Villages

There are not really villages in the valleys
between the mountains.

They only exist in my mind.

There are not really people
living in huts in those villages in the valleys.

They only exist in my mind.

There are not really stoves
lit by matches in the huts in the villages.

They only exist in my mind.

There are not really home cooked meals
placed from stoves to tables in the huts.

They only exist in my mind.

There are not really dirty dishes
that must be taken from tables to sinks.

They only exist in my mind.

So there will not really be fires
consuming the tables and huts.

They only exist in my mind.

Just like the incessant smell of smoke, persistent, demanding

Only exists in my mind.

Because there are not really villages in the valleys between the mountains

Only the ashes left behind.

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About the Author

Jen Fischer is a writer, mediamaker and teaching artist whose work has been featured by NBCLatino, ABC, Univision, Fusion, NBCBLK, etc. Her film “THE wHOLE” premiered at Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary Human Rights Conference. Recent publications include pieces in Ms. Magazine, Last Girls Club, Oranges Journal with an essay forthcoming in What is a Criminal? Answers from Inside the U.S. Justice System, from Routledge Press.

Jen Fischer
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