(There are more great stories to come from the Words Wide Open writing workshop but let us take a short intermission for some of our favorite contributors!)
by Mani G. Iyer
The last I remember seeing the stars they had turned around on their stellar routes, in droves, to congregate above a farm outside the haze and lights of Bombay; the clear sky was littered with millions an enchanted me, watching with glee their twinkle and tinsel, their feet so nimble dancing, then slipping behind a grey backdrop. Little did I know it was the final act; I yearned to see one badly, an aging star obliged sneaking out of his troupe every night cloudy or clear, for a tireless solo performance; they told me, there was none and my eyes conjured one despite introducing them to my nightly visitor; maybe it was my father watching out for me the sparkle, his dentures flashing a knowing smile. The nebulous star has disappeared on me forever; these days, I seek my comfort closer mistaking to be her, each of the throng of lights, street or otherwise, finally finding her beyond a veil of silhouetted buildings and trees after a kind soul points my hand towards her reflective nature, her gentle demeanor; when I lock eyes with her, I thank my lucky star.Mani G. Iyer was born and raised in Bombay, India and has lived in the United States since 1985. He is deaf-blind due to Usher Syndrome. He became deaf by the age of 4, night-blind by the age of 12, and now has very little usable vision. Writing has always been a passion for Mani and he has just completed a writing fellowship at the Vermont Studio Center. He has also just started a writing group called “The Good Word.”
vision through words 
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