A pool of fate swirls and ripples around us,
intensifying with each choice we make, pulling our destinies closer.
All aligning to return to the ether one day,
a reunion with the other heirs of the sand.
But until then, our souls are firmly rooted in these human vessels,
God particles calling upon each other; reuniting to one collective frequency.
But oh, how we have leaned so far back, into poisonous vibrations.
The ancient lights no longer sip into our stained glass cathedrals.
Look at us, empty and hollow scratching the surfaces of leftover divinity and mystery.
And as I silently swing my legs on this seat of hope,
I hold back, these words that soar thunderously against my chest,
galloping around in my heart, I teasingly roll them around my tongue,
getting high off their rebellious taste,
what a delightful revolution sticking wildly to the roof of my mouth;
and with my crimson red lips I shall call upon the universe in you,
for how many have to die to remind us to live?
There will be reminders along the way; whispers of truth.
Trinkets to guide you back home.
The four corners of the planet earth await you.
We stand breath held, lungs heaving through our chests,
like a bride stares at the double doors at the back of the church.
And in the breath-taking silence may you present fate an offer she can’t refuse.
May your fear surrender its crown to a throne called faith.
To the universe within and beyond.
May she show you the world.
May your feet graze over the cool tips of different waters.
May your skin unfold to the winds from different corners of the world.
And may that awaken your soul even deeper to the ancient music trapped beneath.
May your tongue delight in the diverse dialect of light, pain,
sorrow and love the truest plight of the human experience.
Words are floating inks from borrowed souls before us,
as I release mine, may my roots puncture through the soils of the earth,
and spread my art to the very veins of existence.
Infusing life into the interconnected system of this human experience.
An ode to my soul.
JUDGE’S COMMENT
The simplicity of language, the consistency and coherence of imagery, and the overall effectiveness on a surreal subject of the soul of man, makes this poem a favourite.
Lilian Waithaka
Lilian Waithaka is a Kenyan-based writer who believes that the essence of the human experience is immortalized through the art of writing. She desires to push the boundaries of conversations regarding the interconnected nature of life on Earth and the unified life force beyond it. Her work has been featured on global stages in international public speaking competitions, and she is currently working on a feature in the Qwani 2.0 publication.