Crossed Connections
A story of crossed connections and star-crossed affections at the turn of the millennium.
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The Phone Call
My truth comes calling,on an international phone callSounding exactly likeevery other person who thinksthey have something important to say Except this one always doesFor sure, her words are truth,her truths truer.She thinks I need to be better,work harder, be smarter at my job I know, I know, I haven’t done…
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Statute Of Limitations
A book I’m reading features a couple. The man supports the woman’s independence, teaching her vital skills that help her break gender shackles. He also cheats, a trauma that dogs the woman for years even as she finds success. Much later, they work together in a war against a brutal…
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Bad Advice
25 years ago Mary Schmidt wrote ‘Tips from a speech never given’. It was read by many people including a teen me. I thought some day I’d be able to tell people how to life right. I’m at mid-life crisis because how else to describe someone who refuses to act…
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When Hurt Comes Knocking
I find myself deeply wounded by thoughtlessness. I have learnt to discern when people’s actions & words stem from malice (deliberate intent to harm). But unintentionally caused hurt is painful too. I’ve reacted with anger & met reactions of shrugging off responsibility. Neither reaction has respect or empathy. Blame games…
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Endurance – Grasping For Breath
Are you out of breath? There will be days like this one. Not warm enough to fight. Not bright enough to shield from.
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Medical Autobiography
Reading my medical file feels like a nostalgia trip & a mystery both in one. Sherlock Holmes & the case of falling blood pressure.
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Fullstop Face
People are stories, works in progress Politics of affection and sexual congress But a face is a fullstop, brackets even I picture your face when I’m grieving The ‘I don’t care’ writ large and wide Autographing what’s breaking me inside Happy face, loveface all forgotten Fullstop points to all that…
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Getting Used To Standing Alone
I was used to standing alone. And you came by. And gave me a whole new dimension to togetherness and alone.
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What’s Next?
I was looking up sarees online. My mother thought my choices might not look that impressive on video calls. I told her, “The pandemic will not last forever.” Three-fourths of a year into a global shutdown, I can see how it can be difficult to remember this. In addition, the…
