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Julián Carries Razorblades

  • Jun 23
  • 1 min read

By Zalykha María Mokim

topless man raising his fist
Photo Credit: Strvnge Films

blackened blue eyes, red towels and libertad for all

Julián

wounded pride

likes to hide

behind closed fists like mountainsides  

Julián

siempre armando

pero por mami amado

Julián

left platano struggles

pa’

left back troubles

pa’

left scratched knuckles

Julián

sin miedo      sin fuego       sin nada        sin niego!

Julián

long hallways in Washington Heights

impossible hikes up endless pavement

Julián

says fuck fighting fair

Julián

wears long hair

And we?

hold the walls of the halls

bells that toll for everyone,

toll for no one

waiting at chalkboards

hopes and lines dissolve — dissolve —

desk drawers platinum edges tucked neatly between pulp dreams where we hold this one mistake along with promises of never again, goodbye razorblade, water under the bridge,

But Julián, where did he go?




Zalykha María Mokim is an educator and writer. She has worked in English as a New Language teacher, librarian and instructional leader in New York City public schools. The daughter of immigrants from Afghanistan and El Salvador, she has dedicated her career to working with multilingual and immigrant communities with a focus on social justice and equity. She lives in Los Jackson Heights with all the love in the world. She is a poet and posts on Instagram as @zalykhamaria.


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