Zehwah Sheikh

Did you know that
A mayfly lives for less than a day?

Maybe this is selfish of me.
It probably is.

But I'm weak.
I can't handle death.

Not that I'm not thankful for being here
But I'm weak.

How do you know when you love someone?

I'm not talking about being comfortable around them
Or enjoying their presence.
I'm talking love love.

I was supposed to be named Amina
After my grandmother, who I only knew
Shortly in the beginning of my life.

I think about this often.
Amina feels almost foreign on my tongue--
Ahh-minn-uhh.

Amina is loud.

Claim your rocking chairs and
Your solipsistic sunsets,
But close your eyes and listen.
The cicadas have silenced, and listen!
Is it quiet?

Disclaimer:
I am not a pretentious fool.
I know my worth.
I am not going to write about
How the spirit of the people who built this country
Sways with the wind in our flag!!!!11!!!!1!!

it's true, i would miss you.
you wouldn't be a door away anymore, and it would hurt.