3 Quotes by Rafeif Ismail

In this nation people assume they can write your story from beginning to end, and wait for you to fall into place on the stage that has been set, it is why every conversation scans like a hostage negotiation, with your humanity being the item that's up for deliberation.

He called you beautiful, for a black girl and you kissed him. It would not be the last time someone would pay you a provisional compliment, nor the last time you accept it. Back then, you had not yet realized, that those who view your beauty conditionally, undoubtedly felt the same towards your humanity.

You remember something about how the difference between the lifespan of a hummingbird and a whale is the speed of its heart; you can’t bring yourself to care. You’ve lived eternities for mayflies; maybe forever is only until a soul gives up.