In summer 2018, writer Sorayya Khan invited me to submit new work to Desi Writer’s Lounge’s latest Papercuts issue, Nomad. The online publication was launched on December 31, 2018, and the publication features essays, stories, poems, and images by more than 30 writers and visual artists. I’m delighted that the publication contains three new poems and images from my On Belonging project.

I’ve only just begun to read through some of the material and have far to go before I finish, but I can say that I am already moved. Mahmud Rahman’s essay about two languages is thought-provoking and relevant, Mehrunnisa Yusuf’s reflection on the word ‘nomad’ will ring true for many, and Asif Farrukhi’s translations of work by Azra Abbas and Tanveer Ajnum are beautiful. Knowing Sorayya’s own work and her drive to create connections around the globe, I am not surprised that Nomad is so rich in content. I’m looking forward to diving into the fiction and longer pieces.