Poetry: Selections from Nadia Khalil

Hunger in My Heart

I could not describe the pangs that

hammer the walls of my heart

because if I did you’d tell me

to appreciate life more

Instead, I bite the insides

of my mouth to restrict the sound

that roars to be let out in the open

I often sleep with a belly full

of echoes and mantras that I have

no room to store oxygen

Left to hyperventilate I was content

with Gods gift to mankind — a heart

that’s been sliced into thin pieces

Although I swallow back my tears

and chug chug chug on a glass full

of water to refrain from shattering,

I can’t constantly keep these words

and satiate the beast that’s roaring

to munch on the vessels of my heart.

Tacenda

Fear is the cactus that pierces my skin

as I hold onto things I couldn’t bear to say

Drip drip until the last drop draws a heart

whose beats are swallowed by the echo of silence

I’d rather keep a mouthful of words and live

through doubts than to purge them and die

Because I believe words are the Valyrian Steel

that stabs the hearts of pessimistic egoists

Nadia Khalil is a graduate of Political Science and International Relations. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sudan and a Master’s degree in Cyprus. She dabbles in poetry ranging from pain and loss to love. Her work has appeared in Ninshar Arts and Fiery Scribe Review.