Arbaeen
Original Poetry

Arbaeen

By Avellina Balestri (Dedicated to my friend Hossein Bahrami, who allowed me an intimate glimpse into his pilgrimage to Karbala through livestream.) Everything is shimmering In the shrines of the slain Starlit crystal, capturing song…

The Liminal Lady
Original Poetry

The Liminal Lady

Rosaries versus ovaries.Coathangers high in screamed freedomScratching against a sea of muttered prayers.Her PVC-platform boots march withtowering studded spikes,Announcing the Midnight Queen.Her feral purple mop adds bravadoto their glares.Yet, bending through the arms of anarchy.A…

A Poem for Eid
Original Poetry

A Poem for Eid

by Avellina Balestri  (For my Muslim friends, whose ancestry lies across the Islamic East, particularly Adil Mulk, and in solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinian people.)People of the East,Carved of earth and sand,Cut by river…

Flower Face
Original Poetry

Flower Face

You crafted me from blossom and brushand expected me to sigh and blush,but you forgot so many flowershave such fickle thorns.Beneath the shady forest bowers,by the will of your powers,I took first sweet fragrant breath,and…