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Waterlogged
Waterlogged is a debut pamphlet from Asia Khatun that opens a window into the lives of diaspora, with themes of childhood and generational trauma, politics, mental health, immigration, and spirituality. This small but impactful pamphlet holds poetry that is insightful, lyrical and is earnestly reflective.
60 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 3, 2023
Really liked this! It perfectly captured the SA diaspora experience. I think “selfish, as I am” is my fav bc it feels like the words were pulled directly from my soul
June 29, 2023
I’m not one to usually pick up a poetry book, but this one was so beautiful. The words really touched me and some parts I could really relate to.
Amazing poetry book I’d recommend <33
Amazing poetry book I’d recommend <33
February 9, 2023
One of the best debut pieces I've read in a while! Khatun is an incredible writer and I'm blown away by all of the writing. I loved that anyone could relate to each poem, specifically South Asian women. As someone who struggles with her ethnicity and religion, this book tied both beautifully and made it seem as if both could co-exist.
My favorite poem was “Gold Reading Glasses.” To say I shed a singular tear is an understatement. I lost my grandmother when I was only ten, and before that, I had only a few memories of her. Knowing that I will never get to experience more life with her still hurts to this day, but this poem brought some comfort. Although Khatun describes physical distance, she put the thoughts I’ve had for almost a decade into words and brought them to life as there is no greater distance than death itself.
Another poem that stood out to me was “My Orphan.” Given the current events in Turkey and Syria, this poem hit deeper. The children are suffering, yet people turn a blind eye to human suffering. They attend the Grammys, spend thousands on one dress or top, or even just use the overused phrase, “Sending thoughts and prayers.” Children deserve to remain innocent and find joy in their childhood. These children have been surrounded by wreckage and disaster their entire lives because humans value materials more than other lives. This poem encompassed what is going on, despite it being a natural disaster instead of a manmade one (this time). Many children are orphaned and their lives have been turned upside down, yet people are going on about their lives as if nothing happened. I mean, since nothing happened to them, it didn’t happen to anyone.
“Liberté” also hit close to home. “I felt him undress me with his imperial gaze as he had done my mother and her mother before her…” That phrase haunts me at this point. I’m being a little dramatic, but as I read that, I realized that I can’t protect my mother from people who hate her solely based on the color of her skin, nor was she ever safe. While the British occupied India, the women who came before me had been deprived of their liberty, something I take for granted at times. When I read “I saw that my mother-tongue had been cradling me all this time,” I started to cry (yes, again.) I had spent the majority of my life speaking English and “denying” the Indian part of me. I’m starting to forget Urdu now, but I’m realizing that even though I grew up in the US and speak the language that is most frequently spoken, I will never be truly protected here, even if I am more privileged than others. India is the place I was born and probably will be the only place I will be safe (if the government there gets its act together, too.)
My favorite poem was “Gold Reading Glasses.” To say I shed a singular tear is an understatement. I lost my grandmother when I was only ten, and before that, I had only a few memories of her. Knowing that I will never get to experience more life with her still hurts to this day, but this poem brought some comfort. Although Khatun describes physical distance, she put the thoughts I’ve had for almost a decade into words and brought them to life as there is no greater distance than death itself.
Another poem that stood out to me was “My Orphan.” Given the current events in Turkey and Syria, this poem hit deeper. The children are suffering, yet people turn a blind eye to human suffering. They attend the Grammys, spend thousands on one dress or top, or even just use the overused phrase, “Sending thoughts and prayers.” Children deserve to remain innocent and find joy in their childhood. These children have been surrounded by wreckage and disaster their entire lives because humans value materials more than other lives. This poem encompassed what is going on, despite it being a natural disaster instead of a manmade one (this time). Many children are orphaned and their lives have been turned upside down, yet people are going on about their lives as if nothing happened. I mean, since nothing happened to them, it didn’t happen to anyone.
“Liberté” also hit close to home. “I felt him undress me with his imperial gaze as he had done my mother and her mother before her…” That phrase haunts me at this point. I’m being a little dramatic, but as I read that, I realized that I can’t protect my mother from people who hate her solely based on the color of her skin, nor was she ever safe. While the British occupied India, the women who came before me had been deprived of their liberty, something I take for granted at times. When I read “I saw that my mother-tongue had been cradling me all this time,” I started to cry (yes, again.) I had spent the majority of my life speaking English and “denying” the Indian part of me. I’m starting to forget Urdu now, but I’m realizing that even though I grew up in the US and speak the language that is most frequently spoken, I will never be truly protected here, even if I am more privileged than others. India is the place I was born and probably will be the only place I will be safe (if the government there gets its act together, too.)
March 25, 2023
"𝙏𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨; 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚"
This poetry book shattered my heart, picked up the pieces left, and then began to glue them together, only for them to break again. The more I began to read each piece, the more I found myself resonating with the messages the author delivers.
Waterlogged is a debut pamphlet by Asia Khatun, a collection of short poems that explores the roles and impacts of spirituality, generational trauma, childhood, culture and a sense of belonging. It examines how these themes are interwoven with diaspora, and really helps to bring about the connections that are being made for its readers.
The lyrical writing helps to deliver the underlying messages that the author places. I just love how it delivers a conversation to the readers, one that makes us think about our sense of belonging in a fragmented society. One where our troubles arise in and out of a community: from the insecurities of lacking the mother tongue, to the heartbreaking reality of a tainted bond between mother and daughter, this collection hits close to home to those that can familiarise themselves. It is something that the author does not shy away from and offers a tragic but refreshing insight in regards to these social issues.
"𝙈𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮"
The chosen diaspora I picked up ranged from the Bangladeshi community, and one where you learn about a history that is being affected by politics and trauma. '1971' is one of the many poems that examine the horror and bloodshed of a history being affected by such political factors, a starting point for the trauma that is to transpire for the next few generations. Take it as you will, but after reading this specific poem, it made me aware of how such a horrific starting point like this would end up creating a catalyst of self-destruction with a diaspora (not all times, but in the case of the poem, a keynote I had picked up). This is what makes the authors' work truly impactful. You start to think to yourself about how such historical events are a start-up for the themes that the author presents within her other poems in the anthology. How such events that not only affect the Bangladeshi diaspora but others that may have faced or have known such tragedies.
It makes you realise the harsh truth: you don't need to witness a horrific ordeal to know the impact it can bring. Its impact can happen without us even knowing in the first place.
The pamphlet opens your eyes to the world around you. It is an anthology that provides a conversation that, at first glance, may be hard to swallow. But the more you begin to read, the more you familiarise yourself with a story being told, one affected through tragedy, grief, loss, and hope.
Overall, it was an insightful and enjoyable read. The language beautifully encapsulated what it means to be someone from a diaspora that is stuck in a web of such social issues that is preventing them from moving forward. And I hope this collection can resonate with other people in the same way as it did with me.
This poetry book shattered my heart, picked up the pieces left, and then began to glue them together, only for them to break again. The more I began to read each piece, the more I found myself resonating with the messages the author delivers.
Waterlogged is a debut pamphlet by Asia Khatun, a collection of short poems that explores the roles and impacts of spirituality, generational trauma, childhood, culture and a sense of belonging. It examines how these themes are interwoven with diaspora, and really helps to bring about the connections that are being made for its readers.
The lyrical writing helps to deliver the underlying messages that the author places. I just love how it delivers a conversation to the readers, one that makes us think about our sense of belonging in a fragmented society. One where our troubles arise in and out of a community: from the insecurities of lacking the mother tongue, to the heartbreaking reality of a tainted bond between mother and daughter, this collection hits close to home to those that can familiarise themselves. It is something that the author does not shy away from and offers a tragic but refreshing insight in regards to these social issues.
"𝙈𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮"
The chosen diaspora I picked up ranged from the Bangladeshi community, and one where you learn about a history that is being affected by politics and trauma. '1971' is one of the many poems that examine the horror and bloodshed of a history being affected by such political factors, a starting point for the trauma that is to transpire for the next few generations. Take it as you will, but after reading this specific poem, it made me aware of how such a horrific starting point like this would end up creating a catalyst of self-destruction with a diaspora (not all times, but in the case of the poem, a keynote I had picked up). This is what makes the authors' work truly impactful. You start to think to yourself about how such historical events are a start-up for the themes that the author presents within her other poems in the anthology. How such events that not only affect the Bangladeshi diaspora but others that may have faced or have known such tragedies.
It makes you realise the harsh truth: you don't need to witness a horrific ordeal to know the impact it can bring. Its impact can happen without us even knowing in the first place.
The pamphlet opens your eyes to the world around you. It is an anthology that provides a conversation that, at first glance, may be hard to swallow. But the more you begin to read, the more you familiarise yourself with a story being told, one affected through tragedy, grief, loss, and hope.
Overall, it was an insightful and enjoyable read. The language beautifully encapsulated what it means to be someone from a diaspora that is stuck in a web of such social issues that is preventing them from moving forward. And I hope this collection can resonate with other people in the same way as it did with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 28, 2023relatable which always hits different tbh
December 31, 2022
An incredible debut pamphlet by an incredible writer. Every poem felt like a direct tether into the life of Khatun, her experiences, relationships and life. Yet every theme collated in this book also felt like a universal link between south Asian women everywhere, from our relationships with families, religion, culture and ourselves.
Some of my favourite poems were ones directly dedicated to loved ones, which felt as though I had dedicated them to mine (if was able to write as good). Rukhsar and Gold Reading Glasses pulled on my heartstrings but 1971, Signifiers and Left Wondering also made me appreciate so much about my own life and everything that I have been blessed with.
A very short yet impactful read, I’m so looking forward to read more from Khatun and can’t wait to reread and gift this to so many women in my life who I know will love it as much as I did.
Some of my favourite poems were ones directly dedicated to loved ones, which felt as though I had dedicated them to mine (if was able to write as good). Rukhsar and Gold Reading Glasses pulled on my heartstrings but 1971, Signifiers and Left Wondering also made me appreciate so much about my own life and everything that I have been blessed with.
A very short yet impactful read, I’m so looking forward to read more from Khatun and can’t wait to reread and gift this to so many women in my life who I know will love it as much as I did.
April 29, 2023
‘To speak is to weaponise freedom, and to write is to caress its wings, both of which I must do to survive.’
Waterlogged by Asia Khatun is a gorgeously lyrical, lingering and breathtaking debut poetry pamphlet, offering reflective observations on faith and spirituality, South Asian culture, self-preservation and global interconnectedness.
I have far too many favourite poems from this collection to name here, but the two that resonate most with me and have left behind a lasting impression since reading are the opening poem ‘Her’ and ‘Munafiq’. I can never get enough of poetry by South Asian & Muslim writers, and this is yet another beautiful collection that deserves so much praise. 🪷✨
Waterlogged by Asia Khatun is a gorgeously lyrical, lingering and breathtaking debut poetry pamphlet, offering reflective observations on faith and spirituality, South Asian culture, self-preservation and global interconnectedness.
I have far too many favourite poems from this collection to name here, but the two that resonate most with me and have left behind a lasting impression since reading are the opening poem ‘Her’ and ‘Munafiq’. I can never get enough of poetry by South Asian & Muslim writers, and this is yet another beautiful collection that deserves so much praise. 🪷✨
January 4, 2023
My favorite poems were: Remember me and To Dream of Salsabeel (this one made me cry).
December 25, 2024
such gorgeous words
January 14, 2025
i usually don't like poetry books this much but maybe i could relate to it a lot 🥹 really cute
January 12, 2023
What a beautiful debut poetry pamphlet. Asia Khatun’s poetry is exactly the kind I love to devour. Her Bengali Muslim background shines through the pages in a way that resonates with me immensely. I am looking forward to reading more of her work, when released.
Some of my favorite poems from this collection were “Stories”, “Figments”, “Gold Reading Glasses”, “Munafiq”, “Remember Me”, and “Between the Ethers”.
Some of my favorite poems from this collection were “Stories”, “Figments”, “Gold Reading Glasses”, “Munafiq”, “Remember Me”, and “Between the Ethers”.
March 8, 2024
Beautiful piece of art ♥️ The
poems are all very thoughtful and brings so much to think about, even though I have a hard time relating to a lot of the events and feelings Asia are portraying in this book. I have no immigrant parents, no “lost” mother tounge, no displacement to relate to- but I still think these are very important to discuss and educate myself on as a fellow human, even though I acknowledge that I might not be the exact target audience here. But I know that there are people out there that will be able to relate to this work on a whole other level than I can.
There are of course poems that I can relate to in a deeper way, and those really does the trick. And the line “ I’ve been carrying a child on my hip since the moment I was born” struck such a chord in me that I got all teary eyed and had to pause😅
The only thing I can say remotely negative about this pamphlet is that there is a wide variety of styles I felt like? Usually I feel like that’s the case with debit authors that they feel styles out and try them on and see what works, and I do think that Asia will find her true unique voice with time and then she’ll be unstoppable ⭐️
poems are all very thoughtful and brings so much to think about, even though I have a hard time relating to a lot of the events and feelings Asia are portraying in this book. I have no immigrant parents, no “lost” mother tounge, no displacement to relate to- but I still think these are very important to discuss and educate myself on as a fellow human, even though I acknowledge that I might not be the exact target audience here. But I know that there are people out there that will be able to relate to this work on a whole other level than I can.
There are of course poems that I can relate to in a deeper way, and those really does the trick. And the line “ I’ve been carrying a child on my hip since the moment I was born” struck such a chord in me that I got all teary eyed and had to pause😅
The only thing I can say remotely negative about this pamphlet is that there is a wide variety of styles I felt like? Usually I feel like that’s the case with debit authors that they feel styles out and try them on and see what works, and I do think that Asia will find her true unique voice with time and then she’ll be unstoppable ⭐️
May 10, 2023
truly floored. liberte, my beloved will wait, selfish as i am, remember me, life after & old friend are current favourites.
'the mirrors began to liquify and i saw what was mine was still above my head, draped like my mother's and her mother's before her and raging amber, my liberty wrapped itself around home like a noose' like what!
'dead orphan, how much is your oil?'
'somewhere between a bystander and a zealot, a martyr who will never rise to martyrdom, i'm sorry for my part in it.'
'if i could make you remember me even after i have forgotten my loss, i would be richer somehow'
so much more i wanna share but wow! just chilling. absolutely insane.
'the mirrors began to liquify and i saw what was mine was still above my head, draped like my mother's and her mother's before her and raging amber, my liberty wrapped itself around home like a noose' like what!
'dead orphan, how much is your oil?'
'somewhere between a bystander and a zealot, a martyr who will never rise to martyrdom, i'm sorry for my part in it.'
'if i could make you remember me even after i have forgotten my loss, i would be richer somehow'
so much more i wanna share but wow! just chilling. absolutely insane.
December 27, 2022
This book was recommended to me by a TikTok on my fyp, and I was immediately drawn to the fact that it was written by a woman of color who also happens to be a Muslim.
The writing was unfiltered; the reader could almost feel the author's feelings transferring to the pages.
Reading the poem Munafiq brought me to tears more than once. For a while, I had to just look at a wall while I tried to make sense of things.
I felt connected to Asia’s writing ✍🏾 and I am glad I come across this beautifully written poem collection 👍🏾
The writing was unfiltered; the reader could almost feel the author's feelings transferring to the pages.
Reading the poem Munafiq brought me to tears more than once. For a while, I had to just look at a wall while I tried to make sense of things.
I felt connected to Asia’s writing ✍🏾 and I am glad I come across this beautifully written poem collection 👍🏾
July 1, 2023
An absolute stunning pamphlet full of beautiful lyrical written poems! Asia truly has a way with words and and capture so much within a poem!
My favourite was Gold Reading Glasses and Figments both touched me rather deeply! I cannot recommend this pamphlet enough and very excited to see what is next for Asia Khatun!
My favourite was Gold Reading Glasses and Figments both touched me rather deeply! I cannot recommend this pamphlet enough and very excited to see what is next for Asia Khatun!
December 31, 2024
Asia khatun writes a beautiful collection of poems that connect the experience of south asian diaspora with words. It's an amazing sensation to be able to read and feel at the same time, and khatun has achieved just that with this short pamphlet of poetry
January 25, 2025
unspoken experiences entwined from within, beautifully captivated by another & turned into art on a page.
i must get a physically copy of this to relive the sense of relatability again and again and again
i must get a physically copy of this to relive the sense of relatability again and again and again
December 30, 2022
A beautiful collection of poetry of what it means to be a South Asian Muslim daughter. Highly recommend!!
January 1, 2023
I don't know much about poetry but I related to this one so much it was scary. Powerful.
January 1, 2023
This might be my poetry year.
January 2, 2023
departure was my favorite i think. love to hear a south asian muslim voice!
January 7, 2023
such a quick read but i absolutely loved it! i may have shed a few tears
January 18, 2023
One of the most beautiful pieces of work that I’ve ever read. Very beautiful depiction of SA diaspora experience
February 17, 2023
you just feel that this book is really important to the author and it just shows by how beautifully written the poetry is.. asia khatun is underrated!!!
February 18, 2023
I actually loved this book so much!!
February 19, 2023
I really liked this poem book
July 18, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
A very short yet impactful read, I’m so looking forward to read more from Khatun
A very short yet impactful read, I’m so looking forward to read more from Khatun
July 30, 2023
absolutely beautiful
August 30, 2023
Soo beautifully written. I loved how each poem was soo different from one another and yet were about similar themes and topics. My personal favs were Stories, 1971 and Liberté.
September 17, 2023
A fascinating and captivating debut pamphlet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews