Kash Baloch — Poetry on Identity, Love, and Survival

As one proverbial door closes, another opens and opportunistic me jumps at the chance. Fragments and remnants of memories of yesterday remain in my head where they passionately dance. They twirl, and swirl, painting my consciousness with colour, angst, and humour. My decision to walk away from you, and find myself was the best I have ever made and liberated me as you were my malignant tumour. I seethe as I breathe, piecing together the puzzles that were left unfinished as I work towards letting go of the past. I gain insight from my introspection, no longer focused on trying to outlast, but rather working on relinquishing my ego and getting over my obsession with what's reflected in my looking glass. The pills you gave me were the ones that made me feel so small, unlike Alice yours was not a Wonderland but rather a dystopia served to me from my own hands. The aftermath of you found me broken, and in shambles; I hope you understand that...

The similarities we share are too many to count on one hand, you are my same and it makes me want to hold your hand. I long to hold you in my arms, and never let go; as my future lights up, my heart is aglow. I realize now that life works in mysterious ways, I am filled with vibrancy today, although yesterday my world was coloured in greys. You have blindsided me and taken me by surprise, as I think of you, I feel the warmth of a million suns rise. Your voice puts me at ease and helps me sleep, washing away the tears, no longer compelled to weep. I yearn to feel the touch of your velvety skin against my own, it will soothe me like the wind and then carry me home. You have shown me that good things surely come to those who wait; I cannot wait to witness the beauty of the art that we collaborate to create. You whisper words of wisdom that fill my heart with peace, you have helped me fight my demons and provided a means for release. I want to take you by your arm and ...

A momentary lapse in judgment led me right into your arms, where I have found serenity as I become further beguiled by your charms. My intuition tells me to proceed with caution, or to prepare to be disarmed. Captured like a butterfly, you have caught me off guard. With hope in my heart, I pray that past patterns do not repeat again, for my heart is already scarred. I tread carefully trying to avoid awakening the sleeping sickness, that once made my house a home and then set it on fire, watching it burn into a smoky abyss. With God as my witness, I take my first steps as I am welcomed by your noble knights. Awed by the beauty that surrounds me and enamoured by its sights, I long to see my name lit up by your flashing lights. Precociously pleased by the notion that it could all be mine, as I hold your hand and make the move that will hopefully leave us entwined. With innocence in my eyes, my vulnerability seeps through my skin; you have warmed me with your sunrise,...