life begins in the fleeting moments of summer.
the fading summer, light pitter-patter and yellowing of leaves.
i. while summer vanishes.
When I was a kid, I found solace in the months of summer. The bright flowering in April, the summer storms of May (and my birthday ofc), and the long-long vacations from June to august. And just like that, summer would be over .A wave of sorrow would wash over me and I would start counting days until next summer.
Over the past 10 years, life has changed; alot. I moved across countries, across seasons, across schools, across bodies. The little me is now a woman who finds comfort in the fading summer.
The recurrent pitter-patter, gray blue skies and fresh trees waiting to shed fill me up with life. Something about the exit of summer and beginning of fall fills me with energy. I start coming out of my writing slump (this newsletter being a testament to that) and I start looking more lively.
If life is theatrical, the months preceding august are a dark, empty hall. The curtains are down. It is now that I finally break the surface. The spotlight is one me and i am begin to living out my life. Here’s to filing myself up with life, to glowing, to writing and to breathing freely.
What role do you play out while summer fades away?
ii. snippets from august
Oh august, how confusing you’ve been. a transitional month indeed. A wide small form on my face while I scroll through my camera roll to remind myself how this month has been. This month was slow, filled with laughter, great friends and good books.
Exhibit A: Great Books.
All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr- A historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the lives of a French girl and a German soldier who become entangled in the conflict. [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]
This book was the perfect blend of sorrow, hope, heartbreak and strength. The writing was impeccable. The speed of the story was steady and smooth. I was completely smitten with Werner’s character development.
Men Without Women, Haruki Murakami- A collection of short stories exploring themes of loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]
A compilation of 7 short stories, this book gave me a perspective into how men view the women in their lives. Some of it was disgusting (murakami-esqe) while some of it filled my heart with joy. The titular story and “An Independant Organ” were beautiful.
The Safe Keep, Yael Van Der Wouden- Set during post-WWII, the story of a Dutch woman who becomes obsessed with a house guest and begins to suspect her of stealing. [⭐️⭐️⭐️]
The book started of strong. It was engaging, well-paced and gripping. Then came in the 50 pages of s*x. It made me question why this book was longlisted , but the plot twist cleared it all. I am glad I pushed through and got to the good part of this book.
The Memory Police, Yoko Ogawa- A dystopian novel where the government erases memories, forcing citizens to forget about certain things. [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️]
This needs to be a modern classic. The author surprises us with a story within a story. The main story of this book is a masterpiece while the novel written by the protagonist is just as good. Go into this book blindly, I beg you.
Exhibit B: Great Poetry
Slump. Slumping. Slumped.
Poetry has been a stagnant pond, one that I am drowning in. There are so many words I would love to write. Yet the moment my hand begins to type, it loses all it has ever known about writing. Whether I hold a pen, or tap away on a typewriter; it is all futile.
Nonetheless, I have had the opportunity to read some great works this month and I won't gatekeep them.
iii. dear september,
My, biggest wish this month is to be able to write. As of September 1st, it has officially been 11 years since I wrote poetry. On the other hand it has also been a few months since I wrote a piece worth being proud of.
Dear September, I hope you descend into autumn by blessing everyone with views to remember. I can’t wait for the Amaltas trees to start shedding. I can’t wait to go out on long walks while I watch the summer of 2024 escape.
Dear September, be tender. Tie together the memories of this summer in a beautiful bundle and let it be a safekeep for the cold months that are yet to arrive. Bring forth warmth and growth. After all, the stage is set. It is time to lift the curtains and let me play out my role.
With love,
Siddaq.
Living in the South…I am coming more alive by being able to enjoy the outdoors. Our summers here are extremely hot and humid. Lately…we have gotten some “ breaks” in the temps with days in the 70s. I am disabled with severe spinal stenosis and arthritis, fibromyalgia and tendon tears. Miss walking and doing long drives due to pain. I am finding splice in working in my yard. I sit in a chair and prune and weed and pray for others. I feel closest to God when out in nature. I look at life and simple things in an entire different way. Grateful for what I CAN do !! I use to be a very active nurse serving and tending to others. Now I am concentrating on trying to improve myself and lessen some of this pain. My cats and gardening are right now my therapy. Autumn is around the corner !! Look forward to smelling wood burning, leaves changing and a chill in the air.
Wow I didn’t now there was a poem called the thing is! I wrote a song called that and thought it was lame hahaha turns out it isn’t