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Visual by Marwa Alqatari (@marwaalqatari)

Question marks

Forbidden to lay 

In their beds

on our tongues

In their homes

Outlining

Our humble existence

Your answers

Meticulously crafted

Designed to the tee

From a saint

That forever hated me. 

From stories of myths and monsters

That hid under my bed

“Meant to be” chosen

Over humanity

Over identity

Over you and me

Over choices we wear

Drawings we print

On our skin. 

Over uncertainty. 

I know this sounds crazy but

Empty spaces never made me feel lonely. 

Every floor made it so inviting 

To pierce my hands through it

And plant my seed

And fill the room

With what could be. 

I know nothing

And you continue

To know everything

While you enjoy 

Being found

Being chosen 

Sequestering doubts

Under the rug

I will pick what festers

And plant my garden

And at night

I’ll tuck them in

Under my tongue

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Marwa Alqatari (she/her) is from Qatif, Saudi Arabia, currently living in Charlotte, NC. She expresses herself through words and little drawings to find ways and interpret how she experiences her existence. You can find her on Instagram via @marwaalqatari.