The Burning

The Burning is Sonia Chintha’s debut chapbook of poetry.

The collection explores her relationship with an institution, capturing the heartbreak of recognizing that this place, once perceived as her true love, did not reciprocate her affections.

The poetry illustrates how resilience emerges from the flames of disillusionment and celebrates a powerful and liberated sense of womanhood.

your expectation ignites tiny flames
they incinerate pulmonary arteries
each inhale maintains a steady burn that slowly spreads
into a forest fire of resentment
balloons of blaze are now my lungs.
this forest fire, i fight back with
my words, picked meticulously
and lined up with prudence--
they are my fire hose.

I am a potent firefighter.