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The Ripped Soul

In memory of our greatest regret

Knelt on the ground that encases—
 neglected, yet not forgotten—
 the bigger chunk of my remnants:
 a severed soul of fallen graces.

My claws burrow into the earth,
 scratching at pebbles, relentless.
 Broken nails join eons of old dirt;
 hands at labor, mind distracted.

Tally all sins this soul concedes,
 as sweet poetry enrobes conceit—
 a grand façade to play the wronged,
 betray, berate, then ignite a brawl.

In finer friends, an enemy seen;
 dimes to replace shinier pennies.
 These letters contain my present pleas—
 I’m ignorant of your loyalties.

My soul, you’ve done more harm than good.
 Janus suggested I choose, at the crossroad:
 to dig up the past—sentenced to confinement—
 then lay it to rest, like a brother departed.

The wild wind swirls around in loud rejoice;
 forgiveness and grit—here soon they arrive.
 Uplift the spirits, the fingernail’s grime;
 the weak knees wobble as torn souls reunite.

Cracks of chipped mirrors the canvas beholds,
 broken in places, a sigh away from implode.
 Whatever happens—stay gallant, my soul.
 Whatever happens—don’t abandon your post.

  • Born and raised in Karachi, Afza Muazzam is an up-and-coming writer. She is a committed pacifist and an advocate for marginalized communities. She writes toward seeing a more just future. When not writing, she reads work that stirs the soul, takes long walks in nature, binges on sitcoms, and spends time with the people she loves.