Pneuma

By Afiwa Afandalo

This poem is dedicated to all the girls who are forced, by circumstances, to hide their identity so they can be present for those around them. One reminder: You need to be your authentic self. Go out, find your flame, and take your place in history.

Phoenix!!!!
Can you hear me?
I am looking for my flame.
It disappeared when my small, oval eyes met the desperate crocodile tears of the blue, dark, and infinite ocean.
My flame, I painted it with a red and yellow tint
A red so dashing, it is trending on all of social media,
A yellow so luminous, even the brightness of the sun at noon can’t compete
You might have seen other flames around here.
However, my flame is uncommon.
It has a strike of black --
A black, dark as midnight,
It holds the secrets of unspoken things.
A darkness, clear as clean water
It shines and moves in glory at all times
Phoenix!!!
My flame has been lost for a while now.
Without it,
I feel like a desert without sand,
I feel like a home without a family
I feel empty.
Phoenix!!
I came in hope that you will help me find it.
When you find it,
Please
Tell it that I promise to no longer look into the blue, dark, and infinite ocean,
Tell it that I promise to protect it
Phoenix!
Can you hear me?
I am looking for my soul.