“For the first time in her life, she feels a sense of purpose.”
Category: babel.
Beneath the Flickering Lamp by Alina Ali
“She was born blind.
To one parent, a burden.
To another, a universe.”
The Coconut Trees at Shariff Villa Still Sway by Fatima Faisal
“The garden grew wild now, the coconut trees still whispering over all we’d lost. I would sit outside for hours, weaving garlands, rings, and headbands from the delicate pink haar singhaar bush, which shed its flowers at dusk.”
Weltschmerz by Hajra Zaman Butt
“The mud sucked at his body, holding him still. He tried to move, but his limbs were heavy, paralyzed.”
Brave Unwanted Women by Sana Yaqeen
“The journey of rediscovering herself began after that loss. It felt like rising of a Phoenix. It was the rebirth of a new Bahar who regained the strength and faith to redefine the meaning of being a woman.”
Metamorphosis by Lyba Qadir
“In the moment when she hit her head, she was stuck between trying to register what just happened and deciding to go and get herself a clean band-aid.”
The Mirror Seller by Hajra Arshad
“Maybe it’s already broken,” Rafiq had snapped, letting it slide. Not realizing that the mirror was too big and heavy and tilted in Fahad’s direction. It fell like a heavy object – frame and all, on Fahad.
The Fragile Almanac by Dr Mahrukh Ahmed
“It is the place where silence goes unsaid,
The primal knowledge of what we can take.
“
Sow a Thought and You Reap an Action by Izza Ali Khan
“Izza Ali Khan, born in 1999 in Sahiwal, Pakistan, is a visual artist based in Lahore. She graduated with honors from Lahore College for Women University in 2023, majoring in Painting. Currently, Izza works as the Gallery Manager at ArtSoch Contemporary. Her artwork has been showcased at various venues, including VM Art Gallery, ArtSoch Contemporary, and ArtNest Studio.”
It’s December Again by Mary Christina
“Conundrum, conundrum: what is better, coffin or the bed?”
November’s Whisper by Iqra Naeem
“Cold enraptures me in its minimalist ways.
The mountains, the trees, the stars and the haze—
All there to elicit my winter craze.”
Pink Sleeves with White Dots by Hanzla Ahmad
“The protagonist experiences shock and unexpected joy upon receiving a loving message from his father, who has never shown affection before. However, he soon discovers it was a prank by his sister, leaving him in deep disappointment. This moment illustrates the vulnerability of human emotions and the impact of fleeting hope.”
An Ode to Palestine by Fatima Riaz
“The playground, now silent and melancholic, reflects on the loss of laughter and life. Once vibrant and filled with joy, the swings and trees stand as mournful reminders of past seasons. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, as echoes of children linger, but the present reveals only their absence.”
When Chai Turns Cold by Zubaria Fakhar
“A poignant and evocative story. capturing the emotional distance between Zoe and Adil through their everyday routines. The chai, once a symbol of their connection, now serves as a reminder of their growing apart.”
Echoes of the Past by Sheikh Maryam Rehman
“The narrative revolves around Lenah, who reflects on the tragic death of Adam, a loved one, two years after his loss. As she navigates her grief, she struggles with the pressure to move on and the guilt of reconnecting with someone new, Liam. Ultimately, Lenah realizes moving on may not be feasible, but she must embrace her enduring pain.”
The Street Beneath the Snow by Mahnoor Zaheer
“The piece reflects on the monotony of winter streets, where crushed snow and gravel mirror past experiences. The narrator wrestles with emotions of anger and indifference towards the surrounding cold and warmth. Despite observing sameness in the world, there’s a realization of shared suffering and connection, culminating in an acceptance of their place within this cycle.”
Cold Demise of Warmth by Laiba Khalid Khan
“In a cold, dark night, a woman sits by the window, feeling lifeless and frozen. Her body is drained of warmth, and as tears threaten to escape, they freeze. Memories and words haunt her, leaving her heart like an iceberg. Despite her attempts to keep warm, she becomes still and cold, surrounded by absence.”
Cold Whisper by Almas Amjad
“A beautiful piece that speaks to resilience, finding peace in chaos, and the quest for self-discovery.”
Fragmented by Laiba Qadir
“Rejuvenation is an elation for a constructed soul Reprimanded by those who don’t stand assured.”
Walk in the Snow by Shamaim Qureshi
“A deeply introspective journey through a cold, somber night. This piece captures the weight of existence, the desire for transformation, and the complexities of intellectualizing emotions.”