INKSPIRATION

We met eye to eye. This line works both literally and metaphorically, capturing one of the most subtle yet powerful moments in human interaction. Eye contact is often the first form of silent communication between two people. Without a single word, it can signal recognition, curiosity, connection, or even vulnerability. It is immediate, instinctive, and […]

I watched the apple, lazy-eyed. I remember one summer—just before my birthday—standing in front of the mirror and meeting my own gaze. Every year, as my birthday approaches, I feel a quiet emotional shift. There is always a sense of nostalgia, sometimes even a subtle existential restlessness. I find myself tracing my life backwards, revisiting

“i sympathize” This might be the most honest line in the entire poem. At one point, I considered removing it. But after rereading the poem, I realized it revealed something important—my willingness to remain vulnerable. “oh carrie, hamlet and true grit” These references bring together themes of revenge, introspection, and resilience. Each story explores how

“in the time of the butterflies” Butterflies symbolize transformation. I imagined a time when I would finally grow into the kind of writer I dreamed of becoming—more confident, more articulate, and more certain of my voice. “to marseille, marry, imprisoned, escaped, fortuned, avenged” This sequence reflects the structure of epic narratives—exile, struggle, escape, and eventual

“the running kites” Kites symbolize freedom, but they also carry a quiet fragility. When I wrote this line, I imagined the desire to rise higher than the circumstances around me. At that point in my academic life, I wanted to prove myself—to excel, to achieve, to be seen. While I was thinking about home and

A personal reflection on the inspiration behind my poem “The Shelf Gallery,” exploring childhood memories, family influences, and the beginnings of a writer’s voice.