poem

Apr 14, 2022

Elikem’s Corner: Interested

You may have had my 21 but you will not get my 22.   22 is about keeping, I am no longer interested in refracting I am no longer interested in entertaining these twisted narratives I am no longer interested in payments and registrations  I am no longer interested in the bruises or the headaches…

Mar 3, 2022

Elikem’s Corner: 22

I dream of 22 Of freedom  Of happiness Of bliss Of life   21 has been nothing but pain  Bruised thighs and frozen toes Red hands and swollen fingers Brought in through the darkest, coldest nights  On a long, hard road Filled with blood, sweat, tears Shaky arms and long car rides Secret meals and…

Feb 3, 2022

Elikem’s Corner: Token

I am Black  365 days out of the year Sometimes even 366. 7 days a week,  24 hours a day. In the classroom, In the car, In the office,  In the gym, And In every single space in between.    My Blackness extends beyond your 28 days so forgive me for not wanting to be…

Feb 3, 2022

I wish I never knew love

To know love is to know pain  To know a blade slicing through all the layers  The blood dripping from my hips  The late nights in my bathtub  Filled with tears and gallons of blood  Cold, wet, sticky hair  Wishing that someone would intervene and take on this burden  Knowing that nothing will be enough…

Oct 28, 2021

Accountability

I should not have to run through my trauma Tell you the details of my horrors Tell you about the abuse or the death threats Tell you about the numerous assaults Tell you about the suicide attempts or disorders Tell you about the medications and addiction Tell you about the bodies I’ve seen Tell you…

Oct 15, 2021

Ode to E

You deserve to be loved, cherished, and appreciated You deserve the most gentle love An all-encompassing, unconditional love A love that allows you to explore A love that allows you to grow into the woman you were meant to be A love that allows you to take up space   I am so sorry that…

Oct 3, 2021

Hotter

The pure white tile reflects the light as the cool air hits my bare skin. I step inside my marbled safe haven, Hotter, Hotter, Hotter!  I am comforted by a blanket of warmth  as today’s thoughts disappear into a light mist. I can feel the tension being released, Hotter, Hotter, Hotter! The steam fills all…

Oct 3, 2021

Yes, I Am Strong

I am just as intimidating as I look.  You see, I am rooted in things that you simply will never understand  And I know that can be difficult for you to grasp  Weak-minded, abusers like yourself  Stuck in the “glory days,” attempting to hold onto the past    And now I know that the sacrifices…

Sep 20, 2021

Waiting on Time

Time has shown me that my existence doesn’t matter That I am nothing but a singular pepper speck in a sea of salt That I am meaningless, worthless, and often irrational  That I am just an angry Black girl filled with emotions that I’m not allowed to have  That maybe, just maybe, life would be…

Sep 2, 2021

I am all of those things

I am all of those things  I am a fragile, scattered, complex waste of space  Who is constantly praying that God will show me grace  And take away my pain Take me away from this Earth  To a place where I can finally rest    I am all of those things  I am exhausted, weary,…

Apr 28, 2021

Elikem’s Corner: Season

Now.  Now, now, now! Now is my time!  My time to love, laugh and cherish.  To appreciate the long, hard hours.  To rest and recover.  To admire my dedication and handiwork.  To feel warmth and love.  And I do hope that I can channel some of this love to you  That you will never forget…

Apr 21, 2021

Elikem’s Corner: Sleep

I didn’t always want this life.  And I’ve fought so hard to maintain.  To stay alive despite it all. I want to be whole. I want to sleep.   I hope and pray that sleep will find me. An internal and everlasting sleep that will carry me through this 21st year, refreshing me from the…