Julián Carries Razorblades
- Jun 23
- 1 min read
By Zalykha María Mokim
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.