“SILKEN PRAYER” [THE SECOND COMING]
BY Niamh O'Ferrall (THEY/THEM)
@inkyblackpenpoetry @niamhoferrall
ARTIST BIO:
“I am a nonbinary lesbian poet based in Dublin but originally from Meath (Ireland).
I write poetry because I cant imagine not writing poetry. I write about Love and Grief and Joy and Longing.
I write what I know.
I am the hopeless romantic lesbian poet we all know and fear.
I have most recetly been published in Abyss Literary Magazine - Issue 03 with my poem 'Something Small or Massive'.”
You are the testament of
my new religion.
Tenderly printed on the
parchment of my veins.
Given with grace, mouth shaped
like a prayer of serenity.
The body of my saviour is
supple and sacred,
robed in powder blue,
carnal eyed and wanting.
My temple is a mirror,
Holy waters still – rippling.
Think kindly of the lamb, for
she is my sacrifice to you.
Tell us a bit about the piece you're submitting! (Why did you write it, inspiration, why it's important etc.):
“This is one of my newest pieces, and is very special to me because I wrote it for the person I am dating.
We haven't been dating for long (about 3 months at time of submission), but they are so incredibly wonderful. No one has supported my writing like they have, no one has inspired me in the way they have, they make me feel safe, and loved. I couldn't ask for more. So this poem is for them.
This poem is about them. I love them. ”
Tell us about your relationship between your art and identifying as a lesbian:
I think if I didnt write lesbian poetry, I'd sort of just be a Sylvia Plath wannabe.
Everything that is queer in my life feeds my joy. That being said, it is often that sapphic heartbreak that feeds my poetry - that has created some of my favourite pieces.
I write for those who have experienced what I have experienced. I write for those who I hope will never see what I have seen. Let's just say I know who I am because I know I am a Lesbian. My love bleeds lesbian.
How can my poetry not bleed the same?”
