Kazim Ali
Ramadan Notes, Late Night, Day 21
The guests have gone, the kitchen is clean. We had eighteen people here tonight for fast-breaking meal. I sat at one end of our long impromptu table, really three tables fit together, and watched everyone talking with each other. I…
Ramadan Notes, Early Afternoon, Day 20
And so what if I can’t figure it out, so what if I never figure it out? Does it matter if the mind knows what oxygen is? The body still breathes. And as for that thing some people call the…
Ramzan Notes, Predawn, Day 19
On Friday I am supposed to read a poem at a multi-faith investiture ceremony for the director of the office of spiritual life at the college. It’s a difficult task because as always, I am not sure what I myself…
Ramzan Notes, Night, Day 18
We cross so many borders in our lives. Not just from England to Canada and then Canada to the United States, but crossing from one region of life to another. In each place, you are an immigrant, without papers. I…
Ramzan Notes, Late Afternoon, Day 17
Rain outside, the world a deep gray-green, each color leaning toward the other. Objects in the world that become other: Breath (inhale and exhale). Light (night travels through twighlight to day and the other way as crepuscularly well. Bodies. Plants.…
