Songs of My Grandmother

A collection of poetry and prose that offers comfort, community, and belonging through stories of love, loss, change, and rebirth. I want to share the stories I kept silent, in the hope that I and those who read my book will feel freer from me doing so. "Songs" are the stories, poems, and prayers shared with a community. They include the lived experiences of those both older and younger than you, that help you grow and learn to be more yourself, celebrate your individuality, andabove allrealize that you are not alone on your journey. The daughter of Pakistani-Muslim immigrants who moved to South Texas to give their daughter a better life, Sara Surani explores universal feelings and experiences through poetry, prose, memoir-style writing, and vignettes inspired by her work with women and girls across the globe. Each chapter uses color to evoke a feeling: Violet: the gut punch of loss Indigo: a slow, lonely grief Blue: anxiety, fear, and uncertainty Green: when spring returns to you Yellow: the first ray of sun on snow, a thawing Orange: a warm cup of tea, hope Red: fire, rebirth, an inner spark So often we are told that the core of spiritual development is "inner work," but this book is about all that we share and conjures a deep sense of belongingone that is needed now, more than ever.