SELF-FLAGELLATION STATION (Poem)

Hey y’all!

The writing prompt for Day 23 of National Poetry Writing Month is to write a poem that has multiple numbered sections. Attempt to have each section be in dialogue with the others, like a song where a different person sings each verse, giving a different point of view. Set the poem in a specific place that you used to spend a lot of time in, but don’t spend time in anymore.

Here is my poem:

SELF-FLAGELLATION STATION

By Farah Lawal Harris, © 2023

1.

I asked myself

“Why didn’t I…?”

Rolled my eyes and sighed,

“I should have”

a thousand times.

My brain rarely rests.

Neither do I.

2.

Through chaos, I clawed;

windmilled and fought

my way in.

Didn’t let the door slam—

I held it open.

What fun is success

if the homies can’t have none?

But everybody ain’t the homie.

3.

My body betrayed me,

allowed malignancy,

triggered PTSD.

What is this

inside of me?

Forced into a cocoon,

little caterpillar hairs lost.

You ain’t felt cold till you’ve

been bald when snow falls.

4.

I whispered scriptures

until they felt real.

Nudged Spirit inside

and began to heal.

When I whip myself, I whip Christ.

Why would I whip Christ?

I left Self-Flagellation Station

and sang a song of love.

5.

I stare into my eyes in the mirror.

Taken by my own beauty,

I place a palm on each cheek

and beam.

Eyes watering, I finally see

what everyone else sees.

I am emerging.