Sunaya Pal
I cut my toe
for the first time
watched blood spill from my body
proof that I could break
Panicked I ran to Papa
napping in the stillness of noon
shook him awake
My small voice trembling
expecting comfort
some care
Why disturb me
This is the only sleep I get all-day
For a small toe?
I stood there
silent
the sting of his scolding
sharper than the pain in my toe
Blood dried
Something else stayed raw
Sunayna Pal’s poetry graces the pages of numerous international journals, anthologies, museums, poetry festivals, textbooks, and libraries, resonating with readers worldwide. Her debut book, Refugees in Their Own Country (B&W Fountain), narrates the Partition of India through verse and illustrations. Her second book, Please Go to the Park (Bottlecap Press), is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery. As the Director of the Poetry Academy, Sunayna nurtures a deep appreciation for poetry in others. She is dedicated to Heartfulness meditation. For a deeper insight into her work and journey, please visit sunaynapal.com. She lives in Maryland with her family.