A Sanctuary

Dubai Literary Salon | Open Mic | May 2020

​

Sometimes I wonder what it means to write; to truly divulge into paper the infinite ricocheting thoughts of my head. Suddenly, in the soft rectangular glow of the early morning, I turn to look at my silhouette reflected in the mirror of the antique Rococo style dressing table. In my wondering reverie, I look out into space, pulling at the hangnail of my forefinger, knowing that I've asked this question a thousand times. But today is different. Today, in the glow of the morning darkness, this question doesn't bother me anymore. Home is a sanctuary. In these strange times we stay inside, not only ourselves, but also our minds and our spirits. Here, at home, with family, we are at ease; laughing, crying, screaming, dreaming, bothering our siblings or spouses, have heart-to-hearts with our grandparents, annoying our Moms and having extended political discourses with our Dads. This is our refuge from the outside world, our constant, our relief. These endless pages filled with the scribble of my words, too, are my sanctuary. They differ in form and they consist of only my singular voice and being - yet they are a sanctuary. Here I come to laugh and cry, to rant and obsess, to dream and cathart. Because more than anything, these words capture everything.
Here, right here, lies a living, breathing, piece of my spirit.