Deadened

Deadend

Shirley: I got my degree five years ago. Did you go to Cal State?
Fazeel: Yea I studied Computer technology and Psychology there

Shirley: So are you Indian?
Fazeel: My parents are Indian. I was born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia and New Orleans

Shirley: Really?!!!! My grandma's Indian. She used to make goat curry and everything
Fazeel: That's great. I guess a lot of people have Indian blood in the Carribean

Shirley: You're Muslim right?
Fazeel: Yea. Ahamm (wondering what's next)

Shirley: My uncle's side of the family is all Muslim too
Fazeel: Wow! That's wonderful

Shirley: You know I wanted to ask you something. My husband gets a newsletter from his church...
Fazeel: He's African American too, right?

Shirley: Yes, we get this newsletter from our church which says that Muslims believe Black people have raisins for brains
Fazeel: (Silence. Shocking dismay). Hmm where should I start to say that it's not true...

- Based on a true incident in 1993, Los Angeles

Anarkisst

Anarkisst

He thinks he's better

Because of some skill

As an artist

He gives birth

To beautiful concepts and kids

But doesn't complete things

And his girlfriend

Who's a doctor

So lonely

She buys everything

Nurses people's wounds

Then broadcasts them

He's irresponsible

He forgets things

Now he's grown false wings

No empathy

No loyalty

No respect

For twenty two years

Off friendship

Fazeel Azeez Chauhan

5-6-00