S.K. Ali

I wanted to be surrounded by warmth.

who didn’t look at me weird for the way I dressed, for how Muslim I looked,

She’s zen. He’s zen. I’m not.

maybe we’re meant to be alone,

“Because I want to have peace too. Like you.”

“Dad, can I be Muslim too? Now?”

“I’m just glad to be home.”

I just wanted the right mix of being with someone I connected to, who cared, but also let me be.

I like thinking up inevitable, awful truths and rehearsing my reactions so that I’m not caught off guard

Those who can’t bear to look a bear in the eye are already dead. Stand and look before you fight or flee. It makes winning, and even failing, sweeter