al-majus

We flee the Empire’s breath of fire and run into its mouth for shelter. Once swallowed, we take a seat in the Monster’s belly and watch from his beady little television eyes as our loved ones who are left behind burn and die. And so it is that we exchange our vulnerability for culpability. The sulfur in the belly of the Beast reeks but also rejuvenates us. Our cars here are sleek, our complexions shiny. Eventually we become a part of the Creature. One of the many stolen appendages stitched together to form this grotesque Empire. Eventually, we become Americans.

written by Alaleh Mohajerani

first published on Substack on April 4th, 2026