Dedication

May these poems be a tribute to the beauty and intricacy of love, a force that transforms us all. To my cherished family, whose love and encouragement have been a constant source of strength throughout the years, I am eternally grateful. To Yas, my loving husband, your devotion has fueled the fire in my heart and inspired the words within these pages. To Isa and Malik, my beloved sons, you are the stars that light my path, and my love for you knows no bounds.

To my siblings, Sophia, Jenny, Kath, and Aisha: Your unwavering belief in my writing has given me the courage to share my heart's journey. To my dearly departed mother and departed grandparents: though you are all gone, your love and guidance still resonate within me.

To Jamilah, Ahmed, and Amir; to my father; to all my friends, in-laws, and loved ones who have shared in both the joys and sorrows of love, your presence in my life has been a great gift. And to God, who has bestowed upon me a love for language and poetry that has carried me through my darkest hours, I humbly dedicate this book, with the hope that it will inspire and give birth to many more.