“The Literature of the Absurd” is a reflection on prominent authors in the Absurdist tradition — Beckett, Camus and beyond — and the ways in which their writings can intertwine with life in sometimes surprising ways. My parents got the name “Doran” from a big book of baby names with storks carrying babies and kittens … [Read more…]
One night, around ten years ago in Lebanon, when I was supposed to be deep in my dreams, I came across a picture of some street in New York on a stranger’s Facebook page. I ran to my mom, asking her if we could go there in the summer, and she kept nodding her head … [Read more…]
I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me Leucospermum cordifolium (Nodding Pincushion) grew on Mars. The alien flower has a thick, rigid stalk supporting several tightly bound leaves. Atop is a spiny, golden crown — like stray hairs on a balding man’s scalp. A dandelion on steroids. You could’ve told me Leucospermum cordifolium swallowed the … [Read more…]
“Between the Black and the White” explores different moods and feelings in daily life. It is organized into different keys that set the tone for each specific piece. It tries to capture the microscopic stories of life and zoom in to examine every detail. I was standing in line for the Asian special at Wilbur Dining. … [Read more…]
After our first day of French class, I pulled Gabby aside. “Wanna go get hot chocolate?” I said. “That sounds nice,” said Gabby. I didn’t know Gabby, not well. We had mutual friends. I had met her before. But I wanted to try Parisian hot chocolate, and it was cold and Gabby seemed like the … [Read more…]
Editor’s note: this article describes harassment, gore and violence. This column seeks to connect the stories of my dreams/nightmares with my life experiences. NIGHT He had been following me for days. When I’d go to school, walk home, stop by a coffee shop – he was there. Waiting. Looking. His eyes were blue. Not the … [Read more…]
Inspired by the questions we ask in daily conversation but never find a happy conclusion for, Nonanswers explores the feelings, confusions and tribulations of Stanford students. Every essay in this column will be centered around a timely question, and will be structured around personal experiences, conversations and stories from my time on campus. Feel free … [Read more…]
How many times have you wanted to say something but stopped yourself just before you did? “Undelivered Mail” features letters thought out but never sealed and delivered: to concepts, people and navigating life, through my eyes. Dear expiry dates, For fifteen years, I didn’t believe you were real. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration; … [Read more…]
They expected me to find somewhere Some perspective, but I sat and stared Right where you left me — Right Where You Left Me, by Taylor Swift While listening to Taylor Swift’s “Right Where You Left Me” on my way back from work, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and meeting strangers’ eyes, I started thinking about … [Read more…]
Erin Choi’s column “A Summer Abroad” pieces together recollections from her pilgrimage back to Korea. Korean heat is the kind of heat that makes you feel like you’re being steamed. Sweat doesn’t evaporate. Everything bogs down, slow and soggy, and in the absence of air conditioning, I was basically debilitated. Summer afternoons at my grandmother’s … [Read more…]