People often struggle with their genders growing up. Most grow out—or, rather—into their pre-established identities. I didn’t.
A Foreshadowed Understanding
Reflective
Skinny Girl Memoir
Growing up surrounded by women of color, I always felt isolated by the fact that my body was different from those of the beautiful women around me. This poem was my moment of solidarity; my body is no one’s but my own and I don’t need anyone else’s approval.
Golden Crab
The simple story of a girl named Leto, an old man, the uncertain ocean waters, and crabs.
The House
“The House” is a narrative essay I wrote about family and growing closer to them.
blooming through two cities
Daniela and Shoilee both live in New York City. Shoilee grew up in Queens, and Daniela moved to Brooklyn after growing up in Chicago. The following poems depict their journeys of life in the city.
Stories from Venice
Last summer, I went on a two-and-a-half-week trip throughout Italy with my cousin and grandma. Our visit to Venice was particularly memorable and so I’ve highlighted some moments from that trip here.
And The Lightning Strikes
He was like home to me. I wasn’t ready to let him go.
In the living room
In my family’s living room, I reminisce about an old music machine and its feeling that I took for granted.
The Immortal Wishmaker
This story is an excerpt from the first chapter of my science fiction novel and it introduces the protagonist, the Immortal Wishmaker.
Salt Water and Sea Breeze
A vivid, authentic multimedia piece meant to place the reader in a new world of a summer beach afternoon.
Sweetest 16
This is a tribute to me for my 16th birthday
Time
Sometimes, everything we want is on the other side of fear. Time waits for no man, but that doesn’t mean we must always try to race against it.
The Deed
She died thinking about her friends…
The Sad Ones
Pretty loves are pretty but sad ones are prettier…
Pull The Pin and Release the Locking Mechanism
1. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.