī
Academy of the Heart And Mind 