Wait….. Is This Real is a collection of poems that explores what happens after survival—when the noise fades, the mask falls away, and something unfamiliar begins to take shape.

This body of work moves through a quiet but significant shift: from disconnection and self-protection to presence, trust, and grounded connection. Rather than focusing on dramatic change, the poems linger in the in-between—where clarity emerges slowly and what once felt uncertain begins to feel real.

Each poem is presented in two forms. One side of the book is written using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), requiring the reader to slow down and sound out each word. The other presents the poems in standard English, offering immediate clarity. Together, these forms mirror the process of understanding itself—sometimes intuitive, sometimes deliberate.

This collection is not centered on idealized love, but on recognizing something steady after instability—and learning to remain present within it.

At its core, Wait….. Is This Real is an exploration of pause, perception, and the quiet realization that something real can exist—and be trusted.