A Map To The Living Room

 I.

Once, this house did not have a name. It lost, and disaster followed. There aren't roots left, not even the roofs have been found among the rubble. Only bodies move in sync. & the picture I see: everything is beautiful. The landscape. The neighbours. The people. The stars I draw for the night sky.

II.

Inside, everything is in place. Four chairs in the dining room. Sofas for the middle room. Tables, & mirrors. Refrigerator in the kitchen. The doors are locked, day and night. I have been in bed, & the picture I see: everything is beautiful.

III.

What is a human without a soul?

IV.

Outside I am alone on the ship. The disaster I structured is gone. I am mapping my ways to the imaginary world: I have lived inside but outside. I've failed to recognise reality. The sadness I hold evaporates into millions of regret. This pain is not yours.

V.

I brought a chair into a room before my parent. I brought a chair into a room before everyone tried to put a name on my chest. I brought a chair to a room, only for myself, as a guest. & the picture I see: everything is still beautiful.

Ifada. September 2019.