My Album Cover

When Grandmother handed me the worn Thiruppavai manuscript, its pages yellowed like autumn leaves, something shifted. I'd joined PaybookClub hoping to reconnect with my roots, but this felt different. Real. I photographed the sacred verses bathed in morning light, deciding it would be my album cover. My fusion compositions suddenly had context, soul. The conflicting reactions from others—some dismissive, others reverent—didn't matter anymore. Through music and ancient words, I discovered myself. Valor in honoring what came before, unadulterated connection to heritage, shame transformed into pride. Now recording in our community center, surrounded by those who understand, I'm finally home.