Written by Shyama Persaud on November 15, 2020
missing you already
Uncategorizedmissing you already I still can’t believe the connection and sense of belonging I’ve felt within a virtual group in recent months. Firstly, my London-based refugee course which, owing to its pandemic-propelled relegation to Zoom, has resulted in the majority of students coming from outside the UK – the US, Europe, the Middle East, as
Written by Shyama Persaud on October 25, 2020
end of the road
Uncategorizedend of the road In the past eleven months, two of my closest friendships have come to an end – separately, seemingly suddenly, seemingly unfairly. This has involved considerable pain, has left a significant void and been greatly compounded by the pandemic. No matter how full of laughter and idiocy they may be, when it
Written by Shyama Persaud on October 9, 2020
diagnosis: chronic neoliberalism
Uncategorizeddiagnosis: chronic neoliberalism Yes, my inner rant about the negative effects of the form of capitalism we’re being held hostage by is still on high simmer but, again, my brain capacity is still radically reduced just in time for the weekend. Before Monday, however, I have to rustle up sufficient cognitive function to do the
Written by Shyama Persaud on October 8, 2020
capitalist gains tax
Uncategorizedcapitalist gains tax I just saw this on a friend’s Facebook page; it made me laugh out loud before an inner rant ensued about its disturbing deeper meaning… Oh yes, there is so much I have to say in response to this, yet I have so little energy to right now. I’m already exhausted
Written by Shyama Persaud on July 6, 2020
i go among trees
Uncategorizedi go among trees by Wendell Berry from Sabbaths I go among trees and sit still. All my stirring becomes quietaround me like circles on water.My tasks lie in their placeswhere I left them, asleep like cattle. Then what is afraid of me comesand lives a while in my sight.What it fears in
Written by Shyama Persaud on July 6, 2020
patience
Uncategorizedpatience This quote – about having patience – feels particularly apt in view of how I’m feeling today. Given that my 21 month long career-shift job search recently came to an end, perhaps this sounds strange. But there are other things I hope for and now I’ve ticked this huge ‘to do’ off my list,
Written by Shyama Persaud on July 5, 2020
on being a complete Muppet
Uncategorizedon being a complete Muppet In the lead-up to and since my 50th birthday this summer, I’ve been taking strolls down Memory Lane. This has included listening to songs that remind me of earlier times in my life. As a little person in the 70s, I grew up loving the Muppet Show. Hearing its theme
Written by Shyama Persaud on April 30, 2020
pandemic as portal
Uncategorizedpandemic as portal ‘What is this thing that has happened to us? It’s a virus, yes. In and of itself it holds no moral brief. But it is definitely more than a virus. Some believe it’s God’s way of bringing us to our senses. Others that it’s a Chinese conspiracy to take over the
Written by Shyama Persaud on April 27, 2020
in a dark time
Uncategorizedin a dark time For various reasons, I’ve been unable to finish any more of the writings I’ve been working on. This poem seemed a particularly fitting – and superior – substitute. To me, it captures the sense of a potentially creative space that we, humankind, find ourselves in and that we might refind
Written by Shyama Persaud on April 26, 2020
the day my voice broke
Uncategorizedthe day my voice broke (2008) i told her i knew it was over. i went home; a place i shared with a lover i did not love. i sang to remain, but my throat declared its pain. released, eased, my heart unblocked; unlocked, I became a woman. © 2020 Shyama Persaud