The Following Issue: Poetry Roundup

Each issue we feature pieces from Asian writers around the world. Here are this issue’s pieces!

Reality by Anushka Natalie Masilamani 

We're raised according to the rules of society. It's always about their idea of perfect.
In the end, we're stripped of our identity.
Seldom are we taught to think for ourselves.
Seldom do we let ourselves be  what we really are. 

We take ourselves too seriously.
Don't we?
Too harsh.
Too rude.

Would it hurt to be nice to our poor selves?

We learn to show kindness to the whole damn world.

But never to ourselves.

One day we'll learn,
That bullying ourselves is all in vain.

Undoubtedly,
We are our greatest enemy.    

So.

Today. I'd like to say this.

This is what I am.

My raw form of existence,
With all my pain, flaws and imperfections.
Take me as I am.

Don't you dare coat me with lies.
Don't cover up my flaws, or my imperfections.
Because that's what makes me real.

That's what sets me apart;
That's what makes me human. 

Haiku by Anonymous 

It is not a country
A place that has diversity
A place we call home 

Forget about them, just focus on me by Renata Shah 

You told me:
Do whatever you want
Just don’t get caught. 

Remember the time
When we almost got lost
Running through the streets
On four bare feet.  

You told me:
Forget about them
Just focus on me

Whatever you want
Is whatever you’ll be. 

Oh, I wish I’d known
That you didn’t know me
After we fought
Stomach turned to knots 

Threw a verbal blow
You turned a cold shoulder

All we said was no,
But we’re getting older. 

And then you told me:
Go back home
Forget about me
Remember our time
Think of-it nightly

But for now, I’ll lay it to sleep
You’re a great girl, not right for me.