PILLOW

PILLOW

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2024

I desired to be pillow, soft and unassuming.

Nobody hates pillows.

If I could stuff my tummy with white feathers,

there’d be enough cushion, enough down

to ensure I don’t bust my ass.

It became impossible to pull pants above hips,

torture to sit through long meetings without segregating

belly from button.

I heard a soft womb balances a hard heart.

But here’s the thing about pillows.

They feel nothing.

I felt nothing, a numb sleepwalker.

Often, I’d see feathers,

hints of how light I could be

if I would just let go,

how I could float, suspend in the air,

be weightless like laughter.

I stopped letting sleepwalkers lay their burdens down on me

like topsheets.

I once desired to be a pillow;

now I am the peaceful sleep.

Farah Lawal Harris

Farah Lawal Harris is an artist and breast cancer survivor who inspires people to overcome obstacles and be well. Through vulnerable storytelling, writing, and theatre, Farah makes people feel less alone and more able to tap into their personal power to be their best, creative selves.

https://www.farahlawalharris.com
Previous
Previous

THE HAUNTING

Next
Next

DREAMERHEAD