Haibun Burning A City

I’ve never seen rocks thrown at the windows of my favorite cafe until January. I’ve never seen the gem of the city on fire, but that changed in January. I’ve never smelled the freshness of a sunny January morning paired with ashes until January. I’ve never felt the stickiness of blood on the pavement, but I did in January. I’ve never fried bread on a stovetop, but I learned to do that in January. I’ve never dissolved milk powder in water, but I did in January and hated it. I thought I’d never see troops flood my city or little fires fly in the night though in January, I did. I’ve never been prohibited from going online by the president until January. I’ve never forced week-old soup down my throat, but I did in January. I’ve never tried to foster dreams in a blanket full of sickness’ thick scent, but I did in January. I’ve never understood the power of hope, but in January, that was all I had. 

I’ve never seen rocks thrown at the windows of my favorite cafe until January. I’ve never seen the gem of the city on fire, but that changed in January. I’ve never smelled the freshness of a sunny January morning paired with ashes until January. I’ve never felt the stickiness of blood on the pavement, but I did in January. I’ve never fried bread on a stovetop, but I learned to do that in January. I’ve never dissolved milk powder in water, but I did in January and hated it. I thought I’d never see troops flood my city or little fires fly in the night though in January, I did. I’ve never been prohibited from going online by the president until January. I’ve never forced week-old soup down my throat, but I did in January. I’ve never tried to foster dreams in a blanket full of sickness’ thick scent, but I did in January. I’ve never understood the power of hope, but in January, that was all I had.

ashes stick to bread. 

In January, I learned 

to hate the fried night. 

Asyl Ospan is an interdisciplinary artist from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her art stretches across multiple mediums, including but not limited to creative writing, dance, music, and theatre. She especially loves to create artwork reflective of her Kazakh heritage. Asyl’s work was recognized at the International Songwriting Competition 2021 and Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2024. In her free time, Asyl likes to cook, make TikTok content about Kazakh culture, and learn phrases in different languages from her friends. She will graduate from Interlochen Arts Academy in May 2025.