by Ferhana Jameel
Himmat karna!
Have strength!
Always said my brave Mum
The tapestry of colours and patterns on her shalwar kameez
Glistening in the morning sun.
She who triumphed over strange waters, a strange sweet man
And even stranger people
Swallowed her festering fear
Entered this arena and this gamble
Gladly
Promising her daughters lives full of joy, laughter and
Possibility.
She freed me.
This woman stands before me
All mocha hues and furrowed brow,
Head cocked to the side with a matching crooked smile.
A true daredevil,
Foreigner to the comfort zone,
Selfless.
I know
I owe her an eternal debt
I pray
I was worth this infernal bet.
Ferhana Jameel | Instagram @the_achi_bachi
Ferhana is a South London-based writer working in academic publishing. She is on a journey right now trying to explore themes of South Asian diaspora and identity, hoping to reach some words of truth in the process.