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      June 14, 2016Chris EmsliePrayer for Anything but Prayer

      for Omar Mateen

      I have felt Florida
      like a man’s hands
      on my shoulders
      felt thumbs
      in my clavicles
      compel my whole
      body to the ground
      I have offered
      myself to gravity &
      been laid open
      along the curve of
      a root I have been
      overcome by light
      overcome by song
      overcome by wanting
      & I have been that hot
      kernel of rage have
      been a room with
      too many walls
      have been a bandana
      between my lover’s teeth
      I have let another
      man’s mouth take
      mine & been quickened
      by it I have put my limbs
      in the way of danger
      for the sake of collision
      I have lofted noises
      at my own end & been
      shouted down
      by nothing
      I have profaned
      I have holied & if god
      be willing I am not
      done being undone

      from Poets Respond

      Chris Emslie

      “This is a poem in response to Saturday night’s shooting in Orlando. I wanted to write a poem that followed the logic and rhetoric of a religious litany, that recognizes the need for more than faith in a time of tragedy, but also expresses my own gratitude to be both queer and alive. I dedicate it to the shooter, Omar Mateen, in the spirit of maintaining dignity in the face of hatred.”

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