Issuu

issue 7

summer2026

438 literary magazine

438 Literary Magazine Issue 7 Summer 2026 438 Literary Magazine is a collection of poetry, prose, and visual art created by students and alumni of Columbia College on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəyəm (Musqueam), səlilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) nations, colonially known as Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Visit Us: columbiacollege.ca/clubs/creativewriting Issue 7 Editorial Team Rad Karim Tina Ghofrani

Issue 7 Contributors Alexander Troy Adela, Avigail Jezreel Halim, Amanpreet Kaur, Ashninder Singh Rao, Bablish Jindal, Brainy Thy, Cihan Hamdard, Darryll Bhakti Rehagana, Dilpreet Singh, Donna Tarwireyi, Gurjot Singh, Gurpreet Kaur, Jasleen, Jovan Pepin Kim, Kanwaljit Singh, Pawandeep Kaur, Phoo Pyae Sone, Rad Karim, Samuel Getachew, Su May Myo Paing (Jewel), Tawanda Rateyiwa, Tina Ghofrani, Usaid Syed, Van Tuan Anh Dinh (Leo), Vu Dang Khoa Pham (Tommy), Yassine Ben Romhdane, Yogita, Yu-Chen Wu (Olivia), Yu-Tung Wu (Selina)

Acknowledgment 03 Land Multiple Authors the World Comes to 05 When Vancouver

table of contents.

Yassine Ben Romdhane

Minds 20 Bland Brainy Thy

LIFE 21 HALF Gurpreet Kaur

World Cup 2026 06 FIFA Phoo Pyae Sone (Phoo)

- AFTER RAIN 22 GERMINATON Gurpreet Kaur

at Broadway 07 Sunset Tawanda Nokutenda

Undine: A Prayer for 23 Project Darkness

08 Nights Kanawaljit Singh

about the future? 25 What Darryll Bhakti Rehagana

09 Newtopia Tommy Pham

27 .... Kanwaljit Singh

Bloom 10 Night Olivia Wu

I Can’t! 28 Why Kanwaljit Singh

Light, Narrow Sight 11 Infinite Tina Ghofrani

Is Truly Freedom? 29 What Leo Dinh

Reflection 13 Sweet Ashninder Singh Rao

30 Slave Kanawaljit Singh

Sea 14 Golden Brainy Thy

of Icarus 31 Temptation Rad Karim

Hopeful Dream 16 ADonna Tarwireyi

Once Believed in Red 32 ITroy Adela

Buffet 17 Bablish’s Bablish Jindal and Gurpreet

Island 19 Galiano Phoo Pyae Sone (Phoo)

36 June Rad Karim

Rateyiwa

Kaur

Usaid Syed

Just Photos Kanwaljit Singh

37 ENTROPY Gurpreet Kaur Machine 38 The Darryll Bhakti Rehagana Poetry 39 Blackout Jovan Pepin Kim, Rad Karim, Amanpreet Kaur, Darryll Bhakti Rehagana, Gurpreet Kaur

Painting Workshop 45 Cultural Yogita, Su May Myo Paing (Jewel), Dilpreet Singh, Rad Karim, Gurjot Singh and Jasleen

View 49 My Avigail Jezreel Halim CC 50 Oh Samuel Getachew

51 Photography Gurpreeet Kaur Transition 52 APawandeep Kaur

From Meeting FIFA Presidents to World Cup Magic Yassine Ben Romdhane

55 Contributor Bios 59 A few words from our editors

4 3

Land Acknowledgements

My lovely river Glowing, free Swinging, protecting, hugging I come here to find myself. Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory. Vu Dang Khoa Pham (Tommy)

The mountain with snow Freezing, clean Crying, shining, drifting A best place for visit the stars. Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory. Yu-Tung Wu (Selina)

My relaxing field Calming, quiet Relieving, blooming, getting rid of stress I go there to calm myself. Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory. Cihan Hamdard

When the World Comes to Vancouver Yassine Ben Romdhane

The excitement for the FIFA World Cup is growing every day in Vancouver. Recently, FIFA brought the official, original World Cup Trophy straight from its museum in Switzerland to our city. This famous trophy is made of solid 18-karat gold and shows two people holding up the Earth. I saw thousands of excited local fans lining up at the Vancouver Art Gallery just to get a picture with it, bringing the true spirit of the tournament right into downtown. Meanwhile, Science World completely changed its look. The famous giant round building by the water transformed its silver dome into a huge soccer ball. Workers actually put 131 big panels over the dome to make it look exactly like the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball for 2026. It looks incredible against the water. Inside the dome, you can explore a special exhibition called Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum. It is the first time this exhibit has ever come to North America. Visitors can see how science changes the sport, from high-tech stadium cameras to the smart chips hidden inside the actual match balls. There are also historic items on display, like jerseys worn by Canadian soccer heroes. Walking around the exhibit and seeing our iconic skyline change makes it clear: Vancouver is ready for the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Phoo Pyae Sone (Phoo)

I am so happy to share that this semester was amazing. One of the best experiences was watching the FIFA World Cup. Seeing people from all over the world come together to cheer for their teams gave me a feeling I cannot fully explain. It was inspiring to watch different cultures unite through a shared love of soccer. The excitement, energy, and sense of belonging made me feel grateful and reminded me how sports can bring people together, no matter where they come from. This experience is something I will always remember.

Sunset at Broadway Tawanda Rateyiwa

Nights

Kanwaljit Singh

This night shines like a spoon in light, There was a shooting star that just went and died, Sometimes silence is like a graveyard on no-moon nights, These nights have so many faces, Sometimes harsh like cold shoulders, Sometimes beautiful like a new day in the night, Walking feels sincere here, You being just yourself, not someone from here or there, Sometimes it whispers truth, Sometimes it blocks the path with darkness before someone collides, Days have energy but they can’t be as mysterious as nights.

Newtopia

Vu Dang Khoa Pham (Tommy)

I am from the rice field, Where yellow and white toddlers sing and dance with joy. I am from the rivers, Where students often tell uncle fish funny story. I am from the neighbour’s garden, Where little thieves often steal apples and mangoes. I am from the backyard, Where Grandpa Tree guards me from the sun and lulls me to sleep. I am from the village Where bees and buffalos never have a good sleep, Where World Cup Final soccer matches take place, Where ghosts and demons are afraid of moms. However, it’s not like that anymore. Joyful laughter is replaced with traffic noise. Happiness is drowned by stress and chaos. Games and stories are blurred by deadlines and assignments.

Night Bloom

Yu-Chen Wu (Olivia)

Infinite Light, Narrow Sight Tina Ghofrani

In a beautiful, massive jungle—where the sky was not limited, neither in color nor in its vastness—there lived a wide variety of animals of different kinds. The sky could host rainbows, and the clouds carried a great amount of water molecules within them. The sun held within it an infinite range of light, and each animal was able to perceive one unique band of this spectrum. Each of these animals had its own specialty. One lived in the water and was the brightest; another was the tallest; and some others were cunning and not easy to manipulate. But in this heaven, something felt wrong—something felt manipulated. One day, groups of flying ants were trapped on a tall tree. All the animals gathered to find a solution to bring them down. With their unique abilities, they could have easily rescued them—or even allowed the ants to come down on their own—but the ants were frightened and had lost control.

All types of animals were there, yet they were confused. They didn’t know what to do, despite all their unique abilities. The giraffe could easily bend its head toward the branch and form a bridge for them. The snake could climb up and bring them down. The crow could fly up and save them. Even the fox could gather others and devise a clever way to remind the ants how to return on their own. But instead, all of them were shouting—like a lion. Wait… like a lion? But why? They had forgotten. They had forgotten their individual capabilities because, every day when they were young, they were placed in a closed environment to “learn,” without understanding that learning is not something gained from the outside, but something discovered within. Day after day, they were gathered together, taught in the same way, and examined equally. They were all tested based on certain results defined by the king—the lion. And when the moment came where help was needed, despite how different they truly were, they all started shouting, running around the tree, clawing at its trunk, and struggling to climb upward. Every day, they were placed in this closed environment with the illusion of learning, while slowly forgetting who they really were. This system made the ants anxious, incapable, and doubtful of their own abilities to come down. At the same time, it made the other animals forget their unique, natural gifts. Society mirrors this design—entrapped in the illusion of learning, drifting further from its true self. We become consumed by what is ultimately meaningless, while our inner being—our unique vision and natural gifts— fades into neglect. And despite seeing the outcomes, we remain bound to the same cycle, repeating it without question. 12

Sweet Reflection

Ashninder Singh Rao

Golden Sea Brainy Thy

Summer breeze strokes her cheeks. Water bubbling under the jet ski. Cold rain slaps her dace as evening sneaks. No golden streaks etched upon the sea. Where is the guidance she so desperately seeks? Probably gone with the wind. Summer breeze strokes her cheeks. A chance to rebuild her sea.

Photography by Donna Tarwireyi 15

A Hopeful Dream Donna Tarwireyi

A life where l am free from my brain, And l am never tied down to a chain. If it was that easy, my story would end, But my hope is suddenly my only friend. She keeps me up every single night And protects me from every fright. If only l could see her even once.

Bablish’s Buffet

Bablish Jindal & Gurpreet Kaur College was quiet, just me and my notes, Then you came, with tiffin and 10K jokes. Every day seems to be a day to cheat, To eat little more, sleep and repeat. Samosa, sandwich... to ice cream and cake, Eating up all with health at stake. Rice, paneer curry and naan on side, You and food a roller coaster ride. For the GYM a big no to say, Diet plans, salad who are they? Morning coffee + sugar in hand, Clocks hit 12 and subway in demand. From Indo to Italian all to eat, At night Burger × fries in the Plate. Although you're Bubble fish going to class on boat, If my life was calories, then you are whole food court.

Photography by Bablish Jindal

Galiano Island

Phoo Pyae Sone (Phoo) Galiano Island proved that unexpected beauty isn't just in the marine life on the shore, but in the quiet, golden sanctuaries hidden within the forest."

The World Peace Pagoda on Galiano Island, built in 1982 by Sayadaw U Thilawunta, and now crystal mountain society is taking care of it. 19

Bland Minds Brainy Thy

Mountains stand proud on the horizon. Protecting us from the danger beyond. Uncaring, they consume them all. This, they promise, is for our people. Blue highlights the green carpet. Too striking, they worry. Gone too, were those vibrant colours.

HALF LIFE

Gurpreet Kaur

New light on old dust, Trying to catch it, To live it againI couldn’t move, Years later, it remained still...

I ran between mustard, The childhood innocence, Left the voices, the faces, the doors, and the fields there.

GERMINATON - AFTER RAIN Gurpreet Kaur

The street remembers water, The way a Palm remembers lines, The way ink remembers Paper, Everything goes quieter, Now that the sky has finished speaking. Clouds hold it for a while before letting it go, Leaving dryness on the edge of things, Learning how to be light again. A door opens somewhere, The book awaits for next chapter, A bicycle passes by, Coffee brewed again, Light hits windows before breaking into million pieces, The soil smells like it did before anyone named it. Nothing is new, Nothing is broken, Universe just finished it's small and necessary things, Before beginning next, One at the time.

Project Undine: A Prayer for Darkness Usaid Syed

Among the trees lies the unknown, Hidden in foliage, Never to be seen, A shine never disappearing. The enchanting light of centuries old, A mystifying allure of kingdom falls, Oh, Bearer of Light, the banisher of shadows, Rise, for darkness has risen Oh knights of kingdoms long lost, Drop your weapons, For the darkness will fall, Surely, it will fall Oh, cursed beings of voids unknown, Rise, for your tomorrow is now, Rise, for your destiny has turned Rise, for your mission’s end The smell of iron perturbs us, The sky gleams of orange, longing, Dying, unending orange, A sky devoid of beauty

The hills of freedom lay bleeding, Of whom only fragile petals remain, Meandering, to reach the unknown, As this world is no longer home. That’s why we pray for the light, An unending allure, that never… That will never reach us. The glimpse of a promise unfulfilled The sky of orange, cannot be our end The world of red lilies, cannot be our salvation The smell of blood, cannot be our future The battlefield, cannot be our retribution Yet, the world has forsaken us. So, we call upon thee, The bearer of light, The king of darkness

What about the future? Darryll Bhakti Rehagana We’ll try again one day. We can do it one day. But maybe not today. I realized that I am not even a big fish in a small pond. I will die and be eaten alive in the big pond. My time is near. Here it is, my friend. Ready or not, we got to keep going. Living my boring little life, Again and again and again. Trying to feed my brain with all the knowledge, But I just can’t keep up. The world moves too fast for me. When can I rest? Because even when I try my hardest, I still cannot be the best. Am I destined to fail? If so, why does my brain have the capacity to make a big dream seem feasible?

Am I a failure? Because I can’t seem to compete with my peers. Am I stupid? Because when I thought I was doing my best, there are others who will always be better than me. I don’t even know how many “others” are out there. How many people am I competing with? Well the pond seems so small, Yet I still can’t get the better of the others. Now the real journey begins. The small fish is going to be tossed into the sea. No more small ponds. No more little competition. How am I going to survive this?

....

Kanwaljit Singh

: Hey! Hi... Mm I just have a thought that how would it feel to be pen without ink, or how would it feel when you have a lot to say but only thing you do is think... : Hmm... I would say it’s an honour to be dishonoured by you, when I look empty but can’t hide my emotions from you, it isn’t crazy that there are lot a of people with whom I can talk but I still choose you. Yeah... I am crazy because you are the character and I the creator and I still talk back with you. : You think you have chosen me! Like you have some kind of lore! Before me you were just writing about gore. In past your writings were mediocre and bore. See I even do disrespect with rhymes and you still think you have chosen me Ah! Like you had some strong core. : Oh, is this really you, speaking like a little devil? Oh, fairy, you! I am the GOD, The CREATOR. I might not rhyme, but I can dig deep and put you there in hell and never let you escape. There are many characters in line to get voice isn’t it worrying you!

Why I can’t!

Kanwaljit Singh

I can make it rain, I can make the sun shine brighter than ever or I can even kill The God but does it have a meaning if there’s no one to see it, if there’s no one to feel it. I can make dolphins roar through skies, I can make pigeons deep dive to the ocean floor or I can even make all the truth lies but does it have a meaning if there’s no one to believe it. I can take people’s sight and replace it with foresight or I can even make people jump through different time, timelines but does it have a meaning if there’s no future for humankind. I can end hunger, drought and strikes, I can make countries run free from corruption or I can erase people who take illegal brides but does it have a meaning if people start living forgetting hardwork and their creative mind.

What Is Truly Freedom? Van Tuan Anh Din (Leo)

"I thought on the other side of the sea... there was freedom. But I was wrong. It's enemies. If we kill all our enemies... over there... will we finally be free?" Eren Yeager

Slave

Kanwaljit Singh

Are we bound to someone? If yes, how can we be free? Is it really fun to have our own will? Or is it just a word? Is there really something that’s free? How can someone really answer these questions? When I have never seen someone really free? Even monks and saints are bound to God, Rich are tangled in shares and money, Activists are trying to save their different interests, So, who can answer these questions? When the middle class don’t have time to think, Here I am, struck again, who is really free from everything? Who will answer my queries? …

Temptation of Icarus Rad Karim

How high can you go? With dreams and a heart full of hope? Raise your hand to the sky, Can you hold on to the light? The voices of the heavens, Can you hear them? Screaming out your name, Calling you to go But your feet are stuck beneath the surface Hands both chained firm to earth Yet your heart still carries forth You say “Give me some wings so sparkling bright, I wanna fly up and touch clouds in the sky” Mesmerised, hypnotised, The voices call out, singing... “Come to me Icarus, Fly to me Icarus, Don’t listen to what they all say. You’ll be fine as long as I Am here – I’ll be your guide On this bright, blissful day. Just close your eyes and call my name, Hold my hand you’ll be okay. Soar to me Icarus, Follow your heart, I promise I’ll keep you safe.” The sweet honey choir, Carried by golden threads, Blinding lies of grandeur echo in your head. Caramel dropping like rain off your back, Melting away. 31

I once believed in red Troy Adela

I once believed in red-hearted people. But I’m glad I learned how to swear as a child. I decided the floor hurts more. Until the days went by. But I’m glad they taught me how to swear in middle school. Now my heart knows how to bear it. Until the days went by. Yet you don’t see me bleeding on the floor. Now my heart knows how to bear it. Maybe red is just one tear among many. I once believed in red-hearted people. Even with my head, which you dragged across the room. I decided the floor hurts more.

Just Photos

Kanwaljit Singh

Photography by Kanwaljit Singh 35

June

Rad Karim

ENTROPY Gurpreet Kaur

Behind the brick walls and trees, sunset in BASSIAN, I walked through it all, leaving my shadow behind, One of the last times...

Footsteps faded into dust, I left the unfinished pieces of me there, Water and memory mixed, I held both tightly, Before letting them go...

The Machine

Darryll Bhakti Rehagana You always thought your dream would come true. You thought you could be successful. But you forgot that it is not you, It’s the damn system that you live in. You know, my son, It is not your fault. It’s the machine that’s always hungry and doesn’t know what enough is. It’s the machine that only works with the exploitation of many to benefit some. So welcome, my son. Welcome to the machine. Strange frequencies coming in and out your ears. You feel like a race car. You have to do your fastest and best while people watch from a far. Who are these people, you might ask? Well, they are part of the machine itself. The machine ripped their human brains and hearts apart. Now they left with cold blooded blood that runs to every inch of their bodies, Where they don’t know mercy only want more to see. So welcome, my friend. Welcome to the machine.

(inspired by the song “Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd)

Blackout Poetry

Rad Karim

Jovan Pepin Kim

Amanpreet Kaur 40

Darryll Bhakti Rehagana 41

Gurpreet Kaur

Rad Karim

Cultural Painting Workshop Hi, this is Yogita working as columbia college library events and outreach person, and I this semester summer 2026 hosted a cultural painting workshop where people showed up and did beautiful artworks. I was so proud of this because this is my first job and so many people gave support and their love to me, even though I was on my lowest point in my life. My friends, library staff and college students helped me to get through it, i appreciate that a lot.

Yogita

Su May Myo Paing (Jewel)

Dilpreet Singh

Rad Karim 46

Gurjot Singh

Jasleen 47

Yogita This painting i made in the memory of my lost father. I lost my father this starting summer semester, and this painting shows Ganga river in Varanasi which is the most famous river in India because it is believed that if somebody dies and their ashes are poured in this river, they get moksha means end of life cycle, they remain attached close to god and they stay at Ganga river in peace. 48

My View

Avigail Jezreel Halim

Oh CC

Samuel Getachew

Building as blue as the sky, With a snail colony that fills you with curiosity. You make your way to the library to see A room of diversity. Books expanding your mind, friends worldwide expanding your eyes. Oh no, you're sick in wintertime, But have no fear, for Nurse Claire clears all tears. Go grab a snack by the desk, Filling your day with small acts of kindness. Are you late? For your class begins. Do you have a clue what to do? For the teacher is there to teach you, out of the mess you put your mind through. Oh, Columbia, how you gave a voice to the voiceless with the gift of education. The community we connect with helps us help those around us. For I will never be the same.

Photography by Gurpreet Kaur 51

A Transition

Pawandeep Kaur

Moving from one place to another Who knows what life will give to discover. Sitting by the beach experiencing sunset The best moment I haven’t done yet. Sitting at one place kept thoughts, But travelling and moving teach lessons that books never taught. Four quiet walls once held my tears, Filled with overthinking and silent fears. But the world outside is wide and free, Much bigger than the room that once held me. The waves remind me life will flow, Through every high and every low. Sometimes we lose, sometimes we mend, Sometimes we part from a trusted friend. And though my heart still wonders where My brother walks and how his days fare, I hope the wind that crosses the sea Carries a little piece to him—and to me. Tonight, I sit here calm and alone, Yet somehow I feel I have finally grown.

From Meeting FIFA Presidents to World Cup Magic Yassine Ben Romdhane

This summer in Vancouver has been nothing short of absolute magic, and the energy coursing through the city is something I will never, ever forget! Standing right in the middle of Granville Street transformed into a pulsating, global heartbeat during the World Cup, the atmosphere was completely electric. Shut down to traffic from Georgia to Davie, the iconic strip became a massive open-air celebration where cultures collided in a brilliant sea of flags, jerseys, and collective euphoria. Walking through the pedestrian zone felt like touring the entire world in a single afternoon—sharing high-fives and chants with strangers who had crossed oceans just to be part of the excitement. Amidst the incredible street parties and surreal match-day vibes, the summer got even crazier when I found myself sharing once-in-a-lifetime moments, from trading smiles with national team players roaming the city to actually meeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino himself. It wasn't just about the games played inside BC Place; it was the magic of a city opening its arms, bringing humanity together through the beautiful game, and giving us the most breathtaking summer of our lives.

Contributor Bios Ashninder Singh Rao (he/him) Simple life, beautiful views, and long drive

Alexander Troy Adela (he/him) Your favourite lactose intolerant writer is back with the writing. Avigail Jezreel Halim (she/her) Avigail was born and raised in Singapore, currently in the high school programme. Bablish Jindal (she/her) Whatever! Brainy Thy (she/her) Brainy Thy was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She loves journaling, detecting rainbows, and staring at the colours of the sky. She also likes listening to raindrops, but hates walking on the flimsy layer of rain on the concrete ground. Cihan Hamdard (he/him) Cihan is originally from Afghanistan and raised in Türkiye. He is currently studying at Columbia College and hopes to become a software engineer in the future. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, going to the gym, and learning about technology. Darryll Bhakti Rehagana (no pronouns) Anarchist Artist, something the state will never understand. No one is free until everyone is free! Donna Tarwireyi (she/her) Born and raised in Zimbabwe

🇿🇼

Gurpreet Kaur (she/her) The ache knows no cure– I’ll tell my tale when ink endures. Currently, I’ma Do My Thiiing

Jovan Pepin Kim (he/him) From Indonesia, been in Vancouver for a year. He likes arts and science. Kanwaljit Singh (he/him) Kanwaljit is trying his best to write something good and something that is meaningful to him. He enjoys long walks, mountains, and music. Pawandeep Kaur (she/her) Pawan is originally from India and believes that growth begins where comfort ends. She enjoys running, exploring nature, and discovering new experiences that challenge and inspire her. She hopes to continue learning, making meaningful connections, and leaving a positive impact wherever life takes her. Phoo Pyae Sone (Phoo) (she/her) Phoo is a Science Peer Tutor and Student Representative at Columbia College, and studying associate of general science. She loves connecting with peers, getting involved on campus, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. She is excited to share some of her favorite college memories in this magazine! Rad Karim (they/them) Born in Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Spiritually a disembodied blob, physically the embodiement of chaos. Fuelled exclusively by white peach RedBull and has since grown wiiings! Samuel Getachew (no pronouns) Flips convos, turns words into gold, From Ethiopia to the world, let the stories be told. Tawanda Rateyiwa (he/him) Tawanda is a Zimbabwean teenager who was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Tina Ghofrani (she/her) A Persian girl shaped by the spirit of Rumi, with a deep love for reading, writing, and exploring new journeys in life. Usaid Syed (he/him) A once dedicated (but now living in the hollows of his own limelight) author who decided to get a bit too creative and burned out.

Van Tuan Anh Dinh (Leo) (he/him) Leo is a high school student at Columbia College. He grew up in Haiphong, Vietnam. His hobbies are fashion and chess. He loves to hang out with his friends and work out often. Yassine Ben Romhdane (he/him) Yassine is a computer science student at Columbia College in Vancouver, a passionate football enthusiast, and a content creator who experienced the 2026 FIFA World Cup firsthand from the heart of the host city. Yogita (she/her) Hi, my name is Yogita, I am a person who loves to do human, animal portraits, sketches, and colourful paintings. I love to watch aircrafts and eat tasty food.

Words

Lettering

Tim Yernar

Violet Charlotta

Photo Ashley Nicole Gabriel

A few words from our editors: Stories begin as thoughts that exist only in someone's mind. A memory, a question, a feeling, or a moment that refuses to be forgotten. Through writing and art, those private experiences become something shared, allowing us to connect with people we may never have met and perspectives we may never have considered. Working on this issue reminded me that every submission carries a piece of its creator. As I read, copyedited, and helped design these pages, I had the privilege of seeing not only the final works but also the care, courage, and creativity behind them. Bringing so many different voices together into a single publication is a process that often happens quietly behind the scenes, but it is one I have come to deeply appreciate! While working on this issue, I often found myself pausing to admire the different ways people make sense of the world. Some pieces ask questions, others search for answers, and many simply capture a moment worth remembering. Together, they remind us that creativity is not just about producing something beautiful—it is about sharing a part of ourselves and discovering that others may see a piece of themselves in it too. To every writer, artist, photographer, editor, and reader: thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for trusting us with your work and for giving life to these pages. I hope that somewhere in this issue you find a line, an image, or a story that stays with you long after you have finished reading. Tina Ghofrani, Editor, 438 Editorial Team

The 438 Literary Magazine series has been a passion project. I truly consider it among my “brain babies.” These have been some of the most frustrating, mindnumbing, palpitation-inducing, tear-jerking, wholesome, and exciting experiences of my life, and I owe it all to each contributor, editor, and club member. I joined the Creative Writing Club on it’s 2nd or 3rd official meeting in Fall 2023 after being invited by Margaret, who was my English100 professor at the time. Since then, I’ve attended nearly every meeting– even when I physically wasn’t even in Canada! To think that it’s already been three whole years of this club, and 2½ years of this magazine running... wow. Where did all the time go? In Summer 2024, we lost our former president, Tim, and I had suddenly been thrust into the role of Club Leader. I was on vacation abroad and we were in the middle of producing our 2nd issue. Oh what a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities! This 7th issue is very important to me. It’s likely my last as the head of the project and I really wanted to end on the highest of notes. It wasn’t easy juggling final-term chaos with the chaos brought by the average editorial process, but hey, I get a lovely team to help out! I can’t thank Tina and Margaret enough! They did most of the editing work, which I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. We started off with very few submissions, but then a sudden wave of pieces hit us like a tsunami! That was awesome to have. And to see so many new and enthusiastic contributers just fill my heart up with utmost joy! I can’t wait to see how this project continues in the future! From my very first semester at Columbia College, to now my very last, the Creative Writing Club and this amazing magazine, has been a constant and consistent part of my life. I deeply cherish every single moment, every single memory, with these amazing people that I can proudly call my friends. So thank you for picking up this issue of the 438 Literary Magazine, and for supporting us through this epic journey! Though our future may be uncertain, I hope you continue supporting the project! Now finally, for what may be the last time, this has been your Club Leader and Art Director, Rad, officially signing out. :) Rad Karim, Art Director, 438 Editorial Team

438

As crystalline crystalline snow snow melts melts in in the the blistering blistering summer sun, sun, as once vibrant flowers wilt, as sandcastles and inscriptions get swept away by the oncoming tide painted by the setting sun, through tears tears of of glee glee and and bittersweet bittersweet memories, with the aging time cascading cascading away, away, all good things must someday come to to end end -a poem -a poem by by radrad-

cover photography by rad

Columbia college creative writing club