Category: Berkeley
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apoE
Short term is the first to go. We saw it in you and they search for it in Dad, however you check for that. We all took a test when I was younger; our blood in vials tagged on the counter. Mine was redder than my brother’s. Dizzy when I stood. Gauze and a juice…
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Sweet Carnation
Wait, Sweet Carnation! How dare you grow with such haste My dear friend has yet to return
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Synthesis
Monday, May 27, 1912 Laid my mother to (permanent) rest a night agoGazed along her coffinetching it into my retinas University begins in a few months timeLabor and strife will ease my consciousfor if not… Thursday, Aug. 08, 1912 Oxytocin. Prof. G— enlightened us of this freshly unearthed hormoneIndicative of affection and pleasureWhat else is…
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Dismissal
There I was, crouched like a cat with my palms to the concrete, trying to make out my reflection in the gray puddles since the pain was too searing to swallow. In my pocket I had four useless aspirin, one expired credit card, and five and a half nauseating cigarettes. And no water.
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Stomachache
I feel it in my whole body. My mouth no longer salivates for the food, instead mechanically clamping and releasing, willing my throat to swallow the soggy lump. My grandma eyes me. Finish your food.
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When Lady Liberty Turned Green
Her skin, once gleaming with coppery iridescence, is now riddled with new corrosion. Its sheen was replaced as years passed and She stood as an emblem of American pride, an ever-present reminder of what we hope to stand for. This change in Her skin makes Her no less alluring – Her green hue serves as…
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Ethanol
More sweetly than you ever have, the bottle of ethanol murmurs my name. Craven is surrender, yet all the more foolish it is to remain in this hell So I give in – Liquid sizzling as it denatures the secrets lodged in my esophagus The chemical scorching my putrefied abdomen, burning against my spine Every…
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Bleeding End of Lovers
When I gain consciousness,You’re slumped on the floor.Blood pouring,Face ashen,Lip curled in a slight smile. I cannot bear to face you,Knowing I drain your soulSlowly,Everyday.You say it’s what you need. Your blood is sweet,So intoxicating,You turn me into a monster,Overcome by desire.I desire you. I try to suppress myself,Ignore the inner turmoilThat constantly stirs me.I…
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Untitled
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What We Carry
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Gem
When all division disappeared In three words
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Bumps and Bruises
Yet, I am going to carry them with me forever. They are marked permanently on my skin.
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Notes On My High School Diary
“Yeah, I heard they’re dating.” “You can call it funny and I’ll treat it like it’s funny, but it’s sad and it’s ok that it’s sad.”
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The Fear In My Pocket
There was a point in my life where my mom was strong for me, and now I am strong because of her.
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Things I Wish I Could Say To My Thirteen-Year-Old Self
On December 13th, 2023, I embarked on a deep dive into my Instagram archives. I scrolled through countless pictures of parties and boys – counting my smiles and the friends I don’t speak with anymore. I couldn’t help but notice that my middle school uniform looked wrong on my thirteen-year-old body: the burgundy kilt was…
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velvet and gold
But before I can dive deeper into the endless chaos, I see a glimmer in the corner of my eye. Gone is the past. With a closer look, I can see two little green gems engraved in a golden ring, almost like brothers. The perfect ring right in front of me, something I never thought…
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Meditations on Expectations
Taking on more responsibilities didn’t unearth me from the expectations I’ve been taught to assume since childhood. The burden of expectation follows me, regardless of my added work experience, relevant courses, or new extracurricular activities. It seems I’ve been lost within a growing résumé.
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A Harbour To Rest
It was selfish, my assumption that everything would stay right where I left it. There is nothing that can take the last 18 years from me. But I have to loosen my grip. I have to let home change. I have to carry it with me.