….I am happy
and alone. Why do I want
to see the world like parents
who look at any kid
and see their own,
making faces to usher
the forgetting of pain?
– from “Parents Poem”
Someone is always watching. It’s the nervous excitement when “Facebook might go TV / Bombs over Syria livestreamed….” Someone is watching, from behind bushes, buildings, or computer screens.
For Shazia Hafiz Ramji’s newest collection, Port of Being (Invisible Publishing), it’s the constant feeling that some person, some feeling, some moment is lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune time to make their move – in whatever way they choose. Good or bad, it’s not really up to you to decide.
It’s the fight between wanting to be seen by everyone, but not really wanting anyone to see you. It’s that visibility can feel like war when you aren’t sure what’s around the corner. It’s the Tinder date when you can’t remember which fake name you used. It’s the way you leave messages to say “Hey! I’m here!” as if here is enough, as if here is still now. You’ll ask me if I’m lost, and I’ll remember how far away you are from me;” almost waving your hands to get the attention you really don’t want at all.
Purchase your copy of Port of Being from Invisible Publishing.