Shape of Love
Drinking the Ocean explores the rewards and complexities of various kinds of love—romantic, familial, spiritual, and self.
Writer’s Choice
On the Shore & Refugees
Once again, to the shore
pebbles and plastic wrappers
in-drawing, withdrawing breath of wind,
that slow moaning of foghorns:
our common humanity washed up,
yet again.
The Writing Prompt
“I never told anybody this, but…” These were the last words I remember writing at the Third Street Writers’ workshop. It was midmorning in February, two days before Valentine’s day.
CRISPR History, CRISPR Future
CRISPR technology lets us edit genes—targeting DNA at precise locations to replace harmful genes or limit their expression.
Brotherly Love
Hiding in the closet, as far back as possible, I wrap myself up in my grandmother’s beaver fur coat. The warmth envelops me, swaddling, calming me.
Twenty-One
You would be twenty-one now, the age I was when I made the choice. I wonder what life would have been, a mirror universe where a different me made you possible. Not regret, but second guessing.
My Mother’s Eyes
I pick up this morning’s newspaper and read another article about displaced Ukrainians, whose lives have been upended by a war instigated by Russia.
The Vanishing Sky
The bus stopped in the middle of nowhere. The doors wheezed open, spilling cold air inside. Vani gripped Vinita’s shawl tighter. She had been warm, curled against her mother’s side, but now the wind nipped at her nose.
Onions
Every good dish starts with sautéed onions,” my mother used to say. It was a maxim she followed in her home kitchen and it seemed to be true…