Art by Vishnu Kumar IG: @vishudhevkumarvdk7

Medusa’s Advice

By Freshman Addi Shah

Dear Medusa, How do I accept that things have changed? That I have changed? You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. I too once thought of myself as a blooming prayer, as springtime imminent. Every flowerfield was someplace sacred, every stranger was one more person to call me beautiful. It was not until the sea god saw me as a tidal woman, as something always on the verge of crashing— it was not until Athena saw me as a savage wave, as a challenge to her dignity. It was not until all this happened that I changed, that I became something to be avoided. There is nothing like being enshrouded in cool shame to make people think looking at you will turn them into burning stone. Just as there have always been snakes inside of you, even if you never saw them, there will always be flowerfields. Even if you never see them.

Let yourself be delicate. Treat yourself like a waning gift; not even the gods stay immortal. Remember, you are a cherished moon.

No one thinks of the moon as any less beautiful just because she has changed phases. A gibbous shines just as much as a crescent; light is light, even when it looks different. You have changed, but times have changed with you. The world will learn to love you despite your aching stones.

You will learn to love yourself despite your hardening shame. Shield your eyes if you must, but know that you are the one who must learn

Photos by Anahita Kashani Gregg

“Crevice”

By Senior Nicholas Yen

My window sits in a tight crevice, Flanked by two fat buildings That loom large and dark; But on rainy days like these, You can trace the myriad streams Coming down from the roofs, Sliding onto woods and metals, Making countless little waterfalls; Each droplet must brave such heights, Eventually dropping onto plants Waiting at the bottom of the ravine, On these days they look so green, The smooth rain pats them on the head For passing a long and faithful wait, And all of us dwellers of the crevice Shall receive our share of life.

Art by Alexander Guan