Fasalojo Mercy's Shortlisted Poem, 'Immersion'

Mercy Fasalojo is a prospective Theatre Art student at the University of Ibadan with the pseudonym "AdéElédùà. Was shortlisted for the Pawners Paper.

"With simple language, the poem leaves a lasting impression, prompting contemplation about the complexities of human experience and the potential for renewal."—Pawners Paper

IMMERSION 

my body is the life of every party; the desire, drowning trousers

& my legs know the door to every music; except the song this river sings,

Two steps before it,

I fell into a room full of desires,

I met the boy whose name I love,

I watched how our bodies can become one in different ways,

bottles of whiskey stared into my eyes and promised me peace.

Again, I'm in love with my killers.

I promise my nostril has forgotten the taste of smoke,

I promise I no longer look into my yesterday & drown in a river of tears,

I promise my whiskey is turning back into water,

but two steps before the river

I fell like a tree obeying the force of the wind.

I know I could swallow the river,

& run to my Father's grave

I could embroid it with thorns

till it weeps for mercy,

I know I could call the clergy a liar

& embrace my desires halfway

but it's the time to wear a new skin.

I surrendered my body to the silence of the river,

They say it's - deep enough to swallow my impurities

                                 -wide enough to accommodate my flaws,

                                 & pure enough to wash my blood and bones,

I don't want to name it but it's Immersion,

The ritual of - falling & rising,

The ritual of - dying & living,

The ritual of - recalling & forgetting.

The ritual of- reaching heaven & coming back.

I now have a God.

About The Poet

Mercy Fasalojo is a prospective Theatre Art student at the University of Ibadan with the pseudonym "AdéElédùà.

She sees the beauty of art and tends to perceive herself as an artist, not only with words but also with her voice and lifestyle. She believes poetry could be an altar where people get to converse with their creator's and listeners's hearts.

She says, "If poetry is slowly fading off my skin, I sing, I chant, and I play with colors."

INTALK CONVERSATION: Mercy Fasolojo Delineates The Nuances Distinguishing Poetry From Spoken Word 

Photo Credit: Pexel