the soul of a poet

Author’s Note: The poem is titled ‘the soul of a poet’ and studies the expression of emotions especially in love. Too often in society there are certain cliches about expressing emotion (in some Eastern cultures, a man's "bravado" overshadows his affections and prevents him from showing vulnerability for instance). This poem is an invitation to love for anyone especially those who are afraid of feeling. In the dire and unfortunate circumstances we are living today, I believe it is an important reminder to be in touch with our emotions and listen to them instead of suppressing them. This thinking is what brought this poem to life. — Hanna Abi Akl

teach me the grasp of love

like you would to one

of your boys

i am filled with theories

and dreams

about time and space

and history

but what my heart needs

is rebirth.

i yearn

for a second coming

of myself

in a much gentler soul

as someone

who sees more light than dark

as someone

who can open up to a woman

and give her part of himself

to grow

teach me the grasp of love

like you teach your stubborn boys

full of bravado

and boiling defiance

teach us how to slip

between your fingers

as you caress our skins

to hum a little

at the sight of a hummingbird

carry us out of the woods

we've battled long and hard to enter

and trapped ourselves inside

in the process

there is only one way

to ruin a life

(no matter how complete):

to take the love

out of it.