The Recipe
Uplifting yet grounded, explore a euphoric reality bound by light and positivity instead of oppression and resistance.
Our pores gulp sunshine
Living water fills the soul
Supplies every need
Til we ain’t poor no more
An illuminating aura Abundantly verdant Sprouts gifts and talents Blooms without burden United through passion In purpose we love Bodacious by nature Hymns of drums from above Our pores gulp sunshine Living water fills the soul Supplies every need Til we ain’t poor no more
Process
I created this poem for Carnegie Hall’s 2022 Afrofuturism Festival. Liberation inspired me. Beyond the limitations of space, time, and elements of modern society, I imagined a universe of prosperity. It looked, sounded, and felt bright and airy while still rooted in authentic truth. The color palettes I envisioned were earth tones (shades of green, brown, blue, etc.) and pastels (peach, lavender, soft yellow, etc.)
My revision process involved rereading aloud to hear if the tone, alliteration, and slant rhythm worked together. Soul in Space Magazine first published this poem.
Kayah Hodge
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Kayah Hodge
A native Brooklynite, Kayah Hodge is a Digital Creator at Macmillan Publishers and member of the Girls Write Now Anthology Committee. The recent alumna of Hamilton College specialized in Creative Writing, honed her voice as a lover of literature, and was recently featured in Carnegie Hall's Afrofuturism display. Outside of writing mixed genre material, Kayah enjoys spending time learning new recipes and cooking with love. Her favorite authors include Jacqueline Woodson, James Baldwin, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She particularly appreciates work that sheds light on immigrant experiences and the vastness of underrepresented cultures.
