It rained today; on my birthday. It usually does. This morning, I watched the sun rise while lounging on a fluffy, throw pillow next to the glass doors leading into my garden. One door was slightly ajar, and the weather was chilly, but I was quite warm sipping hot, chai tea in my thick, white robe. I’ve always loved how the world smells when it rains, and time seemed to slow down as I watched water droplets dance atop my...

Listen to poetry in motion. "Twilight." Written, performed and produced by Bella Graham. Composition by Will Dwine. Copyright © Muse by Midnight 2022

Over the years, I’ve collected friends like souvenirs carefully selected before a departure. They’re living mementos of my travels and breathing snapshots of moments captured in time. Scattered across the world, we catch up when we can. It’s always nice to receive a “local’s tour” whenever you visit a faraway city, and I enjoy returning the favor when they come to mine. As a woman who often travels alone, remaining present and intentional in a world that demands hypervigilance can...