#napowrimo Day 22 - “I Am Not a Contortionist”

Poetry
Written By Farah Lawal Harris

#napowrimo Day 22 

Day 22 - I AM NOT A CONTORTIONIST


Happy Friday, y’all. On Day 22 of National Poetry Month, the prompt is to write a poem that uses repetition. Here’s my poem:


Day 22 - I AM NOT A CONTORTIONIST

By Farah Lawal Harris


I am not a contortionist.

I am not meant to bend

in pretzel shapes,

stretch and rotate

at your command.

I am not a contortionist.

Epigenetics have caused my back to be

straight, hard

cuz I can’t afford to break.

I am not a contortionist.

You will not hire me into your circus in

blackface.

You will not shame this black face or soul

because I am not a contortionist.

I am not meant to be bought or sold.

to perform at your will

and I will die on that hill.

I am not a contortionist.

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
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#napowrimo Day 21 - “Ghosted”