Unsolicited.

write-ups by Ayicia.

[strunglikeahamstring]

the new su episode was It, chief

[inthe8]

MY AMAZING FRIEND

[inthe8]

Steve Lacy’s Apollo XXI

Steve Lacy is undeniably smooth. Despite his innocent and upright charm as he first emerged as The Internet’s gawky guitarist, Lacy is more than formidable. His bass guitar and GarageBand-produced records have graced the projects of Kendrick Lamar, Vampire Weekend, J. Cole, and, our dear Tyler, the Creator.

This time around, Lacy returns with Apollo XXI. His reemergence (a departure from his self-titled freshman EP two years prior) is sultry and daring. On tracks like ‘Playground’, Lacy experiments with his voice like never before, a venture that can only point to a new-found confidence in not only his art, but himself. Crowd favorite “N Side” reveals a slyer—shall we say more “lusty”—aspect of adult Steve Lacy. A sonically gorgeous reflection of growth from the once timid high school kid.

[inthe8]

On Megan Thee Stallion and Her Love for Anime

And cartoons. According to stereotype, black girls from the South aren’t supposed to be into this stuff. Especially not the ones who have a sex appeal strong enough to make everyone in a room readjust. Contrary to this stereotype, however, Megan Thee Stallion – the Houston rapper whose audacious attitude is steadily hypnotizing the public eye  – showcases both her anime and cartoon appreciation in (almost) everything she does. In her words, “Bad b*tches can like anime too”. 

1. Todoroki Tina

In her beloved half crimson and half blonde hair, Megan draws influence from the My Hero Academia character Shoto Todoroki. So much so, when she dons her half-and-half look, she refers to herself as the alliterated “Todoroki Tina”, deriving the “Tina” from Pimp C’s “Tony Snow”.

2. Buttercup

Megan Thee Stallion is wealthy, okay? In her 2019 single “Sex Talk”, she affirms her wealth by showing off her Cartoon Network knowledge. She raps: “B*tch, I got green like I’m Buttercup”. Buttercup, of course, is the feisty, spicy, mean-mugging warrior from the 1998 show PowerPuff Girls, who was accidentally created in a lab by Professor Utonium. Like Buttercup, Megan’s presence is in your face, demanding, and unapologetic.

3. Danny Phantom

Hot Girl Meg is known for her seemingly effortless yet highly flammable freestyles on Instagram. In one of her latest, Megan tells us peasants “I want a n*gga that eat it so good/ Ima jump out my body like I’m Danny Phantom”. For those who don’t know, Danny is both human and ghost. That explains the whole “leaving the body”, thing.

4. Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, and Street Fighter

In Part 1 of her Fire In the Booth freestyle, featured on Apple Music, Megan delivers us a triple punch. She packs in Pokémon, Street Fighter, and,

Dragon Ball Z references all in the same breath: “Got the moves like I’m Ryu/ Yellow diamonds, Pikachu/ When I switch my hair to blonde/ I’m finna turn up like Goku”.

-

To conclude, “Bad b*tches can like anime too”.

[inthe8]

Hi

[inthe8]

creative black women you should know

Magic runs through all black women. Everywhere. It’s an unshakeable ancestral prize that has influenced fashion designers to popstars. There’s so many of us, that it may be difficult to pinpoint us all. Never fear, because I can happily direct you to some! Here are a few young, gifted, and black women that should be on your radar.

Neff Davis (aka FilmColors):

Street smart, style smart, hotel smart and film smart. DMV native Neffatari Davis is a director and color-theorist (in fact, she was the one who inspired me to explore color theory and cinematography). Having worked for HBO and Playboi Carti, the uber-gifted Neff is a force to be reckoned with. Like Jessica Pressler wrote, Neff has an eye for detail: color, symbols, and references. For all the film buffs, look out for Neff’s upcoming projects (such as the Anna Delvey film coming to Netflix)!

www.Film-colors.com

Alice (aka, Creepy Bad Witch):

This anime loving, book guzzling, skincare sorceress concocts candles, face masks, shower gel potions, and a shit-ton more salves and serums for the body and mind. Over the years, her (brilliant) shop has gone through its series’ of transformations, switching from the name Shrine of 9 (her birthday is 09/09/1990) to Filthy Cosmetics. No matter the name, Alice is a walking orb of creativity, from her tattoos to her product names. Get familiar!

www.filthycosmetics.com

Pea the Feary:

This Afro-Futurist is the future. Pea the Feary is an artist in every sense of the word. She creates portraits of ethereal beings such as the aforementioned Alice and Frank Ocean, crafts pins based on your zodiac sign, and graphic designs posters with messages that you need to hear. Do yourselves a favor and buy something from this magical black girl.

www.peathefeary.com

Tierra Whack:

Step into Philly rapper Tierra Whack’s “Whack World”, and you’ll quickly realize that it is anything but. Traveling from room to room and world to world, Tierra delivers nothing but excellence through the use of clever concepts, sly lyricism, and genius melodies: dancing with muppets in a cemetery, using her nails to tell a story, and beautifying a taxidermed dog. Indulge in Tierra’s latest project on YouTube.

Aurum Amare:

Quality, handmade, homegrown, and original clothes that include plus sized women? You’re not dreaming. Aurum, (while going to school and interning, mind you) co-owns a boss business called Pink Plastic, with options ranging from modest to revealing. Whether you want to serve school girl or silked down sophistication, Pink Plastic has options for everyone.

www.shoppinkplastic.com

Shade Renee:

“O-P-U-L-E-N-C-E. Opulence”. A self proclaimed “Entreprenegro”, Shade is the owner of the luxurious Spilling Pearls. Inspired by the posh opulence of high fashion, Shade includes diamonds, polished garments, and well…pearls, into her gorgeous brand. If you’ve been looking for a black owned high end retailer, you’ve found one.

www.pearls.studio

Renell Medrano

From Solange to Bella Hadid, to Kelela to A$AP Ferg, Renell has pointed her magic lens towards a plethora of people. Hailing from the Bronx, Medrano experienced life through her lens, hence her focus on documentary photography. Both unsuspecting and glorious, her subjects are always captured personally and beautifully.

www.renellmedrano.com

Eryn Amel

Mom, poet, and entrepreneur? Yes. Eryn Amel is the creator of what I’ll call a Statement Shop. Her shirts read “It is Impossible To Shame a Woman Who is Unashamed”—all of her merchandise a blatant “fuck you” to patriarchy and misogyny. Whether you’re experiencing what this wickedly intelligent woman has to offer though her poetry books or her Instagram, Eryn is definitely a creative black woman you should be hip to.

www.erynamelshopee.bigcartel.com

Warsan Shire

Choosing just one, sole quote to introduce Warsan is impossible. Warsan Shire is a wordsmith whose works focus on identity—what it makes you, and turns you into. Author of “Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth”, Warsan’s work was also featured in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” (she penned all of the poems). Simply put, Shire’s work cuts deep. She articulates painfully common complexities women (particularly Somali women) endure in a way that is precise, and at times, uncomfortable.

Get her book here

Nathalie Owusu

Ghanaian beauty blogger Nathalie does makeup. And, she does it well. With her expertise ranging from the perfect smokey eye on dark skin to the perfect bright lip, Nathalie has got you covered. Paired with her display of makeup looks, Nathalie offers indispensable advice for black girls, particularly ones with darker skin: “To all my chocolate girls: wear those pastels, that ruby red lip, those bright colors”. Owusu has modeled for the (amazing) skincare company Girl Co. Watch her latest video, and subscribe to her YouTube Channel here.

Creative black women exist in multitudes. It’s impossible to name us all. Know any more creative black women? Name them in your response to this post!

[azu203]

Nathalie has released an eyeshadow palette called the Flossy palette!!! If you have the money, please go and support her !!!

[inthe8]

Why Frank Ocean’s 30th Birthday Party Was So Important

Whether @frankocean realizes it or not, his drag ball inspired birthday party was a major act of self acceptance, and an outright defiance of heteronormativity.

In a warmly lit room, filled with fine art, chandeliers, and Greek architecture, the ineffable Frank Ocean sauntered, strutted, and vogued in three outfits—all of them involving glitter. On his face he wore golden Gucci sunglasses in the shape of pineapples. Beneath the glasses? A face full of make-up.

The theme of the night was ‘Paris Is Burning’—a Jennie Livingston documentary following drag balls in 80s Harlem. Attendees packed on the shimmer, but what makes this even more noteworthy, is that many of the guests identified as men.

Mac Demarco, @illegalcivilization, Brad Pitt, Tyler, the Creator, Amine, and Luka Sabbat were just some of the guests who showed up in eyeliner and x-strapped jumpsuits to the “Legendary House of Ocean Ball”. This was a safe space. Outside the ballroom walls exists a world of soul destroying hyper-masculinity and homophobia—where trans women are murdered by the dozens, LGBTQ+ nightclubs are attacked, laws that allow gender neutral bathrooms are repealed, and shock therapy for LGBTQ+ youth is still an ongoing debate.

These truths are particularly prevalent in black communities, where black boys are usually disallowed to be vulnerable or carefree. When they are emotional they are told to “Man up”, when they wear tight or bright clothing they are told “That’s gay” (implying that gayness is something shameful), and understand the unspoken rule: “Don’t even think about showing affection to a friend of the same gender”.

Now, imagine being openly LGBTQ+ in these toxic, heteronormative, hyper-masculine, and homophobic communities. Children are ostracized, they commit suicide, they’re harassed in the streets and at school, and they get told that God is condemning them to hell from their family and priests.

These factors, amongst countless others, can make one feel alone and defeated, to say the least. Which is why when figures such as Prince or Frank Ocean, and images such as Young Thug in a dress come around, we treasure them. LGBTQ+ youth have the space to take a breath of fresh air. When a young, LGBTQ+, black person can scroll down their newsfeed and see Frank Ocean prancing around blissfully in iridescent pants with make-up on, a door opens for self acceptance and inspiration.

When there’s a room full of their favorite artists and actors wearing winged eyeliner and glittery highlighter, they begin to see that maybe, just maybe, the narrative of non binary people being unholy and set for damnation is false. Because it is. Maybe, just maybe, they can be gay and care free, trans and care free, bisexual and care free. So, on the night of October 28, 2017, when Frank Ocean twirled and posed and vogued, it was more than just a party. It was revolutionary. It was self love. Triumphant. And, it was protest.

[inthe8]

‘the first purge’: social horror

“May God be with you all”. Such is the message that the government broadcasts to the low income, POC neighborhood of Park Hill, Staten Island. Being a Purge Virgin, and being oblivious to the anticipation of this new film, I expected white-masked figures on bicycles, gallavanting around the city and causing chaos. In reality ty, ‘The First Purge’ was extremely socially charged—embodying a very real aspect of the marginalized experience: social horror.

We are all baring witness to the rise of ‘social horror’. Like Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’, ‘The First Purge’ (directed by Gerard McMurray) injects into the viewer a discriminatory, yet widespread brand of horror. Though one can’t ignore or shake the pang of demons lurking in the creaky attic above them, millions have managed to speed walk past, turn a blind eye to, and downright dismiss this brand of horror: The Isms. Classism. Racism. To summarize ‘The First Purge’: A psychologist initiates a 12-hour night of legalized crime, referred to as “the experiment”. The test is to gauge whether or not suspending shame and consequence is healthy for the human psyche. Like most initiatives, the psychologist’s incentive (though morally skewed to begin with) is corrupted by an organization called the NFFA (the New Founding Fathers of America). This organization essentially attempts to eradicate the lower class by disguising government militia as community gangs who actively and intensely work to annihlate the community of Park Hill.

I’ve grown up in a low income, black community. For those reasons, I was able to identify to the content of the film—this insatiable looming of paranoia, looking out for both the police and neighborhood violence. This could mean being caught in the midst of gang violence, sexual assault, or robbery. To IndieWire, McMurray explains, “What I see is scarier than the ghosts...K.K.K in the streets at night, Charlottesville, that’s scary.”

The cast of ‘The First Purge’ is almost entirely black and brown—each of them aware of the extreme measures the community must take to attain a means of survival in Park Hill. The NFFA takes advantage of this ploy to purge Staten Island of the lower class, offering residents $5,000 to refrain from evacuating during the night of horror, while increasing their rewards for participating in the killings. Moreover, residents take on the role of doing the NFFA’s dirty work by killing each other themselves. I respect, profoundly, the acknowledgement of the inner battles the characters face: the test of morality vs. survival, the perceived test of masculinity Isaiah (played by Jovian Wade) experiences, and the desire to protect one’s loved ones.

‘The First Purge’ did not scare me with clowns, ghouls, or dolls. It instead unnerved me—and many—by reminding us of an everpresent pulse that beats through communities like mine, and for black and brown people all over the country.

[strunglikeahamstring]

still version of my last post bc i didnt realize tumblr would take a giganormous SHIt on the quality thats hilarious

[inthe8]

My amazing friend ^

[inthe8]

Going On Job Interviews with Social Nervousness/Anxiety

Me personally, I’ve always held strong opinions. However, they were often eclipsed by my fear of public speaking and social anxiety. This led to panic attacks and often lackluster performances where I felt that I could–and should–do better. Here are 3 things that have been helping me* with conducting interviews amidst nervousness :

1. Breathing Through It

Yeah, this phrase is redundant. I think it’s only redundant because it has some merit. Often times, I rush through speaking to just get it over with, leading to that feeling of regret and sub-par performance. So, take a few breaths! Really. Center yourself, and get back to your state of mind, not your “marketable” state of mind.

2. Preparing For Your Interview

I’m a “wing it” kind of gal. I know I’m smart, and I know I’m articulate. But, when push comes to shove, I’m often SOL due to my failure to prepare. Panicking while being unprepared makes everything worse. So, before you head off to your interview (that you’ll do great on, by the way), take some notes. Glassdoor is a terrific website that lists common interview questions by store. Write your answers to these questions down, and study them. When it’s time to answer during the main event, you’ll remember these answers, and can flesh them out as you go along.  

3. Think of the End Goal

What are you planning on doing with the large, healthy salary you earn at your new job? Are you going to save it? Invest it? Spend it? Some call this technique visual manifestation. When going on interviews I find it extremely comforting to visualize how I’ll spend the money I earn at the job I’m gunning for: French skincare, books, indulgent, unnecessary stationary…

Anything you want is yours. This technique helps me to put my mindset in the future when I already have the job I was so unnecessarily worried about. 

4. The Amulet Effect

Maybe you have something special that helps soothe you during times of stress. If you don’t, get one. Lavender oil, a blue blanket, a heart drawn on your ankle where no one can see…the list goes on. Some people reduce this to a placebo effect. It doesn’t matter. Get your hands on something that soothes you and makes you happy. Bring it with you everywhere. 

So there you go! Happy job hunting!

* These techniques work for me. I have no jurisdiction other than what I’ve personally experienced. I’ve struggled with nervousness and bouts of panic from early on in my life. As I grow older, it’s been a little better, but of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. In any event, I help these tips are useful to you or someone you know.

[inthe8]

I got the job 🙂

[inthe8]

Today in Brooklyn. Fuck ICE and the Trump administration. (@alfonso_nyc pictured to the right)

[inthe8]

why the office’s dwight schrute should be your business role model

Let’s get this out the way: Dwight Schrute is annoying. He’s a buzzkill. A cockblocker. A stickler. In some strange, absurd way, these fun-killing atrocities can be useful. Here are some Dwight Kurt Schrute traits that could actually get you pretty far.

Enthusiasm 

Look back to Episode 10 of Season 2, Dwight is dressed up in elf ears. It’s Christmastime, and absolutely nothing calls for any type of costume. Look back to Episode 5 of Season 2, Dwight is breathing uncomfortably heavy, sludging around as Darth Vader with a lightsaber. It is in these instances where Dwight demonstrates a very important trait in any career: enthusiasm. Firstly, you should enthusiastic about year because--hopefully--you’re the one who chose it. Secondly, enthusiasm is the gateway drug that unravels a marvelous work ethic: dynamicity, doing the heavy lifting, and longevity.

Readiness

When Mike Scott gives an order, Dwight perks up. Episode 7 of Season 3: Dwight hops into the car and takes the trip to Mount Vernon in pursuit of sustaining the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin--no hesitation. Alright, alright. He’s a boss’ pet. Be that as it may, Dwight takes on every assignment at any time because he is ready for it, backed by intelligence and diligence. In short: expect the unexpected and prepare for your big breaks, just like good ol’ Dwight. 

Confidence

Nevermind how dorky the office perceives Dwight as. When Dwight speaks up, he expects to be met with respect and meaningful consideration. Confidence--a tricky little 10 letter word that very few of us are genuinely acquainted with. Maybe you're timid in the presence of authority and prestige. Dwight shows us that, no matter how lame, how dorky, how nerdy, how unbearably enthusiastic you may be, be confident in yourself, your skills, and your voice. 

[inthe8]

going on job interviews with social anxiety/nervousness

Me personally, I’ve always held strong opinions. However, they were often eclipsed by my fear of public speaking and social anxiety. This led to panic attacks and often lackluster performances where I felt that I could–and should–do better. Here are 3 things that have been helping me* with conducting interviews amidst nervousness :

1. Breathing Through It

Yeah, this phrase is redundant. I think it’s only redundant because it has some merit. Often times, I rush through speaking to just get it over with, leading to that feeling of regret and sub-par performance. So, take a few breaths! Really. Center yourself, and get back to your state of mind, not your “marketable” state of mind.

2. Preparing For Your Interview

I’m a “wing it” kind of gal. I know I’m smart, and I know I’m articulate. But, when push comes to shove, I’m often SOL due to my failure to prepare. Panicking while being unprepared makes everything worse. So, before you head off to your interview (that you’ll do great on, by the way), take some notes. Glassdoor is a terrific website that lists common interview questions by store. Write your answers to these questions down, and study them. When it’s time to answer during the main event, you’ll remember these answers, and can flesh them out as you go along.  

3. Think of the End Goal

What are you planning on doing with the large, healthy salary you earn at your new job? Are you going to save it? Invest it? Spend it? Some call this technique visual manifestation. When going on interviews I find it extremely comforting to visualize how I’ll spend the money I earn at the job I’m gunning for: French skincare, books, indulgent, unnecessary stationary…

Anything you want is yours. This technique helps me to put my mindset in the future when I already have the job I was so unnecessarily worried about. 

4. The Amulet Effect

Maybe you have something special that helps soothe you during times of stress. If you don’t, get one. Lavender oil, a blue blanket, a heart drawn on your ankle where no one can see…the list goes on. Some people reduce this to a placebo effect. It doesn’t matter. Get your hands on something that soothes you and makes you happy. Bring it with you everywhere. 

So there you go! Happy job hunting!

* These techniques work for me. I have no jurisdiction other than what I’ve personally experienced. I’ve struggled with nervousness and bouts of panic from early on in my life. As I grow older, it’s been a little better, but of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. In any event, I help these tips are useful to you or someone you know.

[inthe8]

finding someone good in this beautiful world

In his regular attire of a striped grey shirt, he slurped and laughed and discovered. Anthony Bourdain. The most exciting global teacher to ever live. The gloriously disobedient always strike a chord: “Wherever the concierge tells you to go, don’t go there”. He wasn’t perfect (believing in perfection is an antiquated delusion), but he never failed to be heartfelt. Allergic to the practice of tongue biting, he was never afraid to speak his truth—declaring America’s return to fascism, for example (refer to the latest Rome episode of Parts Unknown).

Anthony genuinely spoke to people in a way that only a select few can. He asked, “What’s for breakfast? What’s for dinner? What’s for lunch?” In the words of Josh Homme + Mark Lanegan’s infamous theme song, the world is beautiful. Bourdain showed us that, even amongst his personal battles. Part teacher, part infinite student, Bourdain will always remain the globetrotting rockstar who helped expose the world to the world.

[healingsuggestions]

this is your nightly reminder to do something that makes you happy tonight. drink some tea, water or even coffee if you want. study a little extra so you ace that exam. curl up with a good book or a favorite movie. listen to your favorite songs before you go to sleep. you are doing so great

[inthe8]

creative black women you should know

Magic runs through all black women. Everywhere. It’s an unshakeable ancestral prize that has influenced fashion designers to popstars. There’s so many of us, that it may be difficult to pinpoint us all. Never fear, because I can happily direct you to some! Here are a few young, gifted, and black women that should be on your radar.

Neff Davis (aka FilmColors):

Street smart, style smart, hotel smart and film smart. DMV native Neffatari Davis is a director and color-theorist (in fact, she was the one who inspired me to explore color theory and cinematography). Having worked for HBO and Playboi Carti, the uber-gifted Neff is a force to be reckoned with. Like Jessica Pressler wrote, Neff has an eye for detail: color, symbols, and references. For all the film buffs, look out for Neff’s upcoming projects (such as the Anna Delvey film coming to Netflix)!

www.Film-colors.com

Alice (aka, Creepy Bad Witch):

This anime loving, book guzzling, skincare sorceress concocts candles, face masks, shower gel potions, and a shit-ton more salves and serums for the body and mind. Over the years, her (brilliant) shop has gone through its series’ of transformations, switching from the name Shrine of 9 (her birthday is 09/09/1990) to Filthy Cosmetics. No matter the name, Alice is a walking orb of creativity, from her tattoos to her product names. Get familiar!

www.filthycosmetics.com

Pea the Feary:

This Afro-Futurist is the future. Pea the Feary is an artist in every sense of the word. She creates portraits of ethereal beings such as the aforementioned Alice and Frank Ocean, crafts pins based on your zodiac sign, and graphic designs posters with messages that you need to hear. Do yourselves a favor and buy something from this magical black girl.

www.peathefeary.com

Tierra Whack:

Step into Philly rapper Tierra Whack’s “Whack World”, and you’ll quickly realize that it is anything but. Traveling from room to room and world to world, Tierra delivers nothing but excellence through the use of clever concepts, sly lyricism, and genius melodies: dancing with muppets in a cemetery, using her nails to tell a story, and beautifying a taxidermed dog. Indulge in Tierra’s latest project on YouTube.

Aurum Amare:

Quality, handmade, homegrown, and original clothes that include plus sized women? You’re not dreaming. Aurum, (while going to school and interning, mind you) co-owns a boss business called Pink Plastic, with options ranging from modest to revealing. Whether you want to serve school girl or silked down sophistication, Pink Plastic has options for everyone.

www.shoppinkplastic.com

Shade Renee:

“O-P-U-L-E-N-C-E. Opulence”. A self proclaimed “Entreprenegro”, Shade is the owner of the luxurious Spilling Pearls. Inspired by the posh opulence of high fashion, Shade includes diamonds, polished garments, and well...pearls, into her gorgeous brand. If you’ve been looking for a black owned high end retailer, you’ve found one.

www.pearls.studio

Renell Medrano:

From Solange to Bella Hadid, to Kelela to A$AP Ferg, Renell has pointed her magic lens towards a plethora of people. Hailing from the Bronx, Medrano experienced life through her lens, hence her focus on documentary photography. Both unsuspecting and glorious, her subjects are always captured personally and beautifully.

www.renellmedrano.com

Eryn Amel:

Mom, poet, and entrepreneur? Yes. Eryn Amel is the creator of what I’ll call a Statement Shop. Her shirts read “It is Impossible To Shame a Woman Who is Unashamed”—all of her merchandise a blatant “fuck you” to patriarchy and misogyny. Whether you’re experiencing what this wickedly intelligent woman has to offer though her poetry books or her Instagram, Eryn is definitely a creative black woman you should be hip to.

www.erynamelshopee.bigcartel.com

Warsan Shire:

Choosing just one, sole quote to introduce Warsan is impossible. Warsan Shire is a wordsmith whose works focus on identity—what it makes you, and turns you into. Author of “Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth”, Warsan’s work was also featured in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” (she penned all of the poems). Simply put, Shire’s work cuts deep. She articulates painfully common complexities women (particularly Somali women) endure in a way that is precise, and at times, uncomfortable.

Get her book here

Nathalie Owusu:

Ghanaian beauty blogger Nathalie does makeup. And, she does it well. With her expertise ranging from the perfect smokey eye on dark skin to the perfect bright lip, Nathalie has got you covered. Paired with her display of makeup looks, Nathalie offers indispensable advice for black girls, particularly ones with darker skin: “To all my chocolate girls: wear those pastels, that ruby red lip, those bright colors”. Owusu has modeled for the (amazing) skincare company Girl Co. Watch her latest video, and subscribe to her YouTube Channel here.

Creative black women exist in multitudes. It’s impossible to name us all. Know any more creative black women? Name them in your response to this post!

[inthe8]

RIP to a pioneer.

One could only hope to even approach the masterful standard that Anthony Bourdain has set in storytelling and in journalism. It’s hard to fathom that the following of his odysseys has come to an eternal halt. You’re in our hearts forever, Anthony.

How I love your laughing eyes

Who said crinkling was reserved for fried potatoes?

How I want to throw back glass after glass

As you ramble on about international policies and customs

Only you had the courage to discover

[inthe8]

See Her

See the woman in black. She drinks liquor as dark as mahogany. Her lips are red—like a well-fed vampire. Her apartment is big and she lives alone.

She is strong. She bites back. She wrings oppression by the neck. She’s fierce...powerful like La Dominadora. She embodies the phoenix. She’s Hades with a dagger.

She walks alone like a slender cat, roaming the streets after hours. She walks past, smelling of a spellbinding cologne. You look back, she does not. You wonder how she does it.

At home, she cannot stop spitting. Her bathroom sink looks like the soap bottle tipped over. She hacks up the clear, spitty stuff— *TEW*. Appeasement. *TEW* Diplomacy. *SPLAT* Comprimise. *TEW* Very big tears over very little things.

Like stomach acid, today’s swallowed emotions set themselves as free as the raven archetype they say she exudes.