Author Archives: mirlinda.skara

Walking down those stairs

Onto the platform,

I stand perfectly symmetrical along the yellow border.

A border that I should not be near

But yet as I test the limitation of my will

I look over the edge eyeing

All that there is to see.

Covering the dirt ridden train tracks are

Used up metro cards, garbage, unsanitary water, sometimes a rat or two

And a horrible stench

A never-ending stench that has plagued us all in some way.

Each way can leave an unforgiving scar or prove that

Whether it will be a struggle to find a job, a partner or a path in life

The burden is on mine, yours, and our shoulders day and night.

A new decade, a new year, a new day, a new hour, a new minute, a new second

Each claim endless possibilities that we vow will happen.

We all vow to change, to correct, to guide ourselves somewhere new.

And yet at times I’m faced with just a cold hard brick wall

Silencing my thoughts, my pleas of a new journey.

Laying my hand on its cool rough ridges I just ponder on whether

Should I wait until someone tears it down for me or

Should I take charge of my life and climb it, surpassing the impossible.

I realized that it is about taking that first step,

That first leap into the future without hesitation

That will ultimately shape me into someone better.

But more importantly right now

It is about walking into the air conditioned R-train away from the stench

Taking me to unknown destinations.

Dear Professor __________,

My name is Mirlinda Skara and i am in your Biology Lecture Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10. Unfortunately I could not make it on Monday to take the midterm exam due to getting severely ill. If it is possible I want to reschedule a date where I can make up this exam. If proof is needed a medical note can be supplied.

Thank you for your time. Take care.

Sincerely,

Mirlinda Skara