INKSPIRATION

“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.