Looking for Mercy, Stuck in a Nightmare

By Luna Azcurrain

These poems explore the injustices of the criminal justice system in America. Too many people have been targeted. Too many people have been wronged. These poems can’t bring about immediate change, but the goal is to draw more attention to the issue. The original works I selected are from Just Mercy, a novel written by Bryan Stevenson, who has done lots of work with death row inmates. The second piece is the song “Dreams and Nightmares” written by rapper Meek Mill, who kept on getting tied back into the system for small probation violations. These poems emphasize the encounters black men have with law enforcement.

Looking for Mercy

Weapon
Pointed at me
Run

“Move or I’ll blow your head off” the ofﬁcer shouted
I tried to stay calm

White man, black uniform
                        Pointed gun
He seemed nervous
Remember it’s okay

Afraid.
Terriﬁed.
I kept saying the words over and over
It’s okay.

Stuck in a Nightmare

I used to pray
To shine
Spent time
Locked up
      Cuﬀs on wrists
               Nightmares come true

Bless me please
Before them triggers squeeze
Tryna take my life
All I know its murder when it comes to me

They love me when I am       stuck
Hate that Im                         lionhearted
 I don’t say a word, I don't say a word
Was on my grind and now I got what I deserve

King of my city
Had to wait for my spot
Hating on me
Waiting on me
Remember me
Friends turn in to enemies
Turn my enemies to memories
Im gone

Process

Poetry has never been a genre of writing that has sparked my interest, but after learning about erasure poetry through one of Girls Write Now’s monthly workshops, my perspective completely changed. Erasure poetry allows you to create your own work through someone else’s. I chose to work with two pieces relating to the criminal justice system, which is a topic I am very passionate about. Through erasure poetry, I was able to take the parts that most inspired me from the original work and create a more dramatic piece.

Meet the Pair

MENTEE LUNA AZCURRAIN & MENTOR CARINA STORRS

Luna’s Anecdote: I have had the pleasure of working with Carina for two years now and I couldn’t have been paired with a better mentor! She makes the time no matter what to consult with me and talk about my work. Her feedback is always well thought-out and teaches me so much about the writing world. The positive energy she brings makes it so easy to work with her. I look forward to many more Wednesdays at Pret A Manger!

Carina’s Anecdote: Luna and I clicked right from the start over our love of travel and food. But we really connected toward the end of our first year over our similar experiences having divorced parents. I was thrilled when Luna started putting these down on paper during one of our meetings at whichever Union Square coffee shop had an open table that day. She has a gift for portraying the bittersweetness of family relationships. I hope many more people will read her words! Our second year working together has just made me more in awe of Luna’s understated talent. I will not be remotely surprised when she heads out and changes the world.