Merak Magazine

Nightscape

  Fog horns sound though air soaked in blackness. All evening long listening to hiss of trucks, cars.   Shadows brush across walls as trees trace their branches. Gathering and waving together then swaying apart.   While I sleep, stars…

In This Godforsaken City

The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity. ― Leo Tolstoy      We live here. In this city. A Godforsaken one. We live in wooden houses, brick ones, painted building, muddy cottages. We live in owned mansions—we also…

Winter Warriors

I have examined the night sky. Seen appear the moon, stars, and meteors. During winter’s freeze, Orion, lost in Crete, stands tall, his belt tight, against his waist, hosting the seven sisters , glowing, – Pleiades, bright. And to the…

Salt Slow by Julia Armfield

Once upon a time, I was a person who made the bold claim: ‘I don’t like short stories.’ Imagine that, just writing off a whole genre like that! In the past whenever I dabbled in short story collections (which wasn’t…

Nostalgia

We all ran the corridors together to make sure we were always ahead of the headmaster. If one did get caught, we all took the blame being ready to be held accountable for every one’s mistakes. This unity is something…

The Fire

  In the cooling air of the lingering dusk, the flames from the fire-pit clawed higher The steps to the wood-rack, heavy and slow, retrieving more fuel for the pyre Each log, as it’s placed, sends bright sparks in the…

To My Brother In Heaven

Dear Brother, Some may say it is unwise of me to write a letter to you when you are somewhere this letter cannot reach, but there are things I want to tell you, show you and talk to you about.…

Golden Giant

Who is sitting in the heavens and staring at me? Who is sitting in the golden palace of tomorrow? Who is smiling? Golden staff in his hand flashes a dazzling light. Ah, the flashes of lightning- interweave over my head……

Feeling Comfortable in Your Skin

I tell myself, the moon will rise from darkness. – Mahmoud Darwish     Everybody around including near/dear ones, are concerned for your well-being. Unless, however, any apparent physical symptoms are visible, hardly anyone would reach out to inquire about…

Forever Young

My heart is forever young  A divine hymn to be sung I love everyone and always forgive As twice as I take, I always give I try to be nice as possible as I can Of peace and love I…

The Minimalist Babe by Lola Ray Marie

‘Echoing the thoughts behind Leonardo Da Vinci’s quote that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” The Minimalist Babe teaches you how to value the simple things. From learning to declutter and live with less to living life with passion, good health,…

Hum

I know how it feels when no one wants you –they won’t leave you alone. They won’t leave you alone. Their downcast eyes look through me. Their reluctance to talk to me engages. The telephone won’t stop not ringing. Their…

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

“No matter how many books you’ve read, how many tales you know, believe me: no one has ever told you a story like this one.”   It is 1990, in Palestine. Isra is crouched over a book, fascinated by stories…

Indian Culture: An Overview

Indian Culture and traditions are something which have now become renowned all across the world.  We all refer to India and its culture as something very diverse and unique. But seldom do we give a thought to why things are done…