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Performativity

By Kat Abdallah

My teachers ask me
after seven months of genocide
if I’m holding up alright.

Have you called your reps?

I wish people would stop emailing me to ask what they can do.
I don’t have energy
to give you a gold star
for reposting Al Jazeera to your Instagram story.

Yes, I’m fine.
I woke up in a bed this morning while
my cousin’s bed was bombed

 


 

 

Listen as Kat Abdallah reads Performativity.

Added: Friday, August 23, 2024  /  Used with permission.
Kat Abdallah
Photo by Meghan McCloud.

Kat Abdallah (she/her) is a Palestinian-American writer, educator, and advocate for refugees. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kat is currently pursuing a PhD in creative writing from Oklahoma State University. Her work has appeared in Adi Magazine, Rising Phoenix Review, Sundog Lit, The Los Angeles Review, and Welter. In her free time, Kat is a storyteller in community theater and competitive cosplay.

Image Description: Kat Abdallah is a Palestinian American woman with long brown hair. She wears round glasses and a black shirt. Kat smiles and stands in front of a grey brick wall.

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